Year: 2018

Volunteer Connect Douglas County Celebrates 10,000-Volunteer Milestone

For immediate release: July 11, 2018

Volunteer Connect Douglas County has been connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations in the county since January 2014 via its interactive website at VolunteerConnectDC.org. In June 2018, the organization reached a significant milestone: More than 10,000 volunteers have registered through the online resource.

“We are so excited to reach this number and to be part of something that is for the greater good of Douglas County,” said Linda O’Dell, Volunteer Connect program coordinator with Douglas County Libraries. “An average of 200 new volunteers register every month!”

And those users are active volunteers, according to O’Dell. VolunteerConnectDC.org is not a database of potential volunteers; on the contrary, users must register for a volunteer opportunity before they are added to the portal. The 10,000-volunteer milestone represents people who have been active in giving back in their communities.

Volunteers of all ages can choose from multiple opportunities throughout Douglas County directly from the website. Individuals, families, and groups looking for ways to help can volunteer for one-time community events or short- and long-term commitments. High school students can easily find community service opportunities to fulfill graduation requirements.

“Volunteer Connect Douglas County is a great way to get involved with your community,” said Rasika Mukkamala, a Douglas County volunteer. “Regardless if you’re a new volunteer or a returning one, there are lots of opportunities to suit everyone’s style. From a recurring shift at the library to a holiday celebration, Volunteer Connect DC pairs with local organizations to bring the best opportunities at the click of a button.”

The volunteer resource began as an initiative of the Partnership of Douglas County Governments (PDCG) as a way to ease the process of volunteering in Douglas County. One volunteer application is applicable to the many local nonprofits seeking volunteers. Because it’s a one-stop portal, VolunteerConnectDC.org encourages Douglas County residents to give back locally with minimal administrative effort.

PDCG organizations include City of Castle Pines, City of Lone Tree, Douglas County Government, Douglas County Libraries, Douglas County School District, Highlands Ranch Metro District, Town of Castle Rock, Town of Larkspur and Town of Parker.

Volunteer Connect Douglas County has 23 nonprofit member organizations. For detailed information on all members, visit VolunteerConnectDC.org.

About Volunteer Connect Douglas County

Volunteer Connect Douglas County is a resource to connect volunteers with organizations in Douglas County. Its vision is to sustain a culture of volunteerism in Douglas County and a lifelong love of volunteering.

To find volunteer opportunities in the community, or for more information about becoming a Volunteer Connect Douglas County member organization, visit VolunteerConnectDC.org.

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

Affordable Film Screenings Benefit Douglas County Libraries Foundation in July

For immediate release: June 19, 2018

Families can escape on affordable film adventures during the month of July and give back to their community at the same time. The Kids Camp film series at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Littleton offers pick-your-own pricing — $1, $3, or $5 — with all ticket proceeds in July benefiting Douglas County Libraries Foundation.

Kids Camp films offer family-friendly fare for kids of all ages. The G- and PG-rated film screenings in July include “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” “Monsters vs. Aliens,” “Sing,” “The Land Before Time,” and “Despicable Me.”

Screenings take place weekdays during matinee hours, and families can pick their own ticket price: $1, $3 or $5. Tickets may be purchased online to reserve seats in advance. Movies are an entertaining way to complement summer reading, and 100 percent of Kids Camp ticket sales in July benefit Douglas County Libraries Foundation.

Douglas County Libraries Foundation helps fund programs that reach youth, adults and families in Douglas County and across Colorado, and helps ensure the long-term success of its libraries, which are critical to education, neighborhood development, workforce development, and economic development.

Tickets for Alamo’s Kids Camp screenings may be purchased at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Littleton (7301 S. Santa Fe Drive) or online. Donations to Douglas County Libraries Foundation may also be made directly via DCL.org/foundation. For more information, call (303) 791-7323.

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

Summer Reading Is an Escape to Neverland at Douglas County Libraries

For immediate release: May 16, 2018

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) kicks off its 2018 Summer Reading Program — Escape to Neverland — on Saturday, June 2, at all DCL locations. The fun starts with Neverland-themed kickoff parties at each location from 10 a.m.-noon that are free for families, children, and those kids “who never grew up.”

The annual reading program is for all ages and runs June 2-July 31. Kids, teens and adults can register for the program at a kickoff party on June 2, or they may register online anytime at DCL.org/summer-reading.

  • The reading goal for kids ages 12 and under is 720 minutes of reading. Prizes are awarded for reaching the halfway point (360 minutes), and also for finishing the goal by July 31 — a free book (while supplies last).
  • Readers ages 13 and older have a goal of 900 minutes. Those who reach the goal by July 31 can receive a limited-edition DCL book bag (while supplies last).
  • Community reading goal returns — with a give-back! This year’s goal is 7 million minutes of reading. Once the community reaches this combined goal, the Douglas County Libraries Foundation will donate $500 to the Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock to help animals in need. Reading time is tracked online when readers register at DCL.org/summer-reading.

NEW – School Contest!

New this year is a friendly fundraising competition among K-12 schools affiliated with Douglas County School District. The elementary, middle and high schools with the most summer reading sign-ups by July 31 will win a $250 prize — one winning school at each level. Some rules and restrictions apply; visit DCL.org/summer-reading for more details.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

DCL is seeking volunteers to help with Escape to Neverland kickoff parties on Saturday, June 2, and throughout the summer. No special skills or prior experience is needed, and teens can earn community service credit toward graduation requirements. Volunteers will assist with arts and crafts activities, games, snacks, and program registration. Interested volunteers may learn more and/or sign up via VolunteerConnectDC.org; select Douglas County Libraries.

For more information about Escape to Neverland and to sign up, visit DCL.org/summer-reading or call 303-791-7323.

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

Douglas County Libraries Welcomes Bestselling Inspirational Author Karen Kingsbury

For immediate release May 8, 2018:

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is pleased to present Karen Kingsbury, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling novelist and one of America’s favorite inspirational storytellers, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at CU South Denver in Parker (10035 Peoria St.). Kingsbury will talk about and sign her new book in the Baxter Family series, “To the Moon and Back.”

“We’re excited about bringing authors of different genres to Douglas County every year,” said Kerri Morgan, department head special events at Douglas County Libraries. “Karen Kingsbury is a master of inspirational, uplifting stories that focus on faith and family.”

DCL is hosting the author in partnership with Tattered Cover Book Store. The $29 ticket price includes reserved seating at Kingsbury’s presentation, a hardcover copy of “To the Moon and Back,” a place in the book signing line, and dessert bites.

About the Author

Kingsbury has more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. She is best-known for her faith-based Baxter Family series, a collection of more than 20 books that follow the Baxters through love, loss, laughter and life. Kingsbury’s Baxter Family books are being developed for a scripted drama series for TV with Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, and MGM Studios. The author is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit DCL.org/karen-kingsbury or call 303-791-7323.

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

Make a Date for Deals at Library’s Annual Collectible and Antiquarian Book Sale

For immediate release: January 23, 2018

Book lovers can find sweet deals on rare and antiquarian books Feb. 10 and 11 at Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue branch, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd. The special sale takes place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, and from 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, in the Shea meeting rooms on the library’s first floor.

Collectors can once again find an assortment of unique items at this year’s sale, including new and used antique books, signed copies, first editions, volume sets, collectible childhood favorites, art and photography books, and a variety of classics. CD and DVD gift items will also be on sale.

“You never know what you might find at our sale,” said Kim McClintock, branch volunteer coordinator at Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch. “What could be better than browsing through such treasures and then taking some home to add to a personal collection or to enjoy?” she added.

Book prices are based on industry standard values, rarity and condition, and are then deeply discounted for the library sale. All proceeds benefit the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, which supports library programs and events that reach youth, adults and families in Douglas County and across Colorado.

Bargain shoppers can look forward to a great selection of finds on Saturday, McClintock said, and then more great bargains on Sunday. Credit cards and cash will be accepted, and volunteers will gladly carry buyers’ purchases to their cars.

In addition to the library’s annual book sale, Douglas County Libraries offers books, CDs and DVDs for purchase year-round in its Second Chapter Used Bookstores and during other special book sales.

For more information, visit DCL.org/used-book-sales or call 303-791-7323.

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