Douglas County Libraries Foundation Awards First-ever Scholarships

Posted on September 1, 2026 by melissa

For immediate release: September 1, 2026

Three student volunteers were recognized for their commitment and community service.

This summer, the Douglas County Libraries Foundation awarded its first-ever scholarships to three 2026 high school graduates who demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through volunteering at Douglas County Libraries.

Swatiswagatika Nayak, Raga Vempati, and Tabor Jensen each received a $1,000 scholarship to support their educational pursuits. The Foundation scholarships recognize students who have given their time and talents to the library while encouraging them to continue their commitment to civic engagement.

To be eligible, scholarship applicants needed to graduate from high school in 2026, complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service with Douglas County Libraries, and submit a completed scholarship application and essay.

According to Jaime Gotlieb, Community Services and Partnerships Manager at Douglas County Libraries, the selection process was competitive and the Foundation board was thrilled to recognize the three student volunteers.

Douglas County Libraries Foundation looks forward to supporting future generations of community-minded students through its scholarship program. To learn more, visit DCL.org/foundation.

About Douglas County Libraries Foundation

Douglas County Libraries Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit. The Foundation delivers funding and resources to help sustain Douglas County Libraries and positively impact our community members so they can grow and thrive. Learn more at DCL.org/foundation.

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

DCL Foundation members presented scholarships to three 2026 high school graduates: Swatiswagatika Nayak (front left), Raga Vempati (front right), and Tabor Jensen (not pictured). Foundation board members pictured (left to right in back): Suzanne Burkholder, Rochelle Logan, Krystie Baker, Pamela Page, Elaine McCain, Dawn Vaughn and Joli Murphy.

Douglas County Libraries Kicks Off Annual Brew Tour with Community Celebration

Posted on August 10, 2026 by melissa

For immediate release: August 10, 2026

Douglas County Libraries kicked off its annual Brew Tour on Saturday, August 1, with a lively celebration to mark the start of one of the library’s most anticipated seasonal events. Sponsored by the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, the tour invites participants to sip their way across Douglas County from August 1 through September 30, discovering local breweries, coffee shops, and tea cafes while earning prizes and supporting locally owned businesses.

“Our goal with the Brew Tour is to extend the library experience beyond our walls by bringing events into the community and involving local businesses,” said Elaine McCain, Douglas County Libraries Foundation Chair. “We believe it’s important to reach out to our community and provide the exposure and experiences to those who might think libraries are just about books.”

The August 1 kickoff party, sponsored by Aloha Fund, featured refreshing brews, food truck bites, giveaways, and an outdoor concert on the Aloha Plaza West at the library’s Castle Rock location.

With more than 15 featured beverage stops, the Brew Tour offers something for every taste. Participants log visits to partner establishments and attend exclusive DCL-hosted events and Power Hours at select library and brewery locations to accrue points toward prizes and rewards.

In 2025, the Brew Tour generated over $36,000 in partner brewery sales and nearly $17,000 for coffee shop partners during its two-month run. That economic impact was matched by an equally powerful social one. The library hosted 50 Brew Tour events for more than 1,700 guests. In total, the tour counted over 2,300 registrants with more than 3,400 prizes awarded.

“Past years have shown that this event is well-attended by the community, reinforcing the value of the Foundation’s continued support and participation,” said McCain.

Participating in the Brew Tour is free. Visit DCL.org/brew-tour to learn more and sign up. Must be 18 or older to participate, and 21 or older to consume alcohol.

2026 Brew Tour Partners

3 Freaks Brewery, Highlands Ranch

Alidade Brewing, Castle Rock

Atlas Coffee, Sterling Ranch

Castle Rock Collective, Castle Rock

Convict Coffee Company, Parker

Deja Brew Coffee and Print, Parker

Downhill Brewing, Parker and Greenwood Village

Enchanted Grounds Coffeehouse, Highlands Ranch

Fika Coffee House, Parker (two locations)

Iron Mule Brewery, Castle Rock

Living the Dream Brewing Company, Highlands Ranch and Sterling Ranch

Lone Tree Brewing Company, Lone Tree

Parker Pour House, Parker

Rockyard Brewing Company, Castle Rock

Teaology Tea Café, Castle Rock

Ziggi’s Coffee, Castle Pines

About Douglas County Libraries Foundation

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

Good times were shared at the kickoff to DCL’s Brew Tour on August 1 in Castle Rock.

Party-goers enjoyed craft brews from participating partners.

Kickoff activities were enjoyed on the library’s Aloha Plaza East as well.

Guests enjoyed fresh brews and live music on Aloha Plaza West in Castle Rock.

Douglas County Libraries Is Growing in Northwest Douglas County

Posted on August 4, 2026 by melissa

For immediate release: August 4, 2026

Library groundbreaking to take place August 26.

Douglas County Libraries is excited to start construction on a new library facility in the Sterling Ranch area, which will serve customers in Sterling Ranch and Roxborough well into the future. A ceremonial groundbreaking will take place Wednesday, August 26, at 10 a.m. at 8285 Piney River Avenue in Littleton, Colorado. DCL leadership, local dignitaries, and community leaders will be on hand for the project kickoff.

In response to growth in the northwest corridor of the county, the new 18,000-square-foot library will offer the full spectrum of library services, meeting spaces, events and activities the expanding community demands, along with dedicated on-site parking and a drive-up book return.

Construction by Fransen Pittman General Contractors of Englewood, Colo., will require 12-15 months. DCL has contracted with OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for library design.

Visit DCL.org/build to learn more about the library project.

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

The new library will house more meeting spaces, including an event hall, two conference rooms, five study rooms, and other spaces for connection.

The library will offer outdoor spaces for gathering or quiet reflection, including a terrace and covered plaza. The plans also include dedicated on-site parking.

Consistent with other DCL libraries, the new location will extend library space to the outdoors.

Customers visiting the new location will enjoy scenic views and comfortable amenities from the terrace.

Library Exhibit Celebrates Douglas County’s Food and Farming Heritage

Posted on July 29, 2026 by melissa

For immediate release: July 29, 2026

Douglas County Libraries invites visitors to explore the county’s culinary and agricultural history in its new freestanding exhibit, From the Archives: The Well-fed West – The Story of Food, Farming and Community in Douglas County. The exhibit is on display August 1-September 13 at DCL’s Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker locations.

Curated by Douglas County Libraries Archives and Local History, the Well-fed West features stories of the places, people and traditions that helped feed and nourish Douglas County for generations, from Indigenous foragers and early homesteads to bustling creameries, soda fountains, community picnics, and favorite local saloons and eateries. Visitors will discover surprising stories, memorable characters, and interesting history along the way.

The free exhibit is on display for a limited time at libraries in Castle Rock (100 S. Wilcox Street), Highlands Ranch (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.), Lone Tree (10055 Library Way) and Parker (20105 East Mainstreet). Open during normal library operating hours, and no registration required. Learn more at DCL.org.

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

The 20 Mile House and Barn in Parker served as a roadside stop and post office en route to the Pike’s Peak region.

Community picnics brought Douglas County residents together from as early as the late 19th century. Pictured: Picnic-goers at the Melvin picnic grounds near Parker, circa 1890-1910.

The ranching and dairying industries were well-suited to the region’s climate and landscape.

By the late 19th century, dairy farming had become a cornerstone of Douglas County’s economy, with creameries such as the Creamery at Parker operating across the county.

The Van Lopik Drug Store cart was well-known for advertising ice cream.

Library’s Annual Gala Supports Literacy, Learning and Connection

Posted on July 15, 2026 by melissa

For immediate release: July 15, 2026

Douglas County Libraries and the DCL Foundation invite the community to an exceptional evening of celebration and support at the 11th annual Fête des Fables Gala: Snow White. The event will be held Friday, September 25, at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion, with proceeds benefiting the DCL Foundation and its work to deliver funding and resources that support important library services and programs.

This year’s gala is inspired by the dark tale of beauty, envy and power in the classic fairy tale. Guests will enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, curated cocktails, an elegant dinner, tempting desserts, unique tasting experiences, axe-throwing, live entertainment, and an exhibition-style jewelry artist, plus gifts and giveaways.

Additional experiences include a classic silent auction featuring exclusive packages, a wine pull, and a glam station that offers guests a glow-up.

“Our annual gala is a wonderful celebration of a classic story and is the sole event that the DCL Foundation hosts to raise funds to help support library programs and ensure our libraries serve our communities well into the future,” said Jaime Gotlieb, Community Services and Partnerships Manager at Douglas County Libraries.

“So many people and sponsors come together each year to help bring this magical night to life. We’re especially grateful to this year’s presenting sponsors, Fransen Pittman and Sterling Ranch Development Company,” Gotlieb said.

Some of the library programs and services supported by the DCL Foundation include camp scholarships and educational support, Operation Paperback, Summer Reading, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Cuddle Up and Read, and Forest of Stories.

Fête des Fables details and tickets are available at DCL.org/fete-des-fables.

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

About Douglas County Libraries Foundation

Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Foundation support, DCL provides free books to Douglas County kids from birth to age 5, inspiring a lifelong love of reading.

Guests enjoy a fine dining experience and good company in celebration and support of the work of the DCL Foundation.

Guests and friends capture the magic of Fête des Fables through fun photo ops.

The gala’s classic silent auction features an array of unique items and packages that guests can bid on to win.

Summer Reading at Douglas County Libraries is one of several programs that receives Foundation funding and resources to positively impact community members.