For immediate release: April 18, 2019

When local blogger Amy Scott Grant decided to boldly explore the craft of fiction writing in 2012, the first thing she did was check out Douglas County Libraries’ website for resources. There, she discovered a free fiction writing workshop and the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) contest. It was the beginning of “Annabel the Lost,” Grant’s recently published juvenile fiction novel.

NaNoWriMo challenges aspiring authors to write an entire novel—50,000 words—in one month, November. The New York Times bestseller “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen was a NaNoWriMo novel.

Four Douglas County Libraries (DCL) branches hosted the contest in 2012: Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker. Each branch held special events during the month to help the writers accomplish the challenge. Winning manuscripts from contestants at each branch were then judged to determine one districtwide winner.

“I didn’t even have an idea for a novel, but that [writing] workshop really prepared me to start plotting a story, developing characters … essentially everything I needed to start writing,” said Grant, who participated in Castle Rock’s contest.

Following the recommendations of the writing workshop instructor, Grant set clear and specific goals for herself and carved out time every day to write. She pushed herself beyond the goal of writing 50,000 words in 30 days to finishing with 94,662 words. “I achieved more than I ever thought possible,” she said.

Grant’s story of fourth grader Annabel Parsons was DCL’s districtwide winner. Her prize package included professional manuscript editing and an ISBN number. At the time, Grant didn’t feel like the book was ready. After what she described as an overwhelming editing process, she set it aside to focus on other work. It wasn’t until late 2018 when she decided to finish the book and bring it to market.

In addition to her now-published middle-grade novel, Grant has written 10 nonfiction books. She is one of several local authors who will be featured at DCL’s upcoming Local Author Showcase on Saturday, April 27, at the library’s Highlands Ranch location (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.).

DCL regularly hosts writing workshops and local author events, giving readers and aspiring writers a chance to hear from published authors in their own communities about their work and experiences.

To learn more about DCL’s Local Author Showcase and other author events, visit DCL.org/authors-events or call (303) 791-7323.

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

Local Author Amy Scott GrantPhoto courtesy of Amy Scott Grant.

A writing workshop and contest through DCL inspired Amy Scott Grant’s first middle-grade novel, “Annabel the Lost.”

Kids enjoyed a word search activity at the author’s March 2019 book launch party at DCL in Castle Pines, Grant’s local library branch. Photo courtesy of Amy Scott Grant.

Local author Amy Scott Grant signed copies of her book for kids at her book launch party in March at DCL’s Castle Pines location. Photo courtesy of Amy Scott Grant.

For immediate release: April 16, 2019

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is thrilled to host a spring graduation ceremony for adults completing their high school equivalency at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at the library’s Lone Tree location (10055 Library Way). The graduates prepared with the help of volunteer tutors in DCL’s Adult Literacy Program, the library’s Douglas County School District (DSCD) partners, and the DCSD Oakes GED Center.

DCL’s Adult Literacy Program provides support and resources to adults needing to complete their high school credentials. “We’re so excited to graduate seven individuals this spring—our biggest graduation yet,” said DCL Adult Literacy Specialist Tiffany Curtin.

Graduates range in age from 17-45 and earned their diplomas between December 2018 and April 2019. One student, a former accountant in Mexico, found the math section easy but was able to work on her English fluency while also preparing for the exams. Another graduate plans to join the Air National Guard and learn airplane mechanics, while two others have plans to become barbers.

The Douglas County community is invited to celebrate the accomplishments of all seven graduates at the cap and gown ceremony on April 28. The event will feature guest and graduate speakers, followed by a reception with light refreshments.

In addition to its high school equivalency tutoring and test prep program, DCL offers qualifying students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma through the Career Online High School (COHS) program. The library also partners with campus navigators at Arapahoe Community College who are available to help students develop a path forward after receiving their GED or COHS diploma.

For more information about DCL’s adult education and test prep programs and services, visit DCL.org/adult-education or call (303) 791-7323.

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

DCL Adult Literacy Specialist Tiffany Curtin recognizes the accomplishment of GED graduate Kobe Glimpse in 2018.

DCL celebrated two GED graduates in a December 2018 cap and gown ceremony. The 2019 graduation includes seven graduates, the most so far for the library.

The high school equivalency graduation ceremony brings families together to celebrate.

The graduation ceremony marks the start of the next step for high school equivalency graduates.

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.