For immediate release May 25, 2016.

New Outdoor Sculpture at Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch Invites Interaction.

The 2016-2017 public art installment at Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue branch, is on display and already inspiring curiosity and play. Touching Sound is an interactive sculpture by artist Maureen Hearty, created with sculpted aluminum pipes that are tuned based on their diameter and length.

“I attempt to engage the audience with the art beyond the passive experience, taking every opportunity for interaction with the art,” says Hearty. “Playing with sound is one of my favorite ways to invite interaction. The pieces come alive when people touch them and create sounds.”

Hearty is a self-described sculptress, horticulturalist and community organizer who uses art and horticulture as a tool for community action. Using leftovers from human experiences and consumption, she says her art represents our natural surroundings.

DCL partners annually with Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (HRCAA) and Art Encounters, Douglas County’s public art program, to showcase sculptures in various media and styles at its Highlands Ranch location. Displaying such highly visible art has the potential to transform lives and build community through engagement. DCL in Highlands Ranch has partnered with HRCAA in its public art program since 2011.

Sculptures for display are selected by Art Encounters’ Public Art Advisory Committee from artist applications submitted for the program. The committee, under the direction of the Douglas County Cultural Council, selects the art and determines which pieces are displayed in the various public venues throughout Douglas County. All sculptures, including Touching Sound, are available for purchase.

Touching Sound is on display at the Highlands Ranch James H. LaRue library (9292 Ridgeline Blvd.) through May 2017. Past installments at the library include Baby Bear by Ryszard Wagoner (2014-2015) and Molly, Dieter and Susie (bronze Basset Hounds) by Pat Kennedy (2015-2016), which is now featured at Eastridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch.

For immediate release May 20, 2016.

Summer Reading Program Exercises Minds.

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) kicks off its Summer Reading Program (SRP) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, at all seven DCL locations. The annual SRP encourages kids and teens to exercise their minds during the summer, strengthening reading skills and building literacy.

Kickoff parties for Team DCL’s sports-themed SRP will be held at all DCL locations from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Party activities include arts and crafts, games, photo ops, and themed Storytimes.

Kids 12 and under are challenged to read for 720 minutes by July 31 and/or participate in predetermined alternate activities, with prizes awarded for finishing the challenge. Teens and adults who read for 900 minutes are entered into a drawing for one of 62 gift card prizes worth $25 each, and can enter a photo contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

DCL is offering several free entertainment events at all library branches throughout June and July. Karate Denver’s Kickin’ It! program tests kids’ speed and agility, and Nature’s Educators presents a “wild” program featuring animal guests to help kids discover nature’s amazing athletes. Other programs include the entertainment of magic to engage the mind, as well as Minecraft tips and tricks. For more details, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org/Team-DCL.

For immediate release March 30, 2016.

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its new 15,000-square-foot Castle Pines branch, located at 360 Village Square Lane,
on Thursday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The new library is located one block west of the previous site.

DCL’s new library will open with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., followed by a light breakfast and afternoon Family Kickoff event. Bob Pasicznyuk, DCL’s executive director, will speak at the event, along with Castle Pines Branch Manager Aspen Walker and Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff.

The Family Kickoff event starts at 4:30 p.m. Patrons can enjoy refreshments and
a special Storytime at 5 p.m.

Features of the new two-story library include an outdoor terrace and fireplace, multi-use community event room, study room, media lounge, Storytime area and more. Patrons are encouraged to explore each room and take part in some entertaining activities.

The library’s kickoff continues on Saturday, April 23, with special Storytime sessions slated for 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Construction on DCL buildings in Lone Tree and Parker is progressing. The Lone Tree branch is nearing completion, and wall framing and drywall are currently going up in the Parker branch.