Douglas County Libraries announces the launch of its new exhibit, From the Archives: Murder, Mayhem and Moonshine, a fascinating look at the scandalous side of local history. The exhibit is on display August 12-September 8 at DCL’s Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and Parker locations. Visitors are invited to explore the intriguing tales of the notorious figures who left an indelible mark on the region.

Featuring artifacts, gripping stories, and photos from DCL’s Archives & Local History, Douglas County History Repository and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, this exhibit delves into the turbulent era of Prohibition and bootlegging, crimes of passion, cattle rustling, kidnapping and murder, and daring jailbreaks that made a mark on the community. It also highlights the local lawmen who sought to bring perpetrators to justice.

Don’t miss this peek into the past, on display for a short time. The exhibit is free and open during normal library operating hours. Registration is not required. Visit DCL.org/murder-mayhem-moonshine for more information.

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

A “small fire” started as a diversion to a jailbreak attempt destroyed the historic Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock in 1978.

Jailed car thief Isaac DeBaca used hair oil as lubricant to squeeze through the bars to freedom. Sheriff John Hammond caught him in the act.

Chicago gangster turned Colorado rancher Louis “Diamond Jack” Alterie (front row, sixth from left) was one of the most notorious local bootleggers of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Sheriff John Hammond and his horse, Penny, riding out of the El Paso County jail.

Mug shot of Joseph Corbett, Jr., who was convicted in 1961 of murdering Adolph Coors III. Coors’ remains were found near Sedalia in Douglas County.

For immediate release: May 13, 2024

Pre-register now for fun and prizes at DCL.org

Douglas County Libraries invites the community to Flock to the Library for this year’s vibrant Summer Reading celebration, June 1-July 31. Readers of all ages may now register for the annual celebration at DCL.org/summer-reading, with the official kickoff on Saturday, June 1.

“Our goal with summer reading is to inspire and foster the love of reading, no matter your age. But, of course, we want to make it fun, too, because it should be. We’ve got a lot of fun events and activities in store for our participants this summer, and some nice prizes,” said Kristen Kallio, Special Events Supervisor at DCL.

All participants who register for Flock to the Library will be entered into DCL’s Fly Away prize drawings for a $500 Southwest Airlines gift card. Three winners will be drawn in August. Registered participants also receive other fun prizes for signing up, like discounted Colorado Rapids tickets for select games, plus reading logs and a special, limited-time gift at a kickoff on Saturday, June 1, while supplies last. The special gift is available only on June 1, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at any DCL location. Finishing prizes are available beginning June 3, while supplies last.

K-12 students are encouraged to sign up and help their schools earn a $500 prize in the program’s friendly annual school contest. The schools at each level with the most sign-ups receive the prize donation courtesy of Douglas County Libraries Foundation.

Flock to the Library participants of all ages can also log minutes online to help meet this year’s community challenge of 9.5 million minutes read. If the goal is met, Douglas County Libraries Foundation will donate $1,000 to HawkQuest of Parker, a nonprofit whose mission is to make education both meaningful and fun, while creating an atmosphere that fosters respect for the land and for the stewardship of all living things.

To learn more and register for Flock to the Library and related events, visit DCL.org/summer-reading.

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

Flock to the Library summer reading kicks off June 1 with a special prize pickup kickoff at all locations.

Visit any DCL location Saturday, June 1, for summer reading fun!

Register for Flock to the Library and visit any DCL location starting June 1 to pick up sign-up prizes and reading logs for all ages.

Summer reading offers prizes, giveaways, bird-themed events and activities, a community reading challenge, friendly K-12 school contest, and more!

For immediate release: January 17, 2024

On January 9, 2024, the Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees approved the library’s 2024 budget with an estimated taxpayer savings of $5 million. This budget approval will help sustain library services and quality, while temporarily lowering the library’s tax levy this year.

In response to escalating tax assessments in Douglas County, the library’s Board of Trustees limited revenue growth to the rate of inflation and within the library’s historic average of about 6% each year. This temporary change is expected to result in estimated savings of over $5 million for Douglas County taxpayers.

After being called into special session by Governor Polis in November 2023 over the statewide escalation of property taxes, the Colorado Legislature changed the state’s property tax appraisal rates and added deductions setting back county assessor support to determine the library’s 2024 revenue. Rather than completing the budget in early December 2023, the board passed the library’s budget and allocated funding on January 9, 2024.

Visit DCL.org/board for more board and budget-related information.

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

DCL Board of Trustees President Suzanne Burkholder addresses guests at the November 2023 naming ceremony for the new Philip and Jerry Miller Library in Castle Rock.

DCL continues to provide quality spaces and offerings that surprise and delight.

DCL’s 2024 budget approval ensures library customers experience the premier library experience they expect through quality service, spaces, and materials.

DCL's 2024 budget approval will help sustain library services and quality for all community members.

For immediate release: January 12, 2024

Douglas County Libraries customers reached a major milestone in 2023: 1.4 million e-books and audiobooks were borrowed during the year. This milestone highlights DCL’s commitment to serving the community in innovative ways, including through its large catalog of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content.

“We love that we are meeting users where they are, and that we’re providing formats that work for our customers both inside and outside the library,” said DCL Collection Development Librarian Angie Brown.

DCL has offered 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks through OverDrive and the Libby reading app for many years but saw a 16% increase in checkouts last year, with the library hitting the one-million checkout mark earlier than ever before, in mid-September, Brown said.

DCL’s highest-circulating title in OverDrive was “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, in audiobook format. The most popular e-book was “Happy Place” by Emily Henry.

All readers need to access digital books from DCL is a valid library card, and they can use any major device, including Apple, Android, Chromebook and Kindle.

Readers may access DCL’s digital library at DCL.org/digital-media or via the library’s catalog.

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

Douglas County Libraries continues to meet customer needs and expectations through a large catalog of digital content, with digital checkouts topping 1 million in 2023.

Douglas County Libraries continues to meet customer needs and expectations through a large catalog of digital content, with digital checkouts topping 1 million in 2023.

Douglas County Libraries continues to meet customer needs and expectations through a large catalog of digital content, with digital checkouts topping 1 million in 2023.

Douglas County Libraries continues to meet customer needs and expectations through a large catalog of digital content, with digital checkouts topping 1 million in 2023.

For immediate release: November 15, 2023

150-plus decorated trees at all DCL locations celebrate the joy of stories

Douglas County Libraries’ festive Forest of Stories returns to all library locations November 19 through January 6. Presented by Douglas County Libraries Foundation, the free, interactive exhibit of decorated, book-themed trees includes more than 150 trees decked in beloved stories, from favorite children’s tales to classic literature, crime thrillers, horror, comedy, mysteries, larger-than-life characters, and more.

Forest of Stories is free and open during library operating hours, no ticket or registration required. Families looking for kid-friendly entertainment and tree-peeping opportunities over the holidays and upcoming school breaks can find something to enjoy at every location.

“I just love this event!” said Elaine McCain, Chair of Douglas County Libraries Foundation, the presenting sponsor of this year’s exhibit. “Forest of Stories is a wonderful community event that is accessible to everyone—no tickets are required. Library customers of all ages can experience the joy of stories through amazing decorated trees set to sparkle for the holidays,” said McCain.

Every division in DCL has helped bring this immersive, districtwide display to life, including library volunteers who have donated time to fluff, decorate, and assist with tree installations.

Visitors will find different themed trees at each library location, some decked with life-size trimmings, memorabilia, and artifacts, among other unique details. Each location also features trees representing the individual library communities and DCL’s Archives & Local History. All community members are invited to explore every location to see all 150-plus book-themed trees and discover their favorites.

Forest of Stories is part of DCL’s popular Booked for the Holidays event offerings, providing festive holiday entertainment options for families and the entire community throughout the season.

For more information on Forest of Stories and the themed trees at each location, visit DCL.org/forest-of-stories.

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

Forest of Stories brings great characters to life.

Story-specific details make for must-see trees.

The Witches are in there!

It wouldn't be a party without The Great Gatsby.

"From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere." - Dr. Seuss

You're not dreaming. Sparkling, book-themed trees are featured at all DCL locations.