Read Wider

February

Black History Month honors generations of African Americans and Black Americans whose courage, creativity, and resilience have profoundly shaped the United States. It is both a celebration and a call to reflection—recognizing the ongoing struggle against racism and inequality while uplifting the cultural, political, and social contributions that continue to enrich our communities today.

Resources

To deepen understanding and build empathy during Black History Month, consider exploring resources and organizations that highlight Black experiences, voices, and history throughout the year. The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers digital exhibits, stories, and educational materials that connect the past to the present. The Equal Justice Initiative provides significant resources on racial justice, history, and reform through its Legacy Museum, Memorial for Peace and Justice, and online learning tools. 

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation continues to advocate for systemic change and social justice in communities across the nation. Educators and readers can utilize the Zinn Education Project, which offers classroom materials centered on people's history and racial equity. Additionally, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founded in 1909, remains one of the leading voices for civil rights and equal opportunity in the country.

Initiatives like We Need Diverse Books promote greater representation in literature and media, helping readers of all ages connect with authentic Black stories. The National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) unites Black skiers to foster community and address the unique challenges they face in the sport. Many NBS summits, including the first Black Summit in 1973, have taken place in Aspen and Snowmass, making their story an enduring part of our local history.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• Coretta Scott King Book Awards honor outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children's and young adult books.
• Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards celebrate Black fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers.
• NAACP Image Awards (Literature Categories) recognize works by and about people of African descent.
• Black Reel Awards honor excellence in African American film and television.
• American Black Film Festival Awards (ABFF Honors) celebrate Black filmmakers and performers.
• BET Awards celebrates Black excellence across music, film, and sports.
• Soul Train Music Awards honors R&B, soul, and gospel achievements.

Black Holidays & Observances

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January. This national holiday honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership in the Civil Rights Movement advanced racial and social justice through nonviolent activism. It serves as a National Day of Service, dedicated to community engagement and volunteerism.
• Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, it celebrates freedom, family, and resilience through community gatherings, food, art, and reflection.
• Black Women's Equal Pay Day, observed on July 10, symbolizes how far into the next year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. This day draws attention to the ongoing gender and racial pay gap and advocates for transparency, equity, and fair labor practices.
• Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, honors African and African American heritage. Each day recognizes one of the seven guiding principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The celebration includes reflection, storytelling, and community gatherings.

Learn more about Black History with books, films, and music for all ages.

March

Women's History Month celebrates the countless ways women have shaped communities, the nation, and the world. Throughout March, we honor trailblazers who fought for equality, recognize innovators and storytellers who continue to break barriers, and reflect on the ongoing challenges women face. This month also highlights the experiences of women whose voices have been historically marginalized, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. It serves as a reminder that intersectionality influences every aspect of women's lives.

Resources

To foster empathy and understanding during Women's History Month, explore organizations and resources that uplift women's voices and advance gender equity worldwide. The National Women's History Museum offers digital exhibits and biographies that honor women who have shaped U.S. history. The UN Women organization promotes gender equality and empowers women through global advocacy, education, and action programs. The National Organization for Women (NOW) works to protect equal rights and expand opportunities through policy change and grassroots activism. The Women's Foundation of Colorado focuses on economic, racial, and gender equity for women and their families, including initiatives that support women in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. The Malala Fund champions education for girls worldwide and highlights the transformative power of learning. For readers and educators, Women's Media Center amplifies diverse female voices in journalism and media representation. At the same time, Lean In offers practical resources and community connections to help women support one another professionally and personally.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction often highlights women authors; many winners explore gender and identity.
• Women's Prize for Fiction (UK) honors outstanding fiction written by women worldwide.
• National Book Critics Circle's Nona Balakian Citation celebrates women in literary criticism.
• Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards (AWFJ EDA) honors women filmmakers and gender-balanced storytelling.
• Women in Film Award celebrates women breaking barriers in the film industry.
• She Rocks Awards honor women in the music industry.
• Americana Music Honors (Emerging Women Artists) recognizes female artists who shape roots music.

Women's Holidays & Observances

• International Women's Day, March 8, recognizes women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while calling for continued Action toward gender equality. The United Nations announces a new theme that inspires awareness and advocacy.
• Equal Pay Day, March 13, symbolizes how far into the next year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year, drawing attention to the ongoing gender pay gap. The day calls for transparency, equity, and fair labor practices.
• International Day of the Girl, October 11, empowers girls and amplifies their voices worldwide. It calls attention to challenges such as access to education, safety, and equal opportunity, while celebrating girls' leadership in their communities.
• Women's Equality Day, August 6, commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. It also celebrates political progress and ongoing advocacy for gender justice.

Learn more about Women's History with books, films, and music for all ages.

May

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month honors the generations of Asian American and Pacific Islander AAPI individuals whose achievements, traditions, and resilience have shaped U.S. history and culture. May commemorates two milestones: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, mainly built by Chinese immigrants. The term AAPI encompasses people with ancestry from the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands—including regions of East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. While diverse in language, culture, and identity, AAPI communities share a collective story of perseverance, creativity, and contribution.

Resources

To foster empathy and awareness during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, explore organizations and resources that celebrate AAPI heritage while addressing inequities and promoting inclusion. Stop AAPI Hate works to track and respond to incidents of discrimination and violence against Asian and Pacific Islander communities, offering tools for education, advocacy, and community safety. The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) supports library professionals of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. It promotes equitable representation within library collections and services. The Asian Mental Health Collective seeks to destigmatize mental health in AAPI communities and connect individuals to culturally informed care and support networks. The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) uplifts authentic storytelling through film and media that reflect the richness and diversity of AAPI experiences. Meanwhile, the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) advocates for reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and economic equity for AAPI women and girls across the United States.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (APALA) honors outstanding works by and about Asian Pacific Americans.
• PEN Open Book Award celebrates writers of color across genres, often featuring AAPI authors.
• Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival Awards showcase AAPI filmmakers.
• Asian Film Awards recognize excellence across Asian cinema.
• Kerrville International Asian American Music Awards highlight Asian American musicians in independent and folk categories.
• Asian Pop Music Awards celebrate Asian artists globally, from K-pop to Bollywood soundtracks.

Asian American Pacific Islander Holidays & Observances

• Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, Tết (Vietnamese New Year), or Seollal (Korean New Year), marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. It begins with the first new moon and ends fifteen days later with the Lantern Festival. Families gather for reunions, share traditional foods, and celebrate with festivals symbolizing luck, prosperity, and renewal.
• Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, begins on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna and celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated across India and the South Asian diaspora, participants throw brightly colored powders, dance, and share sweets in joyful community gatherings.
• Vesak, also called Buddha Day and celebrated on the full moon of the Vaisakha month, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. It is one of the most significant Buddhist holidays, observed through meditation, reflection, and acts of kindness.
• Dragon Boat Festival, held on the fifth day of the Sweet Sedge Month (the fifth lunar month), originated in China and honors the poet Qu Yuan through dragon boat races, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and celebrations along the water.
• Mid-Autumn Festival, observed on the fifteenth day of the Osmanthus Month (the eighth lunar month) and also known as the Moon Festival, marks the harvest season. Families share mooncakes and light lanterns and gather under the full moon to give thanks for abundance and togetherness.
• Diwali, beginning two days before the new moon of the Kārttika month, is known as the Festival of Lights. Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil through glowing lamps, sweets, and family festivities.
• Obon, observed on the fifteenth day of the Ghost Month (the seventh lunar month), is a Japanese Buddhist tradition honoring ancestors. Obon features bon odori dancing, lantern lighting, and temple visits to remember loved ones and celebrate family bonds.
• Pacific Islander Cultural Festivals across Hawai‘i, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Guam, and other Pacific Islands celebrate Indigenous identity, music, dance, and storytelling. These festivals preserve ancestral traditions while sharing Pacific cultures with new generations.

Learn more about Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage with books, films, and music for all ages.

May

Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans who have helped shape the United States. Established in 2006 following the successful commemoration of 350 years of Jewish life in America, this month invites reflection on Jewish Americans' diverse experiences and enduring impact—from the nation's earliest days to today. Throughout May, we honor Jewish Americans' resilience, creativity, and community spirit while deepening our understanding of Jewish traditions and history. Visit the National Museum of American Jewish History for more resources and stories.

Resources

To foster empathy and understanding during Jewish American Heritage Month, explore organizations celebrating Jewish history, culture, and contributions while promoting inclusion and combating antisemitism. Nationally, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) fights hate through education, advocacy, and community programs. At the same time, the American Jewish Historical Society preserves more than 350 years of Jewish life in the United States. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides vital educational resources and exhibits illuminating the impact of prejudice and indifference. For accessible learning on faith, culture, and history, My Jewish Learning offers articles, videos, and community connections.

Locally, Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley are home to a thriving Jewish community. The Aspen Jewish Congregation offers worship, education, and cultural programs for people of all backgrounds. The Jewish Community Center – Chabad of Aspen hosts services, classes, and events celebrating Jewish traditions and holidays. The Neshama Center also provides Jewish education and life-cycle ceremonies across the Roaring Fork Valley.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• National Jewish Book Awards celebrate outstanding works of Jewish literature.
• Sammy Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature recognizes emerging Jewish writers.
• Jerusalem Film Festival Awards highlight Jewish and Israeli filmmakers.
• Jewish Film Institute Awards honor films that explore Jewish life and identity.
• The Israel Music Awards celebrate Jewish composers and performers.

Jewish Holidays & Observances

• Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated in early fall. It marks a time of reflection, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.
• Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, focused on prayer, fasting, and forgiveness.
• Sukkot – A weeklong harvest festival commemorating the Israelites' journey through the desert and celebrating gratitude and shelter.
• Simchat Torah marks the completion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle, which is celebrated with joyful dancing and singing.
• Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a winter festival that honors the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
• Tu BiShvat, the “New Year of the Trees,” is often observed by planting trees and celebrating nature and sustainability.
• Purim, a festive holiday commemorating the story of Queen Esther, is celebrated with costumes, food, and generosity.
• Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. It is observed through storytelling, ritual meals (Seders), and symbolic foods.
• Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which includes study, worship, and the consumption of dairy foods.

Learn more about Jewish American Heritage with books, films, and music for all ages.

June

LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated each June to honor the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village. Though LGBTQ+ activism existed long before Stonewall, the event became a defining moment in the movement for equality, symbolizing both resistance to discrimination and unity within the LGBTQ+ community. Today, Pride Month celebrates the lives, stories, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people while continuing the call for acceptance, visibility, and justice.

What does LGBTQ+ stand for?

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning. The "+" recognizes additional sexual orientations and gender identities. Sexual orientation describes an individual's enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to others. While the terms sex and gender are used interchangeably, they refer to different concepts. Sex describes biological and physiological traits such as chromosomes and reproductive organs. At the same time, gender identity reflects a person's deeply felt internal sense of self, which may or may not align with their assigned sex at birth (World Health Organization).

Why are pronouns important?

Pronouns express and affirm a person's gender identity. Using someone's correct pronouns shows respect and inclusion—just like using their name. The best way to know someone's pronouns is to ask or to share your own first. Common pronouns include she/her/hers, he/him/his, and they/them/theirs, though many others exist. Some individuals may choose not to use labels; in those cases, use their name.

Resources

To build empathy and celebrate diversity during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, explore organizations that honor queer history, amplify LGBTQ+ voices, and advocate for equity and inclusion. Nationally, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is one of the largest civil rights organizations working to ensure equality for LGBTQ+ people. At the same time, GLAAD promotes fair and accurate representation in the media. The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth, and the It Gets Better Project uplifts stories of resilience and hope worldwide. PFLAG, the nation's first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, parents, and allies, offers education and local support networks across the U.S.

Locally, the Roaring Fork Valley has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that celebrates inclusion year-round. AspenOUT hosts Aspen Gay Ski Week—one of the nation's longest-running LGBTQ+ winter events—and provides scholarships, advocacy, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in the valley. The Western Colorado Pride Center and One Colorado support statewide advocacy, education, and community-building for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. Together, these organizations help create welcoming spaces where everyone can live authentically, connect with community, and take pride in who they are.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• Lambda Literary Awards (Lammys) are LGBTQ+ literary awards recognizing excellence across 24 genres.
• Stonewall Book Awards honor exceptional LGBTQ+ literature for adults and youth.
• GLAAD Media Awards celebrate fair and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ people in film, television, music, and journalism.
• Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival Awards honor queer filmmakers and stories.
• Queerty Awards (Music & Performance) highlight queer musicians and performers.
• GLAAD Media Awards – Music Category honors artists promoting acceptance and visibility through music.

LGBTQ+ Pride Holidays & Observances

• Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated annually on March 31, honors the accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people while raising awareness about discrimination and transphobia. It’s a time to recognize trans leadership and affirm the right to live openly and authentically.
• International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, observed globally on May 17, raises awareness about ongoing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and promotes inclusion, equality, and respect for all sexual orientations and gender identities.
• National Coming Out Day, celebrated every year on October 11, honors the courage of LGBTQ+ people and advocates for safe, affirming spaces where everyone can express their true selves.
• Asexual Awareness Week, recognized in late October, brings visibility to asexual and aromantic identities, fostering understanding of diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
• Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on November 20, honors the memory of transgender lives lost to violence and prejudice. Vigils and memorials serve as calls for justice, compassion, and change.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ Pride with books, films, and music for all ages.

June

Immigrant Heritage Month, celebrated each June, was established in 2014 by the I Stand With Immigrants Initiative and FWD.us as part of the I Am An Immigrant campaign. The celebration encourages all Americans to recognize the monumental contributions immigrants have made—and continue to make—daily. It also invites everyone to explore their heritage and reflect on how our shared diversity shapes the American story.

(Information from I Am An Immigrant and FWD.us.)

Who Is an Immigrant?

An immigrant moves from one country to another, intending to settle and build a new life. Many immigrants enrich their adopted communities through work, culture, and connection, while maintaining ties to their roots and families abroad.

Immigrants differ from refugees, who are forced to flee their countries because of war, persecution, or violence and cannot safely return home. Asylum seekers leave their home countries seeking safety and protection; they may apply for refugee status once they reach another country. Importantly, seeking asylum is a human right and a legal act—asylum seekers are not "illegal" immigrants.

Resources

To support and build empathy for immigrant communities, explore organizations that provide education, advocacy, and direct assistance to newcomers across the United States. The National Immigration Forum promotes responsible immigration policy and integration through public education and coalition building. The American Immigration Council advances fairness and justice in the immigration system through research and storytelling highlighting immigrants' contributions. RAICES and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offer advocacy, legal aid, and community resources for those needing direct legal or humanitarian support. Locally, the Mountain Dreamers organization serves Colorado's mountain communities—including the Roaring Fork Valley—by supporting immigrants and their families through advocacy, scholarships, and assistance with DACA, TPS, and other programs. The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) also works statewide to promote dignity and opportunity for all immigrants through policy reform, civic engagement, and leadership development. Together, these organizations help foster understanding, belonging, and equity for immigrants and the communities that welcome them.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• PEN/Jean Stein Book Award often highlights immigrant and diaspora narratives.
• Vilcek Foundation Prizes honor immigrant artists and authors who contribute to American culture.
• Immigrant Stories Film Festival Awards celebrate films exploring migration and belonging.
• Human Rights Watch Film Festival recognizes documentaries on immigration and justice.
• Americana Honors & Awards – Cross-Cultural Artist Award celebrates immigrant and multicultural musicians.
• Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Music honor immigrant composers and performers.

Immigrant Holidays & Observances

• International Migrants Day, declared by the United Nations in 2000 and observed annually on December 18, recognizes the rights and dignity of migrants worldwide. It calls attention to people's challenges while seeking safety, opportunity, and belonging across borders.
• World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations in 2001 and observed each year on June 20, honors the strength and courage of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, or persecution. It encourages solidarity, empathy, and global responsibility.
• Citizenship Day / Constitution Day, observed in the United States on September 17, commemorates the signing of the Constitution in 1787. It honors those who have become—or are in the process of becoming—American citizens and highlights civic participation and inclusion ideals.
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, recognized by the United Nations and observed annually on March 21, underscores the importance of rejecting xenophobia, racism, and prejudice—issues that often affect immigrant and marginalized communities.

Learn more about Immigrant Heritage with books, films, and music for all ages.

September 15 - October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine Americans who have shaped and enriched the United States. The month runs from September 15 to October 15 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15; Mexico on September 16; and Chile on September 18. The observance also includes Día de la Raza (formerly Columbus Day), celebrated on October 11 or 12, which honors Latin America's diverse Indigenous, African, and European roots.

What's the Difference Between Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latine?

In general, Hispanic relates more to language, while Latino/a/e refers to geography and culture. These categories describe ancestry and origin, not race—Hispanic and Latine people can be of any racial background. Many individuals prefer to identify by their or their ancestors' specific country of origin.

• Hispanic refers to people from, or descended from, Spanish-speaking countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Spain.
• Latino/Latina relates to people from, or descended from, Latin American countries, including Brazil.
• Latine is a gender-neutral term encompassing both Latino and Latina.

Resources

To honor and support Latine and Hispanic communities year-round, explore local and national organizations working to uplift, educate, and celebrate. El Sol del Valle—a bilingual section of The Sopris Sun in the Roaring Fork Valley—shares local stories in English and Spanish, bridging cultures through journalism. English In Action empowers immigrants through English tutoring and cross-cultural connection, helping participants build skills and confidence. Voces Unidas de las Montañas, the first Latino-created, Latino-led advocacy nonprofit serving Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin counties, strengthens leadership and civic participation across the valley. Statewide and nationally, organizations like the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the National Museum of the American Latino, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Latino Community Foundation, and COLOR – Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights advocate for education, equity, cultural pride, and representation.

Book, Films & Music Awards

• Pura Belpré Awards honor Latino/Latina/Latine authors and illustrators who best portray the Latino cultural experience.
• International Latino Book Awards recognize excellence in Latino literature across languages.
• Imagen Awards celebrate positive portrayals of Latine people in media.
• Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) Awards honor Latine talent in entertainment.
• Latin Grammy Awards honor excellence in Latin music.
• Billboard Latin Music Awards recognize the global impact of Latine artists.

Spanish at the Library

The Library proudly supports a bilingual community through programs, collections, and resources celebrating language learning and cultural connection. 

Let's Chat in Spanish! invites learners and native speakers alike to practice conversational Spanish in a relaxed, welcoming setting—perfect for building confidence and community through language. In collaboration with local partners, programs like Raising a Reader's Bolistas Rojas and our annual Día de los Muertos celebration with Anderson Ranch Arts Center bring the community together through experiences that inspire creativity, curiosity, and connection across cultures. The library always offers new bilingual programs to view on our events calendar. 

Our Spanish collections for children, teens, and adults feature many books, films, music, magazines, newspapers, and kits. These materials help families share stories across generations and provide access to literature and information in both English and Spanish. The Library also offers resources en español to support learning and discovery, including bilingual databases, reading apps, and educational tools to explore language and culture.

Hispanic / Latine Holidays & Observances

• Día de los Muertos, originating in Mexico and celebrated throughout Latin America, honors deceased loved ones through colorful altars (ofrendas), marigolds, candles, and food offerings. It’s a joyful remembrance that celebrates the continuity of life and family.
• Cinco de Mayo, commemorating Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, has become a broader celebration of Mexican culture and pride—particularly in the United States—with parades, music, and food.
• Las Posadas, a cherished Christmas tradition in Mexico and parts of Central America, reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter through nightly processions, songs, and community gatherings leading up to Christmas.
• Día de los Reyes Magos, celebrated across Latin America and the Caribbean, marks the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. Families exchange gifts, share rosca de reyes, and enjoy festive parades.
• Carnaval, celebrated widely throughout Latin America—especially in Brazil, Colombia, and the Caribbean—precedes Lent and is filled with parades, music, dance, and vibrant costumes representing joy, creativity, and cultural pride.
• César Chávez Day, observed in several U.S. states, including Colorado, honors César Chávez, the labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers movement. His legacy inspires advocacy for fair wages, workers’ rights, and social justice within Hispanic and immigrant communities.
• Mother Cabrini Day, unique to Colorado, celebrates Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the Italian-American nun who devoted her ministry to supporting immigrants, orphans, and the poor. She founded schools and hospitals throughout the United States and was recognized as the Patron Saint of Immigrants.

Learn more about Hispanic & Latine Heritage with books, films, and music for all ages.

October

Disability Employment Awareness Month, in October, recognizes the many contributions of people with disabilities to America's workplaces and economy. Led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, NDEAM promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity across all industries. The observance began in 1945, when Congress declared the first week of October National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week to raise public awareness about disability and employment. The term "physically" was later dropped to recognize individuals with various disabilities. Approximately 25 years later, the celebration was extended to a whole month and adopted its present name. These efforts continue to highlight the importance of removing barriers and creating inclusive workplaces for everyone.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment–population ratio for people with disabilities was 22.7% in 2024, compared with 65.5% for those without disabilities—a reminder of the continued importance of accessibility, awareness, and equitable employment opportunities for all.

Resources

Across the Roaring Fork Valley, local organizations are helping to build more inclusive communities. Challenge Aspen offers year-round adaptive recreation programs that empower individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities to redefine limits and discover new strengths. The Center for Independence promotes independent living through advocacy, peer support, and community education. At the same time, Mountain Valley Developmental Services provides lifelong support for individuals with developmental disabilities—helping them learn, work, and participate fully in community life. Together, these organizations demonstrate how accessibility, inclusion, and respect for all abilities strengthen our valley and our shared future.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• The Schneider Family Book Award honors books that portray the disability experience with authenticity.
• Barbellion Prize celebrates writers living with chronic illness or disability.
• Superfest Disability Film Festival Awards is the world’s longest-running disability film festival.
• Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards spotlight disability inclusion in entertainment.
• National Arts and Disability Center Awards recognize artists with disabilities across music and performance.

Disability Employment Awareness Holidays & Observances

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established by the United Nations in 1992 and observed annually on December 3, promotes understanding of disability issues and mobilizes support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. Each year, it focuses on a new theme addressing inclusion and equity.
• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 and observed every March, promotes greater public understanding of people with developmental disabilities and advocates for inclusion in education, employment, and community life.
• World Down Syndrome Day, recognized by the United Nations and observed annually on March 21, raises awareness and celebrates the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome. The date (3/21) symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes the condition.
• Autism Acceptance Month, observed each April, emphasizes the acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals, celebrates neurodiversity, and promotes understanding beyond awareness alone.
• Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May since 1949, focuses on mental wellness, support, and advocacy for people living with mental health conditions. It reminds us that mental health is essential to overall well-being.
• White Cane Safety Day, established in 1964 and observed annually on October 15, celebrates the independence and achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and recognizes the white cane as a symbol of autonomy and mobility.

Learn more about Disability Employment Awareness with books, films, and music for all ages.

November

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. It reminds us that language and terminology continue to evolve—and that each individual may have their own preferred way of identifying. Above all, this month celebrates the strength and diversity of Native Nations and their enduring role in shaping our shared story.

The movement to formally recognize Native American Heritage Month began over a century ago. In 1915, Dr. Arthur C. Parker (Seneca) proposed that the Boy Scouts of America observe an American Indian Day, while Rev. Sherman Coolidge (Arapaho) and Red Fox James (Blackfoot) also advocated nationally for a day of recognition. Their early efforts paved the way for state and federal observances honoring Indigenous peoples. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush officially designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month, marking an important milestone in acknowledging the histories and contributions of Native Nations.

In Pitkin County, it is essential to recognize that we live on the ancestral lands of the Parianuche, or "Elk People," a subgroup of the Ute Nation who lived throughout what is now Glenwood Springs and the Crystal and Roaring Fork valleys. The Parianuche maintained a deep relationship with the region's rivers and mountains—connections that continue to inform this area's cultural and environmental heritage today.

Resources

Local organizations continue to honor and share this living heritage. The Aspen Indigenous Foundation, founded in 2005, brings Indigenous presence back to the Roaring Fork Valley through cultural exchange and education. Their annual drumming and dancing exhibition in downtown Aspen features Native performers in traditional regalia and offers opportunities for connection and learning. The Ute Radio Network, operated by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, amplifies Indigenous voices across Colorado through music, storytelling, and community programming—helping preserve and promote Ute culture for new generations.

To learn more and explore Indigenous culture, visit organizations such as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, both of which offer educational and cultural resources about Ute heritage in Colorado. The Denver Indian Center supports urban Native individuals and families with programs that foster community connection, youth empowerment, and artistic preservation. Nationally, the National Museum of the American Indian and the Native American Rights Fund work to protect Indigenous sovereignty, preserve cultural heritage, and educate the public about Native history and law. For educators and readers, Indigenous Reads Rising and IllumiNative provide resources that center Indigenous voices and representation in literature, media, and education.

Together, these organizations and initiatives celebrate the ongoing presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples—past, present, and future—and invite us all to learn, listen, and honor the original stewards of this land.

Book, Film & Music Awards

• American Indian Youth Literature Awards (AILA) honor outstanding books by and about Native Americans.
• First Nations Community Reads Awards celebrate Indigenous authors and illustrators in North America.
• Native American Media Alliance’s LA Skins Fest Awards highlight Indigenous filmmakers.
• Red Nation Film Festival Awards promote Native-directed films and media.
• Native American Music Awards (NAMAs) honor Indigenous musicians across genres.
• Aboriginal Peoples' Choice Music Awards celebrate Indigenous artists and storytellers in music.

Native American Holidays & Observances

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognized in place of or alongside Columbus Day in many states and observed on the second Monday in October, honors Indigenous history, culture, and resilience. It centers Native perspectives and acknowledges the lasting impacts of colonization.
• National Day of Mourning, established in 1970 by the United American Indians of New England and observed on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (fourth Thursday in November), serves as a time of remembrance for Native lives lost through colonization and a reminder of Indigenous survival and resistance.
• World Indigenous Peoples Day, declared by the United Nations and observed on August 9, celebrates Indigenous communities worldwide and promotes awareness of their rights, cultures, and contributions.
• Powwows are community gatherings that celebrate Native heritage through traditional dance, song, food, and art. They bring together tribal members and the wider public to share culture, renew connections, and honor ancestors.
• Winter Solstice, observed around December 21, is recognized by many Native Nations as a time of renewal, gratitude, and reflection. Ceremonies and gatherings mark the longest night of the year and celebrate the return of the sun, a symbol of life and balance.
• First Nations Day, observed in Canada on June 21 and increasingly acknowledged in the United States, celebrates the diverse cultures, languages, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Learn more about Native American Heritage with books, films, and music for all ages.