For immediate release January 26, 2017:

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is hosting its second annual Collectible & Antiquarian Book Sale February 11 and 12 at its Highlands Ranch – James H. LaRue branch, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd.

The special sale takes place Saturday, February 11, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, February 12, from 1-4 p.m. in the Shea meeting rooms on the first floor of the library.

Book lovers will find “sweet deals” on a variety of items, including new and used antique books, first editions, volume sets, signed copies, collectible children’s books, and other unique items, as well as CDs and DVDs.

“Attendees will enjoy the variety of books available at this sale,” says Kim McClintock, branch volunteer coordinator at DCL in Highlands Ranch. “We’ll have everything from childhood favorites, to art and photography books, to classics that can be displayed on their bookshelves at home.”

Book prices are based on industry standard values, rarity and condition, and are then deeply discounted for sale. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, which supports programs that reach youth, adults and families in Douglas County and across Colorado and helps ensure the long-term success of DCL’s libraries.

Credit cards and cash will be accepted, and volunteers will be on hand to help buyers carry purchases to their cars.

In addition to this annual book sale, DCL offers books, CDs and DVDs for purchase year-round in its Second Chapter Used Bookstores.

For more information, visit DCL.org/used-book-sales or call 303-791-7323.

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

For immediate release December 8, 2016:

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is looking for volunteer tutors for its English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The majority of students in this program, part of DCL’s Adult Literacy Program, are adult English-language learners with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

In this learner-centered program, volunteers and their students work together to establish goals that fit the lives and interests of each unique student. Tutors are encouraged to build on each student’s current wisdom, interests and knowledge to help them communicate more effectively and confidently.

Tutors are matched with students who have compatible availability and skills, and are not required to speak the language of their students. Ideally, volunteer tutors have a passion for learning and can meet their students at one of DCL’s libraries during normal operating hours for at least one hour per week for six months. Tutors must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent and preferably some college. The need for tutors is highest at DCL’s Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker branches. Orientations for new volunteers are offered every other month, with optional training and workshops available periodically.

“English-language learners in our program have gained the confidence to enter the workforce and re-enter their professional careers,” says Tiffany Curtin, adult literacy specialist at DCL. “Some have gained the confidence to order meals on their own for the first time; become empowered to meet with their children’s teachers; and gained the confidence to speak in their children’s classrooms,” she adds.

DCL also seeks tutors to help adults working on completing their high school equivalency diplomas, such as the GED or TASC, as well as native English speakers who are learning to read and write.

Interested volunteers can register for an Adult Literacy Program Volunteer Orientation through VolunteerConnectDC.org. For more information, visit DCL.org/Volunteer or call 303-791-7323.

Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.

For immediate release November 17, 2016:

Tuesday, December 6, 2016, is Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide celebration of philanthropy that benefits Colorado nonprofits through online giving. When Douglas County residents donate to the Douglas County Libraries (DCL) Foundation, they’re making a direct impact on funding for programs and services that reach youth, adults and families in Douglas County and across Colorado, including:

• Cuddle Up & Read, where we partner with area hospitals to introduce new parents and their babies to the library and early literacy, setting the stage for lifelong learning.
• Interactive Storytimes, which prepare youngsters to read.
• Battle of the Books, where kids in grades 3-6 engage in reading-based competitions that promote comprehension and knowledge.
• Kids’ camps that keep kids active and learning during school breaks.
• Summer Reading, which keeps kids mentally engaged all summer long.
• Programs for seniors, which help keep these individuals intellectually engaged and contributing to their communities well into their golden years.

Our seven libraries are critical to education, neighborhood development, workforce development, and economic development.

When residents schedule their donation to the DCL Foundation for Tuesday, December 6, the giving goes even further! DCL earns part of a $1 million incentive fund that’s based on the single day’s donations, and that helps DCL add the magic to our programs and services and build bright futures.

Visit the Douglas County Libraries Foundation profile on ColoradoGives.org to schedule a donation for Colorado Gives Day, Tuesday, December 6. For more information, visit DCL.org/Colorado-gives-day or call (303) 791-7323.

Colorado Gives Day is presented by Community First Foundation and FirstBank.

Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.

For immediate release October 21, 2016:

Castle Rock’s “lighting of the star,” presented by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, is a community event with a storied history dating back to 1936. This year’s Starlighting event takes place on Saturday, November 19, and Douglas County History Research Center (DCHRC) is seeking photos and other historical documentation of the star and this event from Douglas County residents for its Starlighting collection.

“The library is not just a place of learning, it’s also a place of history for all Douglas County residents,” says Adam Speirs, archivist with DCHRC, a service of Douglas County Libraries. “We want to build on that history by developing a more robust Starlighting collection.”

Of particular interest, says Speirs, are photos of the star following World War II. When the war ended on August 14, 1945, the star was converted into a V for victory—reportedly the first and only time it was lit as something other than a star. “We would love for residents to dig out their old photos, as well as their more current ones, and share them with us,” Speirs says.

Photos and other documents can be uploaded directly to the DCHRC’s website at DouglasCountyHistory.org beginning November 10. Residents can provide details on their photo/document submissions via an online form on the same page. They may also visit the DCHRC at Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock (Philip S. Miller branch, 100 S. Wilcox St.) with their historical pieces as well.

The Douglas County History Research Center collects and preserves the history of Douglas County, the High Plains, the Divide area of the Front Range, and the State of Colorado in order to provide historical research resources to the public. For more information, call 303-688-7730.

Douglas County Libraries will host Starlighting Santa and Puppet Shows and History of the Castle Rock Star at its Castle Rock branch to coincide with the Castle Rock Starlighting. Visit the Castle Rock location page at DCL.org and click on Castle Rock Events Calendar for more information or to register.

Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.