Colorado’s Anythink Libraries recently hosted a Careers in Cannabis Panel, as part of its Anythink Startup Month in September, with a focus on Colorado’s growth in the cannabis industry.

Seven libraries in the state spread across Bennett, Brighton, Commerce City and Thornton now boost 550 items of cannabis-related materials, including 108 printed books, 259 e-books, 56 audio books, 140 albums and 65 movies.

Anythink collection buyer Jennifer Hendzlik and her fellow Anything buyer Aaron Bock said they saw a need for factual information for locals and librarians. Not only did she work on developing cannabis collections for library visitors, but she also wanted to educate librarians about cannabis.

“If it meets our collection development policy and is relevant to our community, then we consider it,” she said.

The library has been carefully selecting books, guides, historical collections and other material to place in their shelves. Hendzlik said the team even brought oregano and rolling papers to teach participants how to roll a joint.

While launching the new initiative, Hendzlik wants cannabis to be treated like any other line of work: she has been searching for reliable authors, established publishers and entertaining content for the public.

“Sometimes escapism is good,” Bock said. “People like to entertain themselves. Just because pot might be at the center of it isn’t necessarily a problem.”

The most popular books are related to cultivation and cooking, but Bock said they try to buy specific books to read when people are using cannabis. There is also a children’s book that educates kids about cannabis use.

In addition to Anythink, other public libraries have developed an extensive cannabis collection. The Denver Public Library counts over 300 pieces of cannabis-related material and the Aurora Public Library features 130 cannabis books and much more. Hendzlik said she believes more libraries will soon take a similar approach to educating on cannabis.

“The stigma is attached, even for librarians,” she said. “But so far, we think the response has been really good.”