For immediate release July 25, 2016:

Douglas County Libraries Seeks Storytellers

Douglas County Libraries is seeking volunteers to bridge the generation gap by helping children learn through oral storytelling.

Spellbinders are seasoned volunteers, ages 50 and up, who stay young at heart by telling stories to children in Douglas County schools. A four-session Spellbinders training will be held at Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock (Philip S. Miller branch, 100 S. Wilcox St.) from 1-4 p.m. on: Tuesday, September 20; Thursday, September 22; Tuesday, September 27; and Thursday, September 29. This training will discuss the importance of storytelling and give participants many opportunities to practice telling.

No prior experience or special talent is required of these storytelling volunteers. “Stories are wonderful gifts to give children,” said Laura Olson, childhood literacy specialist for Douglas County Libraries. “As humans, we are all hard-wired to share these skills.”

Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. For more information or to register for Spellbinders training, contact Laura Olson at 303-791-7323 or visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

 

 

For immediate release June 16, 2016:

Grand Opening of Douglas County Libraries in Lone Tree Set for July 9

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is excited to announce the highly anticipated Grand Opening of its new Lone Tree branch, located at 10055 Library Way, on Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new library is located in the urban heart of the RidgeGate community, just east of the Lone Tree Arts Center.

Grand Opening events kick off at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the branch. DCL Executive Director Bob Pasicznyuk will deliver the opening remarks, and Lone Tree Branch Manager Susan Byrne and City of Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet will both speak.

Patrons can tour the spacious two-story building and use its many new and upgraded amenities. Various activity stations for kids and families will be set up throughout the library, with interactive children’s Storytimes occurring at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Light snacks and treats will also be served throughout the day.

The library’s collection is growing by 40 percent to reflect its increase in square footage, from just under 10,000 square feet to about 25,000 square feet. The library includes active and interactive areas for children, like the Kids Corner Storytime space and Lite-Brite-inspired Everbright LED light grid. Other features include a number of quiet reading areas, study rooms and informal meeting spaces; a craft room that doubles as a meeting room; laptop vending using a library card; greatly expanded parking; and a drive-through book drop.

“It has been a kick to discover the new features of the library and to think of all the ways we can share them with the community,” says Branch Manager Susan Byrne. “The one constant with all of this change, though, is our people. We’re the same and our patrons are the same, and they’re really the heart of the library,” she adds.

Lone Tree is the second of DCL’s three new libraries to open. The Castle Pines location opened on April 21, and construction on the Parker branch continues to progress, with a projected opening in September.

Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. For more information, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

For immediate release May 31, 2016.

Douglas County Libraries Construction Nearing Completion

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in Castle Pines is now open, and construction of the new libraries in Lone Tree and Parker is progressing. The new libraries reflect each community’s unique growth and needs for increased amenities, spaces and services — and all feature drive-through book drops.

The 13,000-square-foot Castle Pines location (360 Village Square Lane) opened on April 21. The library’s dedicated children’s area features elements of surprise and fun, such as lava tiles and an interactive Lite-Brite-inspired Everbright grid of LED lights that can be twisted to create colorful designs. Its community spaces include a furnished second story terrace with fireplace and five high-tech, multi-use meeting, event and study rooms.

DCL in Lone Tree hosts its grand opening on July 9. Site work, utilities and paving/striping have been completed, and the landscaping and green roof are scheduled to be completed by mid-June. The new library is more than double the size of its current location and features expanded parking, a dedicated Kids Corner, meeting rooms and quiet spaces, numerous study rooms, and laptop vending using a library card.

On May 13, the Parker location celebrated its “topping off” — a builders’ ceremony held when the last beam is placed atop the structure during construction. Crews are currently finishing the interior drywall and are beginning to tape and paint it. Glass door sliders and ceiling tile grids are also being installed in the study rooms. The library is scheduled to open in late summer/early fall.

The current Lone Tree and Parker branches will close for about three weeks prior to each library’s grand opening. Patrons can sign up to receive email updates about closures, available services and Storytimes during closures, and library openings via DouglasCountyLibraries.org/Newsletters.

The three libraries were designed by Anderson Mason Dale Architects and Studiotrope Design Collective. To learn more, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org and No Leaf Unturned.

For immediate release May 25, 2016.

New Outdoor Sculpture at Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch Invites Interaction.

The 2016-2017 public art installment at Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue branch, is on display and already inspiring curiosity and play. Touching Sound is an interactive sculpture by artist Maureen Hearty, created with sculpted aluminum pipes that are tuned based on their diameter and length.

“I attempt to engage the audience with the art beyond the passive experience, taking every opportunity for interaction with the art,” says Hearty. “Playing with sound is one of my favorite ways to invite interaction. The pieces come alive when people touch them and create sounds.”

Hearty is a self-described sculptress, horticulturalist and community organizer who uses art and horticulture as a tool for community action. Using leftovers from human experiences and consumption, she says her art represents our natural surroundings.

DCL partners annually with Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (HRCAA) and Art Encounters, Douglas County’s public art program, to showcase sculptures in various media and styles at its Highlands Ranch location. Displaying such highly visible art has the potential to transform lives and build community through engagement. DCL in Highlands Ranch has partnered with HRCAA in its public art program since 2011.

Sculptures for display are selected by Art Encounters’ Public Art Advisory Committee from artist applications submitted for the program. The committee, under the direction of the Douglas County Cultural Council, selects the art and determines which pieces are displayed in the various public venues throughout Douglas County. All sculptures, including Touching Sound, are available for purchase.

Touching Sound is on display at the Highlands Ranch James H. LaRue library (9292 Ridgeline Blvd.) through May 2017. Past installments at the library include Baby Bear by Ryszard Wagoner (2014-2015) and Molly, Dieter and Susie (bronze Basset Hounds) by Pat Kennedy (2015-2016), which is now featured at Eastridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch.

For immediate release May 20, 2016.

Summer Reading Program Exercises Minds.

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) kicks off its Summer Reading Program (SRP) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, at all seven DCL locations. The annual SRP encourages kids and teens to exercise their minds during the summer, strengthening reading skills and building literacy.

Kickoff parties for Team DCL’s sports-themed SRP will be held at all DCL locations from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Party activities include arts and crafts, games, photo ops, and themed Storytimes.

Kids 12 and under are challenged to read for 720 minutes by July 31 and/or participate in predetermined alternate activities, with prizes awarded for finishing the challenge. Teens and adults who read for 900 minutes are entered into a drawing for one of 62 gift card prizes worth $25 each, and can enter a photo contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

DCL is offering several free entertainment events at all library branches throughout June and July. Karate Denver’s Kickin’ It! program tests kids’ speed and agility, and Nature’s Educators presents a “wild” program featuring animal guests to help kids discover nature’s amazing athletes. Other programs include the entertainment of magic to engage the mind, as well as Minecraft tips and tricks. For more details, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org/Team-DCL.