Anythink Libraries are inviting the community to celebrate connection and compassion as part of the One Kind Word Project.

This program was originally launched in 2017 and has since grown to include more opportunities to participate. This year, residents can pick up notecards and artistic supplies at their local Anythink to create custom cards that spread cheer to those in need. Cards can be returned to the library, where they will be collected and distributed to organizations across Adams County.

Inspired by the Japanese proverb, “One kind word warms three winter months,” this three-week initiative encourages customers to share messages of kindness through personal notes and recordings. Partner organizations for the One Kind Word Project include Cold Weather Care, Comfort Keepers, Eagle View Adult Center, International Hearing Dog, Inc., Mapleton School District, Project Angel Heart and The Senior Hub.

Residents can call 303-405-3222 to leave or hear uplifting messages from fellow community members. Callers can also sign up to have messages automatically delivered to their phones once a day (text and data rates may apply). Customers can also tune in to 91.9 FM while using Anythink’s curbside services or log on to anythinklibraries.org to hear messages.

`Cultivating Connection’

The library system is hosting three virtual workshops with author Kat Vellos and Colorado poet laureate Bobby LeFebre.

In the three-part series, “Cultivating Connection,” Kat Vellos will share strategies and activities for cultivating fulfilling friendships in adulthood. Those sessions will be hosted online from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 11, 18 and 25.

Bobby LeFebre will present “Holding Space,” a performance and interactive conversation that investigates the nuance and complexities of kindness, social justice, love and collective consciousness at 6 p.m. Feb. 26. These workshops are free and open to all. Registration is required at anythinklibraries.org. Links to the gatherings will be sent to registrants in advance.

“The concept of One Kind Word is timeless,” says Anythink Director Pam Sandlian Smith. “This year brings another opportunity to reach out with words of gratitude, comfort and empathy. Anythink is about creating connections and being a positive source of energy for our community.”