The Hearth
A Living Community Hub in the Heart of Paonia
Some buildings tell a story. The Hearth is one of them.
Located in downtown Paonia, this beloved space has been part of community life for generations, first as the local library, then as Ollie's ice cream shop. In 2021, The Learning Council acquired the building, and in 2022, with the support of the Energize Colorado Fund through DOLA and Colorado Creative Industries, we transformed it into something new while honoring everything it has always been: a gathering place.
Every corner of The Hearth was thoughtfully designed and renovated by local carpenters, builders, artists and makers. It is a reflection of our community's creativity, craft, and vision for what shared space can be.
What Lives Here
Educational & Wellness Spaces
The Hearth is home to workshops, classes, and gatherings spanning movement, wellness, arts, civic engagement, and more. From yoga and tai chi to comprehensive sexual health education and cultural celebrations, learning happens here in many forms.
TLC Kitchen & Market
At the heart of The Hearth is our commercial kitchen, where TLC Kitchen prepares thousands of community meals every year using locally sourced ingredients from regional farmers. Our market makes healthy, local food accessible to everyone through our gift-economy model, offering locally grown produce and goods year-round. By sourcing from local farmers, we uplift our agricultural community while ensuring that nutritious food is available to all, regardless of financial situation. And yes, we kept the ice cream corner. Some things are too good to let go.
Diversity Library
DC CARES gifted the original Diversity Library to Delta County Schools so all students could see themselves represented in literature. Now, The Hearth hosts its own curated collection of books and resources celebrating diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives. We offer free access to banned books, LGBTQ and BIPOC authors, and educational materials on topics like comprehensive sexual health, resources often unavailable in public schools. Community members can read in-house or borrow books at no cost. By housing this collection in a building that was once our town library, we honor the original purpose of this beloved community space.
Paonia Bike Co-op
Tucked into the basement, our bike co-op offers the community access to tools, repairs, and resources to keep people moving- sustainably and joyfully.
Drop by on Mondays between 4-7pm.
Hearth Sanctuary Garden & Outdoor Teaching Space
Step out the back door into our sanctuary garden. We are transforming an asphalt parking lot into a living classroom and healing space. We intend for it to serve as a replicable model for other sanctuary spaces to take root and blossom in other communities.
Office & Co-Working Space
The Hearth is home to The Learning Council's staff and serves as a collaborative workspace for the organizations and partners we work alongside. It is where the day-to-day work of building a more just, connected, and nourished community happens.
A Space for Everyone
The Hearth is designed to be a safe and welcoming space for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or background. We are intentional about creating an environment where every person feels seen, respected, and at home. Whether you are dropping in for the first time or have been part of this community for years, you are welcome here.
Visit Us
Address:
138 Grand Ave, Paonia, CO
