For immediate release: July 24, 2018

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is pleased to announce that the Douglas County Libraries Foundation has received a $2,500 donation from the Ross Stores Foundation for Ross Stores, Inc. The gift was presented to Douglas County Libraries Foundation Chair Tera Radloff at the grand opening celebration of the new Ross Dress for Less retail location at 1361 New Beale St. in Castle Rock on Saturday, July 21.

This donation will support the work of Douglas County Libraries Foundation at the library’s Castle Rock location, including helping kids have access to books, author visits, and activities like Storytime, Camp DCL, and the library’s annual Summer Reading Program. The Foundation provides:

• Scholarships for Camp DCL’s spring and summer camps, which provide unique learning experiences and hands-on fun for kids ages 6-12.
• Support for DCL’s Summer Reading Program, a fun program that keeps kids reading through summer break to help build a strong foundation in literacy.
• Funding for literacy-based programs like Cuddle Up & Read, which provides new parents with a meaningful introduction to the library and its early literacy services.

“We are so excited to receive this gift from Ross Stores Foundation,” said Foundation Chair Tera Radloff. “It will help DCL’s Castle Rock library continue to provide great services and experiences to kids and have a lasting impact on our patrons there.”

About 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 Douglas County Libraries. The seven libraries in the district are critical to education, neighborhood development, workforce development, and economic development. For more information and to donate, visit DCL.org/foundation.

About Ross Stores, Inc. and Ross Stores Foundation

Since 1982, Ross Stores, Inc. has been focused on bringing customers a constant stream of high quality department and specialty store brands at extraordinary savings. In 2013, Ross Stores, Inc. established the Ross Stores Foundation to help achieve its philanthropic mission to invest in the communities in which Ross stores operate and to build competence, confidence and character in young people through its partnerships with local organizations.

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

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.

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.

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.