For immediate release: April 10, 2019

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is celebrating the contributions of its volunteers and their dedication to the library district and community.

A total of 1,864 volunteers contributed more than 40,000 hours to DCL in 2018—that’s nearly $1 million in donated time. Eighty-nine of those volunteers earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national award presented by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation that honors those who inspire others to engage in volunteerism.

“Our volunteers certainly share the library’s passion and commitment to this community,” said DCL’s Department Head of Volunteer Services Ali Ayres. “Their volunteerism is inspiring, and it has the power to help others realize their own potential to make a difference.”

The 89 President’s Award winners in 2018 were determined based on volunteer hours served during the 12-month period. They include four gold-level award winners, the highest award level; nine silver award winners; and 76 bronze award winners. Each award-winning volunteer will receive a letter signed by President Donald Trump and a lapel pin indicative of their award level.

In 2017, DCL was awarded certification as a Service Enterprise by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to mobilizing volunteer service. As a Service Enterprise organization — one of only 10 in Colorado — DCL strategically leverages volunteers and their skills to make an impact. Library volunteers make a difference by:

• Tutoring students in English as a second language.
• Reading to children at Douglas County early learning centers through the Book Start program.
• Helping struggling readers in grades 1-3 build skills through the Reading Buddies program. Volunteer opportunities are available for teen buddies this summer at DCL’s Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and Parker locations!
• Coordinating the library’s online and Second Chapter Used Bookstores.
• Assisting at library events, like the April 6 grand opening celebration at DCL’s Highlands Ranch branch — 26 volunteers manned craft and activity stations, and others assembled 1,000 pinwheels and organized craft supplies in preparation for the event.
• Shelving materials.
• And more!

For teens, volunteering at the library has the added bonus of counting toward community service requirements for high school graduation.

Volunteer opportunities for all ages can be found via VolunteerConnectDC.org by searching on Douglas County Libraries.

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

Volunteers are vital to adult literacy programs at Douglas County Libraries.

Volunteers handed out giveaways and helped man craft and activity stations at DCL’s Highlands Ranch grand opening event.

Trained teen volunteers make great reading buddies for struggling readers in grades 1-3.

Douglas County Libraries is a certified Service Enterprise organization, one of only 10 in Colorado.

For immediate release: April 8, 2019

Douglas County Libraries celebrated the grand opening of its renovated Highlands Ranch branch (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.) on Saturday, April 6, amid songs, cheers, and biodegradable-confetti cannons. More than 3,600 visitors came through the doors during the course of the day, checking out a total of 7,104 items.

Highlights from the grand opening include:

• A warm welcome from Executive Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk and Highlands Ranch Branch Manager Tammy Clausen, who thanked the community and community partners for their support throughout the three-month closure.
• Barbershop-style harmonies of the Ruby Blue Quartet.
• Photo booth fun!
• Snacks, crafts, and make-and-take activities, including mix-and-match wildflower seed packets, butterfly origami, and temporary kids’ tattoos.
• Fun and games with ATA Karate Denver and smoothies courtesy of Smoothie King.
• Storytimes throughout the day in the brand-new Kids Corner space.
• Book bag giveaways!

For more information about Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue branch, visit DCL.org or call (303) 791-7323.

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

Kids enjoyed the return of Storytimes, held in the library’s new Kids Corner space.

The photo booth was a hit!

Kids and families mixed and matched seeds to create their wildflower seed packets.

The library is back in business!

For immediate release: April 2, 2019

It’s easier than ever for library lovers to support the Douglas County Libraries (DCL) Foundation right where they shop when using their King Soopers Loyalty Rewards card. The King Soopers Community Rewards program recently eliminated the use of gift cards in its charitable fundraising program. Instead, shoppers can now register their regular King Soopers Rewards card with the “Douglas County Libraries Foundation” account through www.kingsoopers.com and 5 percent of their purchases will automatically benefit the DCL Foundation.

Program enrollment is easy:

• Visit www.kingsoopers.com.
• Go to Savings & Rewards, King Soopers Community Rewards.
• Click Enroll Now.
• Log in to personal rewards card account, or create a new one.
• Search for Douglas County Libraries Foundation.
• Click Enroll.

There are no costs associated with the program, and it’s hassle-free: no need to reload gift cards or remember to bring them along when shopping! Every time shoppers use their King Soopers Rewards card or alternate ID at checkout, 5 percent of the purchase amount will benefit the DCL Foundation.

Purchases of any merchandise, including fuel, at King Soopers or City Market stores benefit the Foundation. Rewards are not earned on purchases of money orders, Western Union products/services, lottery tickets, stamps, Tickets West products/services, or gift cards.

For more information, visit DCL.org/Foundation or call (303) 791-7323.

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

For immediate release: March 13, 2019

Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue branch (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.), is excited to reopen to the public with a Grand Reopening Celebration on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons will again have full access to all library services, the physical collection, children’s Storytimes, and numerous new and upgraded amenities throughout the branch. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from library staff and special guests, followed by family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“The community has been so supportive throughout our time of reduced services and construction, and we’re excited to show off their new library,” said Highlands Ranch Branch Manager Tammy Clausen.

The new and updated features patrons can use and enjoy include:

• Active and interactive areas for children, such as the expanded farm-to-table Market playscape and Kids Corner Storytime space.
• Increased meeting and community spaces, and state-of-the-art technology in meeting and study rooms.
• A new shade structure on the second-floor terrace that overlooks Civic Green Park.
• Laptop borrowing using a library card.
• A larger, more flexible Event Hall space, plus an additional conference room and study room.
• Dedicated spaces for tutoring and family activities.
• Increased square footage available for public use.

The first floor houses the youth collection and children’s spaces, with adult materials and quiet reading spaces located on the second floor. Features important to the community were retained with the renovation, including the Second Chapter Used Bookstore, now located on the library’s second floor; an updated commemorative book wall; and the veterans’ display case. Book donations will also resume upon the reopening.

“Though no additional square footage was added during the renovation, every square foot of existing space has been touched, and patrons will see parts of the library they’ve never seen before,” Clausen said.

The community is invited to explore the refreshed library and get familiar with all its new features and amenities. A variety of spring-themed activities and crafts for kids and families will be sprinkled throughout the branch, with Storytimes occurring at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will also be served throughout the day.

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

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

Workers continue installation of the new shade structure on the terrace.

Installation of ceiling tiles on the second floor is nearing completion.

The new fireplace on the second floor has been installed, and when finished, the area will offer patrons a quiet, cozy space for reading. Wood paneling around the adjacent study rooms and reading nooks is in place.

Workers finish the installation of wood paneling near the new Kids Corner on the library’s first floor.

For immediate release: February 28, 2019

Douglas County Libraries’ longstanding partnership with the Douglas County School District continues with this year’s book-based Battle of the Books and Page to Stage programs. The tournament-style Battle of the Books is underway and will culminate in a District Finals competition on March 13, 2019, at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center (PACE). The 2019 Page to Stage production of “The Jungle Book” opens in schools and at various Douglas County Libraries (DCL) locations in April.

Battle of the Books is a bowl-style trivia tournament that’s all about books. Teams of kids in grades 3-6 compete against each other in interschool battles to determine a districtwide champion for all of Douglas County.

DCL kicked off its 10^th season of book battles in late January. According to Kerri Morgan, Department Head Special Events at DCL, Battle of the Books has come a long way over those years. “We’ve been doing battles since the 2008-2009 school year, and at that time only seven schools were involved and just one library branch, Highlands Ranch,” Morgan said.

Today, the program is active at 48 schools and four DCL locations: Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker and Highlands Ranch, with Highlands Ranch battles taking place at the Recreation Center at Southridge during that library’s renovation. Roughly 1,000 kids participate each year, and in 2018 the competition saw approximately 12,500 spectators over its six-week run.

Kathy Kubala, whose children previously competed, commented that the program was a wonderful experience for her kids. “My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the books and working through their nuances. But it is with our son that we noticed such a dramatic difference. He is more confident, self-assured, and ready for the next challenge,” she said.

Coyote Creek Elementary School Teacher Juli Puleo said her team is always impressed by how smoothly the program runs through the library. “We really appreciate the support and commitment to our kids,” she added.

Designated library staff assist the schools with understanding and facilitating their programs. Morgan said the library provides all administrative-level support, such as contracting with the schools, creating and distributing each year’s book lists and rules, administering mock battles, and fielding questions. Team creation and practices are left to the schools. Once the tournament begins, DCL facilitates the battles and provides the battle and district finals locations, as well as blog support and championship trophies.

“Not all kids are meant to be, or want to be, athletes,” said Morgan. “Battle of the Books gives those kids the opportunity to represent their schools with pride, and to be able to participate in a competitive event that doesn’t require athletic ability.”

Page to Stage

This spring marks the library’s 14^th consecutive year of taking children’s theater to students in Douglas County schools through Page to Stage. Each literature-based production reaches kids in 40-50 elementary schools, promoting reading and providing entertaining interpretations of classic stories like “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Peter Pan,” and this year’s production of “The Jungle Book.”

In partnership with Front Range Theatre Company of Castle Rock, DCL will facilitate approximately 50 school performances of “The Jungle Book” this spring, from April 1 to May 24. Six free library performances, which are open to the public, will take place between April 17 and May 9.

“It is always such a treat to bring something like this to the students here, and I am just so thankful that DCL and Page to Stage partner up to offer something like this to the schools,” said Bear Canyon Elementary School Teacher Nancy Kinjorski.

One parent remarked that even though last year’s Page to Stage came to her daughter’s school the day before the library performance in Castle Rock, her daughter insisted they see it again.

Page to Stage was performed for nearly 10,000 Douglas County School District students in 2018 and an additional 200 patrons at DCL branch events.

For more information on Battle of the Books and Page to Stage, visit DCL.org or call (303) 791-7323.

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

Battle of the Books district finals are always exciting for student competitors.

After six weeks of fierce book-based battles, winning feels—and looks—good!

Douglas County Libraries partnered with Front Range Theatre Company to bring “Peter Pan” to libraries in 2018.

Kids experience the magic of children’s theater through Page to Stage.