Library Renovations Set to Begin in Highlands Ranch

Posted on December 6, 2018 by melissa

For immediate release: December 4, 2018

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is renovating its Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue, library to better serve Highlands Ranch residents and the growing community. Starting Wednesday, December 19, 2018, through March 31, 2019, the library will be closed for renovations; however, limited services will be available during the main building closure.

Building updates, which are based on community feedback, will be implemented by Fransen Pittman General Contractors of Englewood, Colo., and OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Once complete, the renovated library will better serve the community through:

Increased square footage for public use.
Additional space for families and tutoring.
Larger civic, event and kids’ spaces.
Technology borrowing through a Tech It Out kiosk.
New shelving and reorganized collections for better browsing.
Improved outdoor experiences, including a shade structure on the second-floor deck overlooking Civic Green Park.
And more.

“The library is a lovely place, but right now it doesn’t function as well as it could for some things, like Storytime,” said DCL’s Highlands Ranch Branch Manager Tammy Clausen. “This project will fix that by expanding the children’s area to accommodate our Storytime crowds. It will also expand the space for families and the full second floor for adults. It will increase the amount of public space, so patrons will see parts of the library they’ve never seen before. Everyone will find their spot within the library.”

The drive-up book return, which was updated in November to accommodate full-size cars, will remain open throughout the renovation project. Limited services, such as holds pickup (including Book Club Express and Interlibrary Loan), returns, and very limited browsing, will also be available during the main building closure: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Clausen said DCL purposely chose the winter months for the renovation because it impacts the least amount of people. “Summer is our busiest time and kids count on the Summer Reading Program,” she said, adding that people in Highlands Ranch will still be able to access library materials through DCL.org and holds pickup, or by visiting other DCL locations.

Beginning January 2-March 29, 2019, the library’s morning Storytimes will be held Monday-Friday at the Recreation Center at Westridge (9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80129). There will be no Storytime on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings during the closure, and no Storytime at all on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. More information about Storytime at Highlands Ranch as well as other DCL locations can be found at DCL.org/storytime.

The updated library will retain features that are important to the community, including the Second Chapter Used Bookstore, an updated commemorative book wall, and the Veterans’ display case.

According to Clausen, “There will be no reduction in the library’s collection. In fact, we will get to reopen the branch with a bunch of new materials.”

DCL in Highlands Ranch is scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 1, 2019. For more information on the library renovation project, including architectural renderings, visit DCL.org/renovations or call 303-791-7323.

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

Fundraising twist in library reading program pays off for local nonprofit, schools

Posted on September 4, 2018January 27, 2021 by melissa

For immediate release: September 4, 2018

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) and the Douglas County Libraries Foundation were thrilled to present donations in August to three Douglas County schools and the Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock. The donations were made possible by the Douglas County community’s overwhelming participation in a friendly fundraising competition among schools and a countywide reading challenge as part of the library’s Summer Reading Program: Escape to Neverland.

“We’re so excited to present these checks to our local schools and the Buddy Center,” said DCL Foundation Chair Tera Radloff. “Through DCL’s reading program, we challenged school kids and readers of all ages and they really stepped up to make a difference for these deserving organizations.”

The elementary, middle and high school with the most sign-ups for the library’s Summer Reading Program through July 31 were each awarded $250 toward their school’s 2018-2019 fundraising goals. The winning schools were Ben Franklin Academy in Highlands Ranch, Cimarron Middle School in Parker, and STEM School in Highlands Ranch.

“We’re so proud of our kids,” said Ben Franklin Academy Principal Diana Simpson. She was joined by a group of second-graders in the school library for the Foundation’s check presentation. “We’re especially proud of them for reading all summer,” added Simpson.

“We’re truly appreciative of our partnership with Douglas County Libraries and our local library here in Highlands Ranch,” said STEM School Director Leanne Weyman. “The library is fabulous, and it’s right down the street. Our students are able to walk there after school and utilize many of their resources,” she added.

Reading program participants of all ages were also challenged to meet a community goal of 7 million minutes of reading, which, if met, would benefit the Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock through a $500 DCL Foundation donation. The community not only met that goal, but they exceeded it by 178,515 minutes.

Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center Director Matt Levien received the Foundation’s donation on behalf of the Buddy Center. “It was so cool and overwhelming to see how the community responded to what we do here at the Buddy Center,” said Levien. “We have a wonderful community that is so supportive, and we couldn’t do what we do without that support.”

“The school contest and community reading challenge were such fun ways to not only get everyone reading a little more than they might otherwise read during the summer, but to also get them invested in great causes, one that would directly benefit kids through their schools, the other that would benefit animals in need in our community,” said DCL’s Special Events Coordinator Kristen Kallio. “It was a win-win for everyone.”

The library’s annual Summer Reading Program encourages reading from a young age and keeps kids reading during school breaks, so they grow up with a strong foundation in literacy. Good Times and Garden of the Gods generously sponsored the program’s sign-up prizes this year.

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

Representatives of DCL and DCL Foundation presented Buddy Center Director Matt Levien with a $500 donation thanks to the community's overwhelming response to the library's summer reading challenge.

Ben Franklin Academy Principal Diana Simpson, center, and a 2nd-grade student representative received their summer reading school contest prize from DCL's Kristen Kallio.

Student leaders from the STEM School in Highlands Ranch received their summer reading contest prize.

Cimarron Middle School Principal Chris Zimmerman, left, and Library Specialist Carol Oliver were flanked by students in the school library to claim their summer reading contest winnings.

Douglas County Libraries Adds Film Streaming Service, Kanopy

Posted on August 7, 2018 by melissa

For immediate release: August 6, 2018

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is pleased to announce that the popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free to DCL cardholders. Library patrons can access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming films instantly by visiting DCL.kanopy.com. Access includes four free plays per month per library card.

Offering what the New York Times calls “a garden of cinematic delights,” Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema with collections from Kino Lorber, Music Box Films, Samuel Goldwyn, The Orchard, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers.

“Kanopy picks up where Hulu and Netflix leave off,” said DCL Collection Development Librarian Andrea Wyant. “With over 30,000 films, their collection is rich and deep. From films for toddlers to highbrow cinephiles, Kanopy has it covered. Plus, they have full closed captioning and transcripts for most of their collection, with screening rights included. Teachers, rejoice!”

With the motto of “thoughtful entertainment,” Kanopy provides DCL patrons with access to films of unique social and cultural value, films that are often difficult or impossible to access elsewhere, and programming that features diversity and current affairs.

Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku.

For more information, visit DCL.org/digital-media or call 303-791-7323.

ABOUT KANOPY

Kanopy was founded in 2008 by CEO Olivia Humphrey as an educational tool for colleges and universities. More than 5 million Kanopy users stream the most acclaimed movies and documentaries from award-winning filmmakers, and experience the best in independent, classic film, and world cinema.

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

Douglas County Libraries Foundation Accepts Donation from Ross Stores Foundation

Posted on July 24, 2018 by melissa

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.

Volunteer Connect Douglas County Celebrates 10,000-Volunteer Milestone

Posted on July 20, 2018 by melissa

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.