For immediate release August 3, 2016:
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in Parker will celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The beautifully appointed new building, located at 20105 East Mainstreet, is the last of DCL’s three new locations to open — capping a successful campaign to launch dynamic new libraries and services that enhance lifelong learning.
The Grand Opening ceremony at 11 a.m. will include remarks from DCL Executive Director Bob Pasicznyuk, Parker Branch Manager Amy Long, and Town of Parker Mayor Mike Waid, as well as the hitching post dedication to Parker’s Kime family. A few other fun surprises are planned!
Prior to the library’s opening ceremony, a community bookworm will happen from 9-11 a.m. This human chain will help move the last books from the old location to the new one. Everyone in the community is invited to participate in this 0.8-mile chain, and registration is required at DouglasCountyLibraries.org/NewsEvents. We’ll use a drone to capture aerial photos and the bookworm’s progress along the route.
Once open, the library will host ongoing activities throughout the day, and light refreshments will be served. Three Storytimes are planned at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
“The Grand Opening will be an event to remember — the perfect opportunity for the community to build new memories in a more patron-friendly space,” says Branch Manager Amy Long. “We’ve added new materials to the collection, but more importantly, we’ve greatly expanded the space for patrons to sit, read, study and meet. We can’t wait to show them around!”
With nearly 42,000 square feet of space on two stories, there’s something for everyone at this library. Kids can enjoy a dedicated area for interactive play and Storytimes, all library cardholders can play (or work) in the digital creativity lab, and students and professionals can collaborate in high-tech study rooms and meeting spaces. The lounge features café-style seating and laptop vending, and the adjacent learning commons offers adults and students the space to engage in diverse learning activities. The upstairs den with fireplace offers a quiet respite from the more well-traveled areas of the building.
Patrons will also enjoy the library’s drive-through book drop and increased parking — approximately 163 spaces at the building, with more accessible in an adjoining park.
“The Parker community loves its library, but hasn’t always loved how difficult it’s been to get in and out of. We designed the new building with them in mind, providing much more parking; easier browsing of materials; nearly triple the space to sit and stay awhile; and more study rooms, meeting rooms and event space,” Long says.
The current library location will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, in preparation for the move to the new building. Storytimes during the closure will be held at the Parker Schoolhouse, 19650 E. Mainstreet, at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 6-22.
Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.