For immediate release: March 4, 2025

New children’s playscapes at Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree locations spark creativity.

Douglas County Libraries is thrilled to introduce two new interactive play spaces designed to spark imaginative play and hands-on learning for kids. Young guests can step into the roles of veterinarians at Healthy Critters Vet Clinic in Highlands Ranch (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.), and imagine life as bankers, cashiers, and savvy shoppers at Little Savers Bank and Market in Lone Tree (10055 Library Way). These immersive, themed spaces provide endless opportunities for fun, discovery and skill-building, reinforcing DCL’s commitment to inspiring young minds.

“Our playscapes are an essential part of our approach to early literacy, using imaginative play to spark integrated cognitive, physical, social and emotional learning for young children,” said Amy Fischer, Director of Customer Experience at Douglas County Libraries.

Highlands Ranch’s Healthy Critters Vet Clinic, sponsored by PetVet 365 Highlands Ranch, is the perfect place for kids to explore the fascinating world of veterinary care for creatures great and small. Young vets can don lab coats and stethoscopes to check in plushie pet patients, complete examinations using play instruments, diagnose patients at the X-ray station and light box, groom a horse’s mane and tail, and more.

In Lone Tree, the Little Savers Bank and Market, sponsored by Bellco Credit Union, offers an ideal space for kids to discover hidden treasures in safe deposit boxes, receive deposits at the teller window, explore the wonders of a pneumatic tube, play vault Plinko, learn about balancing using tabletop scales, ring up transactions at the market register, and more, blending fun with early financial literacy through play.

According to Fischer, the library’s playscapes help young children build neurological pathways to support their ability to understand the world around them and be ready to read and learn.

Six Douglas County Libraries locations, including Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, offer self-guided play environments for children. Other playscapes include Little Letters Post Office in Castle Pines, The Ranch in Castle Rock, sponsored by Rotary Club of Castle Rock, Plants and Pollinators in Parker, sponsored by Tagawa Gardens, and Mission Control in Roxborough. Each play area is open during library operating hours.

Visit DCL.org and DCL.org/locations for more information.

Bellco is federally insured by NCUA.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

Little vets can examine plushie pets and study X-rays at the light box.

Caring for pets, even plushies, is a calling.

A veterinarian in training explores the world of pet care in Highlands Ranch.

An aspiring banker secures hidden treasures in the colorful safe deposit box.

A teller in training rings in transactions.

Tabletop scales offer an excellent lesson in balancing.

Kids delight in imaginative play at Little Savers Bank and Market.

Exploring the wonders of a classic bank tool, the pneumatic tube.

For immediate release: November 25, 2024

175 book-themed, decorated trees light up Douglas County Libraries

Douglas County Libraries is adding magic to the holidays with Forest of Stories, a sparkling display of more than 175 book-themed, decorated trees across all seven library locations in Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Louviers, Parker and Roxborough. The seasonal exhibit, presented by Douglas County Libraries Foundation, is free and open during library operating hours through January 4, 2025, no ticket or registration required.

“This is my favorite event of the year and it’s accessible to all throughout the holidays, rather than just happening on one day or evening,” said Elaine McCain, Chair of Douglas County Libraries Foundation, the presenting sponsor of the exhibit.

“More trees than ever are on display this year. Whatever your favorite theme is, you are sure to find it in our forest,” said McCain.

This year, the library is excited to also partner with Mix 100 for special in-library events with live readings from radio personalities among Forest of Stories, as well as prizes and giveaways. Jeremy from Mix 100 will be at the Highlands Ranch library (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.) with giveaways and a reading from “Clifford’s Christmas” at the next event on Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m.-Noon.

Families looking for kid-friendly entertainment and tree-peeping opportunities during the holidays and winter break can find something different to enjoy at every location.

Forest of Stories is part of DCL’s popular Booked for the Holidays event offerings, providing festive holiday entertainment options for families and the entire community throughout the season.

For more information on Forest of Stories and the trees at each library location, visit DCL.org/forest-of-stories.

For more information on Douglas County Libraries Foundation, visit DCL.org/foundation.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

Katy from Mix 100 appeared at the Parker library November 16 with holiday giveaways and a special reading from “The Little Prince.”

See the tree dedicated to the ghost with the most, on exhibit at Douglas County Libraries in Parker.

An epic rivalry meets festive flair. See the Godzilla vs. Kong tree at Douglas County Libraries’ Castle Rock location.

So many trees, so much wonder to experience.

The secret’s out, Forest of Stories is now open. Peep the Wicked tree at Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock.

For immediate release: November 13, 2024

Sculptures are being installed on the library’s Aloha Plaza East.

Douglas County Libraries is excited to announce the installation of vibrant new public art at its Castle Rock location (100 S. Wilcox Street). The playful pieces will add a fresh burst of creativity to the library’s outdoor Aloha Plaza East. Designed by Jeffie Brewer of Nacogdoches, Texas, the whimsical sculptures serve as an inviting focal point for visitors to enjoy while reading or relaxing on the plaza.

The new additions to the Aloha Plaza East reflect DCL’s commitment to elevating library users’ experience and creating moments of inspiration and discovery for those who visit.

The public artwork will be accessible beginning November 13, and all community members are encouraged to visit, snap photos, and experience it up close.

For more information, visit DCL.org or contact (303) 791-7323.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

Each new sculpture on the Aloha Plaza East was designed by Jeffie Brewer of Nacogdoches, Texas.

Playful new sculptures add a burst of creativity to the Aloha Plaza East.

Visitors are encouraged to visit, snap photos, and experience the sculptures up close.

The library's whimsical sculptures offer an inviting focal point for visitors to enjoy on the Aloha Plaza East.

For immediate release: November 12, 2024

Now open at the Parker library.

Douglas County Libraries is excited to announce the opening of Plants and Pollinators, a museum-quality installation at its Parker location (20105 East Mainstreet), sponsored by Tagawa Gardens. This vibrant, nature-inspired space invites young explorers to discover the wonders of plants, pollination, and ecosystems through hands-on, interactive play.

Designed to engage children’s curiosity and creativity, Plants and Pollinators features a range of activities, from observing insects through a magnifier at the play specimen table to role-playing as butterflies, bees and beekeepers, complete with provided costumes. Kids can examine a replica beehive, explore pathways at the blossom ball run, crawl through the caterpillar, play in the apple playhouse, and interact with a range of educational displays.

Since it opened in late October, Plants and Pollinators has been buzzing with activity as children connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of their environment. Families are invited to visit the Parker library during regular business hours to enjoy the new play area for free as part of their library experience.

Six Douglas County Libraries locations, including Parker, now offer self-guided play environments for children. Other playscapes include Little Letters Post Office in Castle Pines, The Ranch in Castle Rock, sponsored by Rotary Club of Castle Rock, the Market and Freshies Food Truck in Highlands Ranch, Playful Pets Animal Clinic and Grooming Spa in Lone Tree, and Mission Control in Roxborough.

The play spaces at Douglas County Libraries offer a hands-on, interactive break from technology for kids, where their imaginations can bloom. Visit DCL.org for more information.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

The specimen table in the apple playhouse offers a closer examination of insect biology.

Kids can step into the role of beekeeper at the busy beehive, with retractable hive panels that reveal a variety of honeycomb and bee formations.

Little explorers experience active, exploratory play as they crawl over and through the caterpillar.

Kids get a closer look at the intricate design of a honeycomb at the half-wall.

Spin the blossoms to explore light, color, speed and rotation.

For immediate release: November 6, 2024

Douglas County Libraries will host the author Saturday, November 9

Douglas County Libraries presents celebrated actor, director, and New York Times bestselling author Andrew McCarthy for an ‘80s Rewind event, Saturday, November 9, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Known for iconic roles in “Pretty in Pink” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” McCarthy has captivated readers with introspective memoirs and travel writing, in addition to his 2024 documentary film “Brats.” He’ll share stories from his documentary and book, “Brat: An ‘80s Story,” during an ‘80s-themed evening.

The event promises a unique retro experience, including McCarthy’s presentation, dessert bites, 1980s-themed activities, photo ops, and a cash bar for guests ages 21-plus.

This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the decade’s defining stars as he blends highlights of his film career with insights from his book.

Media inquiries and interview requests:
Please contact Emily Boyd at emily@authorsunbound.com.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from an ‘80s legend and accomplished writer. Event details and tickets are available at DCL.org/featured-events.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.