Happy Valentine’s Day, Bucket Listers! Love is in the air, and whether you’re celebrating with a partner, your besties, or flying solo, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to mark the occasion, check out Brandon Farler’s guide to Valentine’s Day dates that won’t break the bank, featuring spots like Roller City, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Chipper Lanes.
And if your ideal Valentine’s date is curling up with a great book, wait until you hear about Denver’s newest romance hotspot. This week, we are sharing four stories, ranging from sexy books to Black spaces, an Ethiopian community that has shaped Denver for decades and accessible tax help at DU. Let’s dive in.
Spicy Librarian Wants to Help You Get Freaky!
Looking to add some heat to your reading list? Spicy Librarian, Denver’s new romance bookstore in RiNo, is turning heads with its whimsical design, curated book selection, it’s hidden vault and “spice level” labels that let you know exactly what you’re getting into. Owner Sydney Ivey never expected the hype to last beyond opening week, but nearly a month in, she’s still struggling to keep the shelves stocked. This space is a love letter to romance readers and a community hub for book clubs, silent reading nights and passionate book discussions. Our Daianee Galindo shares more about how Spicy Librarian is heating up Denver’s literary scene.
DU’s Free Tax Prep Clinic is Open for Business
Tax season can be stressful, but if you make $67,000 or less, DU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is here to help. Running from Feb. 14 to March 15, the program provides free tax prep to students, faculty and community members who need a helping hand. Our Lisha Wilson explains how to take advantage of this free resource before the deadline. With over 50 trained volunteers, multilingual assistance and a long history of helping Denverites get their refunds, this hidden gem at the Daniels College of Business is making a real impact.
Denver’s Ethiopian Community Thrives in the Mile High City
With nearly 50,000 Ethiopians living in the metro area, Denver has become a hub for Ethiopian culture, food and community. Many families have been here for generations, and newer immigrants find support through strong networks, cultural organizations, and local businesses. The Ethiopian community in Denver is prospering, with restaurants serving injera and dance troupes preserving tradition, all while assisting newcomers in adjusting to life in a new country. Read PJ Guidry’s story about how generations of Ethiopian immigrants are preserving their culture in Denver.
Black Spaces in Denver: Community, Culture and Connection
It’s Black History Month and with federal diversity programs under attack, these recognitions and Black-led spaces in Denver are more vital than ever. Our Khaleigh Reed highlights some of the most important spaces that are keeping Black culture alive in Denver. From trivia nights to community-led running clubs, these spaces offer joy, support, and a sense of belonging. Black-led organizations continue to create room for connection despite political shifts and are giving our neighbors important third spaces.
Stuff We Noticed
Denver Public Schools fights to keep ICE out. In response to the Trump administration’s actions, DPS is suing the Department of Homeland Security for repealing federal safeguards that prevent immigration enforcement from targeting school campuses and other “sensitive” areas. Since Trump rescinded the policy, attendance at some schools has plummeted as immigrant families fear raids. The DPS is the first in the country to file a legal challenge to the decision, arguing that schools should be safe spaces rather than enforcement zones.
National Jewish Health ends DEI programs. Following pressure from the federal government, National Jewish Health is shutting down its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The hospital, which received nearly $25 million in federal funding last year, claims it is complying with new federal mandates, but critics argue that the move undermines support for underrepresented communities in healthcare.
The Denver Mint is still making pennies (for now). Despite Trump’s announcement that he intends to eliminate the penny, the Denver Mint continues to produce millions of them every day. While the tiny coin costs more to make than it’s worth, it remains a key part of the Mint’s history—and a major tourist attraction. Some say it’s time to let the penny go, while others argue tradition is worth preserving, plus finding a penny is lucky. What do you think—should the penny stay or go? Send us an email with your thoughts and we’ll publish your responses.
And finally… Happy Birthday, Blucifer! Denver’s favorite nightmare horse with glowing red eyes turns 17 years old this week. Whether you love him, fear him or just accept that he watches over DIA with ominous intensity, there’s no denying he’s a Mile High icon. Thanks for supporting hyperlocal, independent journalism! If you love what we do, share this newsletter with a friend and contribute to help keep us going. Have a safe, happy and—if you’re into it—a spicy Valentine’s Day. See you next week.
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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