You may be surprised at the variety of services offered by the Douglas County Libraries. Learn what’s available at the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County meeting on Thursday, July 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the library in Parker, 20105 Mainstreet. Seniors’ Council meetings are free and open to the public.
According to Tiffany Curtain, Douglas County Libraries (DCL) Literacy Coordinator and Seniors’ Council Education Chair, we can trace the history of American public libraries back to Benjamin Franklin, who donated a collection of books to the Town of Franklin. The townspeople determined that these books should be made freely available to the residents of the town to enjoy.
When aspiring librarians are working on their master’s degrees in Library Science, they are introduced to the S.R. Ranganathan’s 5 laws of Library Science (1931): 1) Books are for use 2) Every person has his or her book 3) Every book has a reader 4) Save the time of the reader 5) A library is a growing organism
Curtain states that as Douglas County grows in diversity, the library aims to provide access to books that are relevant and enjoyable to all patrons.
In keeping with the fifth principle that a library is a living organism, libraries today engage with communities in innovative and surprising ways. In Douglas County, you may have participated in last year’s Brew Tour (and hopefully are looking forward to another one this fall!) or you may have brought your family to a Family Fete, or Storybook Holiday event, or enjoyed checking out the Forest of Stories decorations last winter. These events are not only fun and creative, but provide opportunities to engage with local businesses and elevate our communities through partnerships.
Of course books remain the core of public libraries. DCL brings in major authors like Lisa See, Luis Alberto Urrea and John Gierach to name a few from earlier this year.
DCL also helps immigrants prepare for U.S. citizenship and gain confidence in English. There is a safe and supportive environment for anyone who seeks help in improving their literacy skills.
Volunteering at the library helps not only the library but the entire community, states Curtain. There are rewarding and challenging opportunities for volunteers, from teens to centenarians. Volunteering at the library also provides an opportunity for social connection in ways that are comfortable for both introverts and extroverts. Volunteering also has the potential to transform people’s lives as volunteers help adults learn English or prepare for high school equivalency exams or develop basic literacy skills. Volunteers also help invigorate the love of reading with children or ensure that people can quickly and easily access their items on hold.
The vision for Douglas County Libraries is to elevate the community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection. Every person embodies a story that ensures the vivacity of the community.
Tiffany Curtain and other DCL staff will present on July 6 at the Parker Library event. Seniors’ Council of Douglas County serves and advocates for older adults. Our signature event, Vintage and Vibrant, is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 28 in Parker. Information and updates are available online at douglas.co.us/community-services/services/senior-services/seniors-council.