1929 - 1942

1929

An article from October issue of The Record Journal reads "The [Douglas County] Woman’s Club has decided to open the library to the public, free of charge, for the six months beginning with October 1st, 1929. The library is open on Thursday afternoon of each week from 2:30 until 4:30. Two books will be allowed to each card. Cards may be obtained by anyone over twelve years of age, those under 12 must have their parents signature on their card. The women of the club sincerely hope that the public will take advantage of this offer and make use of the books available."

1942

Benefit tea for Woman’s Club library in new location of Castle Rock City Hall is held March 5, 1942. According to newspaper account: "It is hoped by the committee that in these times of sacrifice and worry, when many of our usual forms of recreation are abandoned, that many people will seek and find the books in the library a source of unexpected relaxation and entertaining pleasure."

1966 - 1969

1966

Nicki Mead and others start talking about the need for a Douglas County Library. Meeting held at Douglas County Courthouse to set up county-wide planning board for publicly funded library. Nicki Mead promotes library concept to Chamber of Commerce. First Friends of the Douglas County Library group holds executive board meeting in April. One dollar to join Friends. Barbecue at Douglas County Fairgrounds raises $550 for library fund in July. Newly appointed Douglas County Library Board consists of Mrs. Henry (Nicki) Mead, Jim McKay, Mrs. Tommy Prince, Mrs. Dean (Ann) Weaver and Mrs. George Livingood. In November 1966, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners appropriates $5000 for library operations in 1967.

1967

Philip S. Miller and his wife, Jerri, donate $25,000 for library construction in May. In August, Alden Briskey is named librarian at an annual salary of $5,317.20. Library opens in temporary space at 311 Third St., Castle Rock in August. Library system begins setting up public library operations in Louviers Village Club.

1968

At this time, there are 842 regular borrowers. Eight bookmobile stops provided by Plains and Peaks Library System of Colorado Springs. In June, the Friends of the Douglas County Library win a national publicity award - the John Cotton Dana Award. Groundbreaking for new Castle Rock Library held in September. On Dec. 10, 1968, "the first public library in the history of Douglas County" (1800 sq. ft.) opens at 303 N. Gilbert St. in Castle Rock.

1969

One-half mill earmarked by Douglas County for library operations. On Apr. 26, new Castle Rock Library is dedicated. Douglas County News publishes souvenir edition on library opening in May. In July, Denver Post Empire magazine prints article "Forty Years Later, a Library" by Joanne Ditmer regarding Douglas County Public Library. "Douglas County on Parade" home tour to raise money for landscaping of new library raises $1685 in September.

1970 - 1979

1970

First book depository in Parker opens in a small building (no longer exists) on the north side of Main Street. This building is generously leased to the library volunteer staff by the late Charles O’Brien for $1. This book depository contains about 500 books from the Castle Rock Library and shelves purchased with funds from a bake sale sponsored by the Friends.

1971

Need to expand library is recognized. Philip S. Miller donates $5000 to start campaign. Fire damages the building housing the Parker book depository, so the library is moved to the basement of the Methodist Church on Mainstreet and officially becomes a part of the Douglas County Public Library System.

1972

Friends of the Parker Library group forms. Friends of Douglas County Library hold gala dinner at Echo Hills club, Perry Park at a cost of $5 per person to honor benefactors. In September, the Third Annual Home Tour raises $1547.

1973

Library Board requests Alden Briskey’s resignation in March. In April, 2nd annual gala dinner is held at Echo Hills Club for Friends of Douglas County Library. David Brunton hired as new Library Director in May. September Friends’ Home Tour nets $1800.

1974

Library increases hours from 27 per week to 45 per week. Telephones authorized for Parker and Louviers branches. Home tour raises $1300. David Brunton resigns. Annette Milliron named Library Director. Annual Friends dinner at Echo Hills Club costs $5.75 per person. Additional 3660 sq. ft. proposed for library. Friends pledge $2000.

1975

Library awarded $59,066 matching funds from federal government to build 3600 sq. ft. addition to library on Gilbert Street. Van Schaack holds auction to raise money for addition. Library addition groundbreaking held in July. Perry Park branch (volunteer staff) opens in June in stable. Library budget cut by County Commissioners in October.

1976

Grand opening of library addition in Castle Rock held in February. In October, Annette Milliron submits resignation citing lack of funding and problems of last two years. Library asks for increased budget. County Commissioners discuss forming a library district. Kaki (Kathleen) Lehman of Parker is named as Library Director. In May, Douglas County Public Library System cancels reciprocal borrowing with other area library systems due to lack of funds. Reciprocal borrowing is restored in December due to public protest.

1977

Parker Library moves from Parker Methodist Center to old Parker Methodist Church in February in order to expand. Philip S. Miller donates $3,540 for new carpet for Castle Rock Library. Friends of Douglas County Library annual dinner at Echo Hills Club features Pete Smythe, colorful Colorado broadcaster, as the guest speaker. Cost of $6 per person. 3.4 books are being circulated for every adult and child in county (63,780 items). Mill levy is .64. Friends group pays for 1850 sq. feet of sod and railroad ties for Castle Rock Library - installed by Optimist Club members and volunteers.

1978

Pinery Home Tour conducted in April. In May, Kaki Lehman resigns and is replaced by Janice Mitchell. The Friends dinner in May at Echo Hills Club features Woody Paige, Denver media celebrity, as speaker.

1979

In January, the Friends of the Library hold a Theatre Party at Bonfils Theater. On August 13, Centennial Library (small volunteer library in donated basement space of real estate sales office) opens in Acres Green. Evelyn Connor named as Library Director in November.

1980 - 1989

1980

Pinery Home Tour to benefit library held in May. Philip S. Miller donates $25,000 to library. In June, Library Board announces plans to rename Castle Rock Library after Philip S. Miller. Formal dedication on Aug. 9, 1980.

1981

Planning begins for permanent library in Parker. In the meantime, the Parker Library expands to 3300 sq. ft. of space in the Parker Plaza on Highway 83.

1983

Discussions begin on need for new library in Castle Rock. Agreement on use of shared public/school library at Northridge Elementary School, 555 Southpark Rd., Highlands Ranch. Library receives $2000 from Mission Viejo Company.

1984

Fundraising begins for permanent Parker Library. Bob Fox organizes play "Anything Goes" with tickets at $10 each. Centennial Library at Acres Green closes (to make way for C-470). For the first time, children’s easy books are labeled on spines. Old paperback books are given to Douglas County jail for inmates to read. In June, the search for possible library sites in Highlands Ranch begins. The Philip S. Miller Library checks out 67,383 items during 1984.

1985

Federal grant of $100,000 for new Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock. Money will be matched by Philip S. Miller. Permanent Parker Library opens at 19801 East Main Street, Parker with 7,000 sq. ft. Dedication on June 7, 1985. Parker Library open 34 hours per week with 15,000 volumes. Perry Park Library closes. Douglas County Historical Society suggests the name of Oakes Mill Library (after D.C. Oakes) for the library to be donated by developer Bill Walters in Lone Tree subdivision.

1986

Philip S. Miller Library on Gilbert Street sold to day care center. New library to be built in Plum Creek area near Miller Blvd. Library house in warehouse on Park St. in Castle Rock during interim period. The "warehouse library" backs up to a sewer lagoon! Oakes Mill Library opens June 1st and 2402 items are circulated at that library during the month of July.

1987

County Budget Director proposes cut of 36% in library mill levy in August. This proposal is hotly protested by Friends groups. New 15,000 sq. ft. Philip S. Miller Library opens at 961 S. Plum Creek Blvd. in Castle Rock in October. Douglas County Social Services and Tri-county Health Department occupy west wing of library building. Library system automates using Dynix software.

1988

Philip S. Miller donates $510,000 to pay remaining debt on the library which cost $1,015,000. Friends of the Highlands Ranch Library organize to lobby for permanent library in Highlands Ranch.

1989

Public library function at Northridge Elementary School in Highlands Ranch ceases. Books moved to Oakes Mill Library. Evelyn Connor resigns. Library funding at 1.1 mills.

1990 - 1995

1990

James (Jamie) LaRue hired as Library Director in March. Douglas County Public Library System initiates the National Library Card. Talking Books program established. In May, the "Say Yes to Libraries" Committee forms to campaign for the creation of an independent library district and funding of 2.75 mills. Library district issue is passed by the voters in November, 1990 by almost a 2-1 margin.New name is Douglas Public Library District (DPLD) with boundaries contiguous with the county’s. Philip S. Miller named Library Benefactor of the Year by the Colorado Library Association. In July, libraries switch to mailing computer-generated overdue notices rather than telephoning overdue patrons. November sees the advent of patrons’ ability to dial in to the library from their computer modems to view the libraries’ electronic catalog. Friends of Oakes Mill Library organize.

1991

In March, the Philip S. Miller, Oakes Mill and Parker Libraries all increase their hours from five days a week to seven days a week. The DPLD purchases and installs its own Dynix computer system (IBM RS 6000). On August 12, the Highlands Ranch Library opens in a 4,200 sq. ft. leased storefront (formerly Mission Viejo Company’s Design Center) at 52 W. Springer Drive. First Lady Bea Romer reads to children at Grand Opening. Louviers Library is opened two evenings a week from one. The Community Information Database is established. Patrons are able to put holds on books through their home computers/modems. Daily preschool storytimes are offered at each full-service library.

1992

Douglas Public Library District earns Colorado Public Library Excellence Award. In July, the DPLD becomes the first Dynix public library in Colorado to connect to the Internet. Public access provided to Access Colorado Library Information Network (ACLIN). Philip S. Miller Library is renovated and expands into west wing. The DPLD Local History Collection is officially recognized in November. Renovation begins on Oakes Mill Library.

1993

Renovations at Oakes Mill Library completed with basement finished as large community meeting room and Friends’ Used Booksale Room. Need to expand Highlands Ranch Library is recognized. The next-door office of the Highlands Ranch Community Association agrees to move so that the library can double in size to accommodate growth. Annual Staff Day initiated for district-wide training. Year-round reading programs (3) replace old model of Summer Reading Program due to year-round elementary school schedule in Douglas County. In September, the Josephine Lowell Marr Research Room for the Local History Collection is dedicated. Friends of Roxborough Library organize.

1994

In cooperative grant effort with Douglas County Schools, DPLD opens 3 public library satellites at rural elementary schools - Larkspur, Cherry Valley and Roxborough. Expanded Highlands Ranch Library, now almost 8,000 sq. ft., reopens in April with new address of 48 W. Springer Drive. Space at Highlands Ranch Library is sublet to Douglas County Clerk and Recorder for Motor Vehicles substation. Genevieve (Nicki) Mead is awarded the Colorado Library Association Lifetime Achievement Award after being co-nominated by the DPLD and the Denver Public Library. Books-by-Mail service (maintained by volunteers) is initiated for residents of southwest Douglas County. Library district offers on-line periodical articles through EBSCO.

1995

Philip S. Miller dies at age 99 in June. The library district is to receive approximately $150,000 per year from its 10% share of the Miller charitable trust fund. Library district buys Crossroads Lanes Bowling in Parker and holds Candlelight Bowling fundraiser. New Parker Library opens at 10851 S. Crossroads Dr. in renovated bowling alley on December 16. Grand Opening includes "Human Bookworm" of 500 volunteers covering .4 miles between the old and new Parker libraries passing the last 25 books chosen by local VIP’s. December, Nicki (Genevieve) Mead ("mother" of the Douglas County libraries) dies at age 68.

1996 - 1999

1996

DPLD creates Web site on Internet in January. Kid’s Catalogs are installed in July. A 1.25 mill levy increase (for capital construction and expanded operations) is narrowly approved by voters in November, for a total of 4 mills. District-wide library circulation count for 1996 is 1,191,881 items - an increase of almost 15% over 1995. Volunteers donate 3,776 hours during 1996. Larkspur Elementary satellite public library is closed due to lack of public use.

1997

Library district begins adult literacy program after Center for Adult Learning and Literacy folds. In June, a multi-level landscaped Reading Garden opens on south lawn of Parker Library. Reading Garden is funded with $20,000 in private donations including $4,500 from Friends of the Parker Library. 135 library staff members on payroll in June. During summer, volunteer-based Homebound Delivery Service begins in northern Douglas County.The Oakes Mill Library, 8827 Lone Tree Parkway in the City of Lone Tree, is demolished to make room for a new, larger library.

1998

Major new hardware installation and software upgrades are completed in June. Patron option of notification of holds and overdue materials by E-mail is introduced. A new, 10,000 square foot library building is built on the site of the former Oakes Mill Library. Board of Trustees votes to name the new building the Lone Tree Library after the City of Lone Tree makes a $50,000 donation for a Reading Garden on the east side of library. Grand Opening for the new Lone Tree Library is held October 24. An extensive public process is completed to gather input for the new Highlands Ranch Library design. A highlight of this process is the development of the first known public library design interactive web site. Douglas County Televison (Channel 8) begins operation in June displaying DPLD calendar information. DPLD Library Director, Jamie LaRue, is honored as "Librarian of the Year" by the Colorado Library Association in October.

1999

Library Director Jamie LaRue serves as President of the Colorado Library Association. The "Can You Dig It?" Groundbreaking Celebration for the new Highlands Ranch Library takes place on May Day at the Town Center Marketplace adjacent to the library site. Actual grading and construction for that library begins in June. After many months of delays, construction on the Technical Services annex to the Philip S. Miller Library begins on August 12. (This is preceded by a Technical Services Department Pizza Party Symbolic Groundbreaking on July 13!) On the night of July 29, a fire breaks out in the sandwich shop in the shopping center from which the Highlands Ranch Library leases space. Due to extensive smoke damage (approximately 55,000 volumes in the library at the time), the Highlands Ranch Library is closed until September 2. The recently-purchased used bookmobile intended for use at Roxborough provides limited service in the Highlands Ranch Library parking lot during the emergency closure. A "Check It Out" Grand Opening is held at the Roxborough Bookmobile, 7779 Rampart Range Rd., on November 21, 1999.

2000 - 2001

2000

The library district completed construction on its new library in Highlands Ranch. July 15, 2000 opened with much fanfare and celebration to the music of the Nacho Men Band, a Business Expo, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Ed Greene from Channel 9 news, a food court, clowns and many other activities. The new Highlands Ranch Library was 42,000 square feet, and included a puppet theatre, several meeting rooms and large children's and reference areas. The district's technical and support services also moved into a new 4,700 sq. ft. building, as Technical Services began processing the district's first CD-ROMs and books on CD for checkout. TS also hired 8 new people. The Technical and Support Services building allowed for expansion of the Philip S. Miller Library into more space, including an expanded Local History area, a Storytime room, and a larger Reference Area. The Philip S. Miller staff operated the entire library out of the meeting room for a week while the library received new carpet. The Castle Rock Band played on the front lawn of the Philip S. Miller Library in September to enliven Celebrate Your Library Week September 25-29, which also included chamber music performances in the library throughout the week. A new website for the district was launched in July, and a Local History website was launched in September. The Parker Library began holding storytimes in Spanish, and reached 12,700 kids with all their story times, as they celebrated their fifth anniversary. The Lone Tree Library celebrated Summerfest on June 17. Philip S. Miller Library participated in several other community activities in Castle Rock, including Artfest and the Starlighting, and sponsored a Teen Coffeehouse which continues to grow.

2001

The library bought a vacated Safeway grocery store in Castle Rock (100 S. Wilcox Street) for the new Philip S. Miller Library. It is projected to open in summer 2003. This 48,000 sq. foot building cost $2.91 million and was purchased from Brad Brown of Castle Centerstone Real Estate and Development. In February, An Evening in Bulgaria at the Lone Tree Library, celebrated DPLD as the sister library to the Dora Gabe Library in Dobrich, Bulgaria. DPLD’s monthly electronic newsletter successfully reached over 10,000 library patrons each month. An online bookclub service started, offering Internet-savvy patrons the opportunity to receive five minute reads in their emails each day. Highlands Ranch Library celebrated their one-year anniversary at a new location. The first Fantasy Fest was held in the vacated Safeway building in November, with 200 people enjoying an evening of fantasy and science fiction authors, activities, and programs. The Philip S. Miller Library dedicated a new Storytime Room mural, in memory of Lance Ewing, son of Carol and Mark Ewing. The Parker Library expanded into 4,000 sq. foot unfinished space, adding a Quiet Reading Room, a Conference Room, a new Children's Area/Department, self-checkout area, and an expansion of their materials, including a $10,000 music collection. They celebrated the expansion in December with their “Steam Ahead” festivities, which over 1,000 attended.

2002 - 2003

2002

An increase in district programming had monthly ‘thematic’ programs/events at the different libraries, including J.M. Barrie presentations, storyteller Lois Burrell for Black History Month, a Madame Curie presentation for Women’s History Month, Celtic Storytelling, National Library Week, Hispanic Celebrations with storyteller Esther Acosta, Teen Read Week, Western music/storytellers, Scary Stories, Edgar Allen Poe presentations, Children’s Author Tea Parties, Tellabration, Santa Visits, and a holiday reader’s theatre presented in December by DPLD staff. New library services/programs offered in 2002 include: Library computer terminals started offering Microsoft Word for patrons. Spellbinders, a volunteer training program for senior citizens to tell stories in area schools. Great Books bookclubs, lead by trained volunteers, began at Highlands Ranch Library, Parker Library, and the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock. Thematic discovery packs containing a variety of learning materials for different ages, focused on specific themes (such as colors, snow, etc.). June kicked off the largest summer reading program for youth and adults in DPLD’s history, “The Art of Reading.” The teen summer reading program, “Xtreme Xpressions,” began at the same time. A large variety of special reading program events for all ages included art, music, writing, clowning, gardening, Shakespeare, and theatrical offerings. In the summer, DPLD sponsored the first annual Shakespeare Festival (King Lear, presented under a tent by Theatreworks of Colorado Springs) for all of Douglas County to enjoy for free, right in the heart of downtown Castle Rock (in the parking lot of vacated Safeway building). Over 1,000 residents enjoyed the tent performances and various library Shakespeare-related programs. Page to Stage Productions: DPLD’s Literary Theatre Troupe was created for various theatrical outreach projects, including a summer children’s theatre tour of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe into schools to help promote the summer reading program. Over 8,000 Douglas County elementary school children were connected with the library in this extremely popular outreach program. DPLD sponsored the first Battle of the Bands teen event, also held in the vacant Safeway parking lot, which had over 200 teens enjoying the music of local bands. DPLD also co-sponsored the Rocky Mountain Storytelling Festival kick-off event, A Summer Evening of Stories, held at the new Douglas County Events Center. In September, construction began on the vacated Safeway building in downtown Castle Rock (100 S. Wilcox Street) for the new Philip S. Miller Library. The grand opening is projected for Fall 2003. In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, DPLD visited grocery stores in each of the library communities to promote new library card registration. DPLD hosted the Douglas County Arts and Culture Day, which provided area organizations and artists an opportunity for networking and learning. In October, the second annual Fantasy Fest was held at the Highlands Ranch Library with over 200 in attendance celebrating the ‘fantastical.’ Due to state budget cuts, DPLD began to limit patrons to 7 DVD checkouts and 2 Interlibrary Loan requests per day. In 2002, The Douglas Public Library district checked out over 3 million items, Reference Librarians answered over 165,000 questions, the number of new patrons increased by 25% and over 2 million people visited DPLD libraries.

2003

Douglas Public Library District changed their name to Douglas County Libraries, received a new logo and branding image, created a new website design and new website addresses for the district and each individual library. With the plan to open a new library in a Roxborough strip mall, the Bookmobile was closed. However, the developer experienced delays in permitting which postponed construction on the strip mall and the new library in Roxborough. Douglas County Libraries continues to investigate ways to expand library service in the Roxborough community. In September, Douglas County Libraries opened its largest facility housing the Philip S. Miller Library, the Douglas County History Research Center, the Technical and Support Services departments, Volunteer Services, Adult Literacy Program, Community Relations and all of Administration (including Library Director – Jamie LaRue). Over 4,000 attended the grand opening event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Dom Testa (Mix 100.3) as the Master of Ceremonies and Reggie Rivers as the Keynote Speaker. Many family activities were offered throughout the day, with an evening community dance in the parking lot featuring Southern Exposure. StarOffice, a new word processing system, was introduced on patron computers at the Highlands Ranch Library. Plans to implement this new software and Linux at all libraries will occur in 2004.

2004 - 2005

2004

With a new name and look in place, Douglas County Libraries forged ahead with several new services, programs and events for the people of Douglas County. The aged library catalog computer terminals were replaced with high-tech models and the Dynix computer system was replaced with a new user-friendly system called Horizon. Self check-out service is put in place at all of the full-service libraries. Patrons, enjoying a choice between full-service and self-service, make use of the self-checkout machines and a new self-pickup system for holds. After several construction delays on the Roxborough Library, a new bookmobile motors back into the Roxborough community to provide part-time library service. Bookmobile service is also added to the busy Castle Pines-North neighborhood. The Castle Rock Community Bandstand is dedicated on May 30, along with Continuity, a terracotta sculpture by Joyce Newman. The sculpture, bequeathed in honor of Genevieve Mead (a keen advocate and supporter of library service in Douglas County,) joined Newman’s Circle Game, a long-time favorite at the Philip S. Miller Library. The American Legion and VFW Color Guard presented a special Memorial Day remembrance, featuring a thirty- six star flag from 1876, the year that Colorado became a state. Generous donations from White Construction Group, Humphries Poli Architects, the Rotary Club of Castle Rock- High Noon, the Rotary Club of Castle Rock, Midas of Castle Rock, M.W. Golden Constructors, Sherwin Williams of Castle Rock, Kent Brandebery, James O'Hern, the Castle Rock Band, Awards with More, the Friends of the Philip S. Miller library, J & L Stanesa Electric Company, Lafarge West, Inc., Rocky Mountain Excavating, Pate Concrete Contractors, S & M Steel Fabrication, Columbine Kitchen & Bath, Castle Rock True Value Hardware, Intermountain Landscape, Sherwin Williams, National Speaker & Sound and Rosemarie Woolston contributed appreciably to the construction of the bandstand. Donations from the Genevieve Mead Memorial Fund and the Friends of the Philip S. Miller helped fund the purchase of Continuity. Douglas County Libraries and the Town of Castle Rock joined forces to make the Bandstand available to arts and culture groups free of charge throughout the year. The Louviers Library teamed up with Julie Wilson, a Peace Corps volunteer, to bring a hometown library to the school children of Ilian, a village in the province of Dumaran on Palawan Island, Philippines. Douglas County Libraries partnered with Bonfils Blood Center to provide monthly blood drives at libraries across the county. At an average of twenty-six donations per drive, a total of 262 units of blood were collected, impacting the lives of over 786 patients in need. The library district’s annual signature events continued around the county. An all-girl band, Forever’s Beginning, takes first prize at the Third Annual Battle of the Bands in Highlands Ranch. The Third Annual Shakespeare Festival offered five free professional performances of The Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare at Park at the Mainstreet Center in Parker. A Summer of Evening of Stories moved to the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock and featured Opalanga Pugh, an Internationally recognized storyteller. Douglas County Arts and Culture Day focused on honing partnerships between educators and cultural organizations. Fantasy Fest returned for the fourth year with unprecedented crowds. Douglas County History Research Center staff makes an eleventh-hour move to save the decades-old Colorado Community Newspaper archives just before the old newspaper building is demolished. The staff is publicly recognized by the Library Board of Trustees for their efforts to save the newspaper archive in a driving snowstorm. Douglas County Libraries places seventh in the Nation (out of 329 similar library districts) on Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR) scale. The Year in Review: New Library Patrons: 32,933 Total Number of Library Patrons: 137,871 Number of Items Checked Out: 3.6 million Number of Reference Questions Answered: 256,082 Number of People who Visited our Libraries: 2.5 million Number of Items in our Collection: 653,153 materials Online Database Searches: 229,707 Total Attendance at Programs & Events: 98,166 Total Signed up for Reading Programs (5 a year): 22,186 Total Staff: 333 Volunteer Hours: 19,000 Website Visits: 553,822

2005

broke circulation records at Douglas County Libraries. Patrons checked out 4,512,496 books, CDs, audiobooks, discovery packs, DVDs and videos in 2005 (a 25% increase over the number of items checked out in 2004). From 2000-05, Douglas County’s population grew by 44%, while circulation (checkout of library materials,) increased by 124%. In an effort to aid Tsunami victims, Douglas County Libraries donated all fines collected between January 24-30 to the Red Cross. The Douglas County Libraries Tsunami Relief Drive, called “A Fine Idea,” generated $4,167.08 in fines and $1,158.07 in donations. Libraries across the State joined the Douglas County Libraries drive, yielding $15,670.75 total. The Douglas County Libraries Foundation and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway provided the funding for the Castle Rock Writers’ book Douglas County, Colorado: A Photographic Journey. The book features vintage Douglas County photographs, journals and documents dating from 1861 through the end of World War II. The group went on the road, visiting Douglas County residents in their homes, scanning photographs from family albums and listening to stories passed down from one generation to the next to gather material for the literary endeavor. The writers donated their time and talents to the project, and all proceeds return to the Foundation for future community projects. Young readers came out in droves to participate in Wild Wonders, the Douglas County Libraries Spring Youth Reading Program. Douglas County Libraries purchased a llama for a needy South American family through the Heifer International/ Read to Feed program, in celebration of the program’s 62% completion rate. The 4th Annual Teen Battle of the Bands is held at the Castle Rock Community Bandstand; Loose Change, of Parker, won. The 4th Annual Shakespeare Festival culminated with free professional performances of Macbeth at the Lone Tree Rec Center. The Page to Stage literary theatre tour delighted thousands around Douglas County with a fun and educational performance of Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs? Dinosaurs… Jamie LaRue, Library Director, received an American Library Association/ Association of Library Trustees and Advocates (ALA/ALTA) Advocacy Award, and his name was placed in ALA’s “Advocacy Honor Roll”. Douglas County Libraries placed third in the Nation (out of 329 libraries) on Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR) scale. Libraries across the State joined forces to help victims of Hurricane Katrina by dedicating a week’s worth of library fines, as well as additional donations from library patrons, to the American Red Cross Disaster Response Fund. The drive generated $15,505.10. Douglas County Libraries raised $3,793.47. Douglas County Libraries and the Douglas County School District partnered to launch the Make the Grade library card campaign at area elementary schools. The campaign generated 1,890 new library card registrations. Polls at the schools showed that approximately 80% of all households with an elementary student in residence have a library card.

2006

Douglas County Libraries became the fourth-largest library system in Colorado, and ranked third in Colorado for materials checkout (circulation). 5.5 million items were checked out in 2006. Total Number of Library Patrons climbed to 76,221. Records showed at least 79% of all Douglas County households had at least one library card. Douglas County Libraries unveiled the new Neighborhood Library service model for smaller libraries in the county. Neighborhood Libraries offer an intimate space with a concentrated scope of services, including multiple copies of the most popular fiction, nonfiction, magazines and audiovisual materials; comfortable and flexible living room space for leisure reading; fast technology; a fanciful and stimulating children’s area; and motivated, attentive staff waiting to give personal customer service to every patron. The new Neighborhood Library at Roxborough opened to a crowd of over 2500 on January 28, with over 300 new library cards issued on Grand Opening Day alone. The newly-renovated Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree reopened to the public on October 14. Sue Meacham, a long-time library volunteer and advocate, passed away on April 21. Meacham was renowned for her enduring dedication to Douglas County Libraries, including ten years of unpaid service on the Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2003 and long-time volunteer work in the library district’s Technical Services department. The quiet reading room at the Philip S. Miller was renamed to honor Meacham. The Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, Philip S. Miller and Roxborough libraries were equipped with an RFID (radio frequency identification) system that allows multiple books to be checked in or out simultaneously, freeing up staff for more personalized and attentive customer service, and making items available for checkout much more quickly. A multitude of volunteers helped place the RFID tags on over 600,000 items across the library district. Nemesys, of Englewood, won both the People’s Choice and Judge’s Panel awards at the 5th Annual Teen Battle of the Bands in Lone Tree. The 5th Annual Shakespeare Festival culminated with free “punked-out” performances of The Comedy of Errors set in 1970s London. Douglas County Libraries placed seventh in the Nation (out of 329 libraries) on Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR) scale. Hennen also released an overall ranking system for 1999-2006; Douglas County Libraries ranked third in the Nation overall for the ten-year span.

2007

New library patrons: 26,881
Total number of patrons: 163,194
Number of Items checked out: 6,471,935
Number of reference questions answered: 329,348
Number of people who visited our libraries: 1,727,852
Number of items in our collection: 717,023
Online Database searches: 105,037
Total Attendance at Programs & Events: 149,743
Total reading program registrants: 27,672
Total staff: 332
Volunteer hours: 22,723
Website visits: 900,000+, with over 4 million individual web pages viewed at DouglasCountyLibraries.org

Douglas County Libraries became the third-largest library system in Colorado, and ranked second in Colorado for materials checkout (circulation). The Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree circulates 1 million items annually for the first time.

At least 79% of all Douglas County households had at least one library card.

The Douglas County Libraries Literacy Department was established. Their Mission: “The Literacy Department provides enrichment for all ages through various language development programs. Our goal is to bring together community partnerships to create a rich environment for learning and personal growth. The foundation for all Literacy Department activities is the recognition of the value of reading.” A partnership between the department, and the Douglas County School District was forged, to coordinate a series of English-as-a-Second-Language family literacy events.

The library district initiated a new annual signature event: a celebration of Children’s Book Week. Children’s author, Kate McMullan, was the guest of honor.

The Sixth Annual Shakespeare Festival experienced record-breaking crowds, with live performances of Hamlet in Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch.

The Sixth Annual Teen Battle of the Bands was held in O’Brien Park in Parker. “Saving Daylight” won the Judge’s Panel award; Stilwel won the People’s Choice award.

Douglas County Libraries partnered with the Rocky Mountain Storytelling Festival for the sixth year running to present A Summer Evening of Stories at the Wildlife Experience.

The library district’s request for a mill levy increase was defeated by 212 votes in the November election. While this was the closest election in Douglas County history, only 38% of eligible voters showed up at the polls on Election Day.

RFID sorters were installed at all full-time branches in order to cut circulation costs dramatically. Circulation staff undergoes patron service training, and moves out onto the library floor to assist patrons directly

Douglas County Libraries and the Town of Parker partner for an architectural competition. The architects were asked to design a library and cultural arts center for downtown Parker. Humphries Poli Architects wins.

The Bookmobile added new routes in 2007, with stops in Castle Pines North, Meridian and Parker.

Douglas County Libraries launched emedia2Go. The online service offers downloadable audiobooks, music and video.

The Douglas County History Research Center celebrated 15 years of collecting and preserving the historical record and collective memory of Douglas County, the High Plains, and the Divide area of the Front Range of Colorado.

Douglas County Libraries was a recipient of the 2007 John Cotton Dana Award (established in 1946). The award is the American Library Association’s “most prestigious award,” and honors outstanding library public relations. Douglas County Libraries was recognized for the skillful promotion of the Page to Stage Productions literary theatre tour. In 2006, the play Miss Nelson is Missing publicized the “Mysterious Summer” reading program and library cards, while delighting over 10,000 audience members at 32 schools and libraries. Prior to school performances, teachers received a classroom study guide with information and activities that specifically matched state educational standards, while promoting the fundamental value of the public library. According to the awards committee, Douglas County Libraries was honored because, “The library used the unique power of live theater, connected with children’s literature as an outreach tool. A professional production based on James Marshall’s popular book, Miss Nelson is Missing, reached over 10,000 children in schools and libraries throughout the county, driving up summer reading participation by 10 percent and doing it all for a cost of less than $1 per audience member.” In recognition, winners of the 2007 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award received a $3,000 cash grant from the H.W. Wilson Foundation.
Douglas County Libraries won an L. PeRcy Award from the Library Public Relations Council, as well as a second honorable mention award in the competition, for their outstanding public relations and design work. Douglas County Libraries was also invited to share their promotional designs in the Library Public Relations Council’s “Share the Wealth” program.

2008

New library patrons: 24,905
Total number of Library Patrons: 173,660
Number of Items checked out: 7,196,027
Number of reference questions answered: 351,172
Number of items in our collection: 721,267
Total Attendance at Programs & Events: 178,867
Volunteer hours: 24,265

The Public Service Announcement "Discover Your Library", produced by Douglas County Libraries and The Network DC, wins two Emmys at the 22nd Annual Heartland Regional Emmy Awards & Silver Circle Presentations. “Discover Your Library” wins in categories for Community/Public Service (PSA) – Single Spot, and Short Form Editor.  

Douglas County Libraries, in partnership with the Douglas County School District, offers the first GED testing opportunities in the county.  By the end of the year, 73 students had passed the GED.  

Douglas County Libraries hosts the first Douglas County-wide Literacy Summit to develop a network of literacy providers and programs, and create a steering committee of community members.  Its goal is to make Douglas County a hub for lifelong learning and literacy. 

Author Dave Barry headlines the first Author Extravaganza Signature Event.  “An Evening with Dave Barry” is part of the Author Extravaganza: a group of events highlighting writers and their craft, which include the Castle Rock Writers Conference and “Getting it Down - A Workshop for Writers.”  

In the 2008 Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings, Douglas County Libraries moves from seventh to fourth place nationwide among libraries serving populations of 100,000 to 250,000.  The ratings are based on statistics collected from nearly 9,000 public libraries measuring 15 factors.   

Rochelle Logan, the Associate Director of Research and Collections for Douglas County Libraries is elected to be the new President-Elect for the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL).   
The library district’s request for a mill levy increase is defeated by 140,656 votes in the November 2008 election.  This happens as the nation heads into a recession.  

Douglas County Libraries launches Biz Info: Build Your Business Here, a new reference service for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

 

2009

2009

New library patrons: 24,955
Items in our collection: 708,797
Items checked out: 7,911,290
Library visits: 1,947,814
Reference questions answered: 331,682
Attendance at programs & events: 199,751
Audio books and movies downloaded: 27,490
Children who attended storytime: 145,000
Website visits: 2,072,280
Online database searches: 303,336
Volunteer hours: 28,099

In the 2009 Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings, Douglas County Libraries ranks first nationwide among libraries serving populations of 100,000 to 250,000. Ratings are based on statistics collected from nearly 9,000 public libraries measuring 15 factors.

In response to decreased funding, the Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees implements budget cuts and belt tightening efforts:
• Cherry Valley Library closes.
• Douglas County Libraries retires its Bookmobile.
• Louviers Library expenditures are cut roughly in half.
• Library materials budget is reduced by $275,000.
• A hiring freeze is put into effect; library staffing is reduced through attrition, reassignment, and administrative efficiency.

The Oregon-California Trails Association recognizes the work of the Douglas County History Research Center at Douglas County Libraries with a prestigious Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to the preservation and protection of historic emigrant trails. The DCHRC is home to an important collection of aerial photographs documenting the presence of the Cherokee/Trappers’ Trail in Douglas and Elbert County.

The Douglas County Libraries Contact Center achieves a 97% satisfaction rating in a survey run on that department. In November, the Contact Center also assists the Elections Department to provide better and faster service to Douglas County citizens, while pooling resources and saving costs.

Old friends and new gather for the book launch of the Perry Park Story, a reprint funded by Douglas County Libraries Foundation that documents the community’s story from the beginning to present.

Castle Pines Library opens in November. Fundraising efforts garner 300 new donors and $25,000 in pledges. Thousands participate in fundraising events that raise nearly $12,000. More than 900 people attend a grand opening celebration, after the facility is made ready in just eight weeks from start to finish.

Libraries inspire people like Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan and Mrs. Verna Daughenbaugh, whose generous donations to Douglas County Libraries Foundation fund children's department renovations at the libraries in Castle Rock and Parker.

Parker Library is remodeled with no closures and minimal interruption to patron services. The result is a new entry and beautiful new children’s area.

The Louviers community rallies against the odds to keep its library open. Citizens raise nearly $18,000 to help cover operating expenses.

Douglas County Libraries launches new and informative blogs including DCL Book Chat and Bottles2Backpacks.

Douglas County Libraries and eight Douglas County Schools participate in Battle of the Books for the first time.

Fifty new Book Start volunteers are trained to read to children in Douglas County childcare centers. They bring early literacy activities to nearly 6,700 children per month.

Hundreds of students prepare for and take the GED exam at Douglas County Libraries. By the end of 2009, DCL boasts more than 200 graduates.

Author David Baldacci headlines the Author Extravaganza Signature Event. “An Evening with David Baldacci” is part of the Author Extravaganza: a group of events highlighting writers and their craft, which includes the Castle Rock Writers Conference.

Douglas County Libraries broadens its collection to include downloadable eBooks and meet a need created by new digital reader technology.

2010

New library patrons: 22,979
Items in our collection: 713,448
Items checked out: 8,303,267
Library visits: 2,130,421
Reference questions answered: 742,424
Attendance at programs & events: 225,876
Audio books and music downloaded: 81,806

Children who attended storytime: 145,000
Website visits: 2,133,026
Online database searches: 241,516
Volunteer hours: 28,751

 

In celebration of its 10th anniversary in its present location, Highlands Ranch Library remodels and updates the main floor and the children's area, including adding new children's computers.

Philip S. Miller Library creates a new periodicals room in conjunction with an expansion of its children’s area. The project requires no outside movers and no library closures, and is made possible in part by a $50,000 donation by Dr. and Mrs. Sullivan.

Parker Library is remodeled and skylights and day lighting controls are installed at Philip S. Miller Library and Parker Library to reduce power consumption. An automatic sorter is installed at Castle Pines Library.

BizInfo librarians answer questions for 98 small businesses, an increase of 26 percent over 2009, and 816 entrepreneurs and small business owners attend BizInfo workshops.

Adventure Pass is born in May.  More than 3,000 patrons visit Dinosaur Ridge and the Wildlife Experience for free.

The number of audiobooks, e-books, and music files downloaded by patrons nearly triples, from 27,490 in 2009 to 81,806 in 2010. This is due in part to the library’s introduction of Freegal, offering Douglas County residents free and legal music files from Sony Music Entertainment.

Our new Storytime website debuts in October, allowing patrons to search for storytimes by library location or child’s age. It also provides parents with vital early literacy information and resources.

Contact Center staff begins tweeting in April, creates more than 700 tweets, and earns 1,098 followers by year end. 

Texting services debut in November. Services include answering short questions sent to the library, and sending messages to patrons about their library accounts.

Live chat also debuts in November as a convenient and popular way for patrons to ask quick questions. Chat complements an improved FAQ web page that addresses about 40% of patron questions.

Contact Center staff support the community by answering more than 3,700 election questions during primaries and the general election.

Douglas County Libraries welcomes 61 new literacy volunteers and a record number of patrons take GED exams, with 145 graduating.

Monique Sendze, DCL's Associate Director of Information Technology, is selected as an Emerging Leader by Library Journal.

The School Liaison program continues to grow and serve area schools. In addition to the services and resources library staff provide for all schools, staff deliver dictionaries to Cherry Valley Elementary School, the smallest and most remote school in the district.

The number of Douglas County schools participating in Battle of the Books competition increases from seven to twenty. Reading Buddies engages students from elementary to high school in a multiage exploration of the joy of reading.

Nearly 23,000 readers participate in summer reading programs, a 62% increase over 2009. Of the total number of registrants, 17,568 are children and teens. Summer reading is widely considered by educators to be the single most effective activity for combating summer learning loss in students.

Good management and prudent spending allow circulation to increase by nearly 400,000 items, with no increase in staffing.

In July, historical aerial photographs of Douglas County are made available to the public on Google Earth, courtesy of archivists at the Douglas County History Research Center.

The Douglas County History Research Center adds 1923-1941 issues of the Record-Journal of Douglas County to its Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection, expanding the web-based research capabilities of patrons and staff, while requiring no additional storage space or staff time.

Douglas County Libraries welcomes many local authors in celebration of reading and literacy. Authors include Denver Deputy Mayor Bill Vidal (Boxing for Cuba), Mark Obmascik (Halfway to Heaven: Quest for the Rocky Mountain High), John Newkirk (The Old Man and the Harley), and Sandra Dallas (Whiter than Snow).

On October 13, Douglas County Libraries welcomes Chef Rick Bayless for a day’s worth of events with a dual purpose: to provide Douglas County residents with the opportunity to get to know a remarkable celebrity author, and to raise money to support library literacy activities. Half of the Rick Bayless events sell out.

2011

By the Numbers

New library patrons: 19,103
Items in our collection: 699,350
Items checked out: 8,244,954
Library visits: 2,064,838
Reference questions answered: 266,967
Attendance at programs & events: 211,234
Audio books and music downloaded: 225,239
Children who attended storytime: 101,228
Website visits: 2,248,597
Online database searches: 282,832
Volunteer hours: 32,702

Our Product

During 2011, there are 82,214 downloads of Overdrive eBooks and 44,427 of eAudiobooks. eBook downloads increase by 316% from January to December.

In September, eBooks for Kindle are made available via library download.

We increase the size of our eBook catalog by thousands of titles, through direct-purchasing agreements with several publishers. Libraries across the country are intrigued, and begin to inquire about replicating our purchasing model.

On the web, we launch a new Teen site and a new catalog interface, VuFind. We also launch a mobile application, “DCL to Go.” We receive a grant from the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, for the creation of mobile computer labs.

Our Programs

Battle of the Books engages 420 elementary school students from 30 schools in Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Castle Rock, including eight Castle Rock elementary schools new to the program.

The Denver Art Museum and Plains Conservation Center join the Adventure Pass program.

DCL Reading Programs reach 24,264 patrons. As part of the Summer Reading Program, “One World, Many Stories,” Flat Dougie travels across the U.S. and overseas.

We partner with local broadcast media to launch two new book clubs: The Everyday Book Club with Denver television stations CW2 and Fox 31, and Books & Besties, with radio station KOSI 101.1.

In September, the Storytelling Festival offers workshops and concerts for 450 teachers, parents, childcare providers and children. Featured storytellers include Heather McNeil, Bernadette Nason and Christopher Maier.

In October, author Erik Larson delights a crowd of more than 350 book lovers at the new Lone Tree Arts Center.

Authors Margaret Coel, CJ Box, Barry Fey, Eleanor Brown, Nancy Pearl and David Sirota pack meeting rooms and present to rapt audiences at library events.

Douglas County Libraries host the county’s first Edible Book Contest (Parker) and first National Novel Writing (Nanowrimo) events (Highlands Ranch).

DCL celebrates 152 GED graduates in 2011, including 119 in the public setting and 33 through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Parker Library’s Live Local Music twitter feed exceeds 3,000 followers in December of 2011.

Throughout 2011, teen film, fashion and other contest events continue to grow, engaging local youth and drawing attention from local press.

Our Places

Lone Tree Library and the refurbished Book Sale Room at Philip S. Miller Library are named Best Library or Book Store in their respective communities by local Community Media of Colorado newspapers.

In the fall, we provide patrons with the ability to book their own study rooms.

Castle Pines celebrates its second anniversary in September. Castle Pines Library Fundraising Committee raises $43,269 in support in 2011.

Louviers has a great fundraising in November’s Turkey Shoot, featuring a craft and book sale and old-fashioned pot luck.

Parker Library forms partnership with the new Parker Arts Culture and Events Center.

Our People

Monique Sendze, associate director of information technology, is selected as an Emerging Leader by Library Journal.

Aspen Walker, branch manager at Lone Tree Library and Castle Pines Library, is among those to be named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker.

Rochelle Logan, associate director of support services, is honored by the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) for her outstanding contributions to the library community.

Libraries continue to strengthen bonds in their communities, connecting with local chambers of commerce, economic development councils, merchants’ associations, community associations and other community partners.

Library staff and local technology partners including Best Buy stores join forces for Tech Tuesdays, walk-in tech support for people new to eReaders.

In our third full year offering BizInfo services, we add a dedicated Business Librarian, answer more than 40 questions, and update our program collateral and workshops.

Our librarians conduct dozens of Community Leader interviews and complete the first Community Reference Project.

DCL welcomes 50 new Literacy Volunteers.

Spellbinder volunteer storytellers tell many stories and traditional folktales to 6,000 children in DCSD classrooms.

In April, DCL celebrates the 29,121 volunteer hours donated in 2010 with a Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. More than 200 volunteers attend.

In September, the Castle Pines Library Campaign wins the Directors of Volunteers in Agencies “Volunteer Group of the Year” award. Philip S. Miller volunteers Mark and Betty Schmidt win the “Dynamic Duo” award at the same event.

2012

By the Numbers
New library patrons: 18,883
Items in our collection: 685,851
Items checked out: 8,055,060
Library visits: 2,0522749
Reference questions answered: 258,753
Attendance at programs & events: 230,908
eBooks, eAudio books and music downloaded: 383,037
Children who attended storytime: 108,378
Website visits: 2,154,466
Online database searches: 311,924
Volunteer hours: 37,000

Our Product
After extensive research, community surveys and analysis, Douglas County Libraries launched a new brand in 2012.

During 2012, 216,483 Overdrive eBooks and 44,427 eAudiobooks are downloaded. eBook downloads increased by 70% from 2011.

We continue to invest in our e-book platform and increase the size of our e-content catalog by over 27,000 titles. Much of 2012 was spent discovering how to catalog these titles in an automatic, batch-load process that hadn't been done by public library catalogers in the past and how to manage entirely new forms of data.

As part of our eContent platform, we are able to offer online magazines to its patrons with the addition of Zinio.

Starting in 2012, patrons can take advantage of wireless printing from their own computers in our branches.

We launched the iDCL iOS App, which is an e-reader and streamlines e-content downloads.

The Douglas County History Research Center is 20 years old. Collecting and preserving the historical record and collective memory of Douglas County, the High Plains and Divide area and the State of Colorado.

Our Programs
Douglas County Libraries hosted a variety of authors in 2012 with significant positive community feedback. Jane O'Connor, of Fancy Nancy fame, Eric Litwin, of Pete the Cat fame, Hugh Acheson and Nicholas Sparks were the delight of thousands of our patrons in 2012 at a variety of community centers throughout Douglas County.

In addition to the above authors, we hosted Scott Nash, Brad Thor, Dr. Temple Grandin and Craig Johnson at a variety of our branches.

iPad Storytimes were piloted at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock in 2012.

Our Reading Programs reached 23,140 patrons.

The Cuddle Up and Read Program distributed approximately 3,000 packets to new moms at Sky Ridge and Parker Hospital.

Volunteers read to 50,907 children and adults through our volunteer-based Book Start program.

3,068 Adventure Passes were used by our patrons in 2012.

Highlands Ranch launched a sensory-enhanced storytime for families and children with developmental disabilities. This program will continue in 2013.

Douglas County Libraries celebrated 140 GED graduates in 2012.

Our combined Facebook and Twitter followers exceeded 4,000, and a new Pinterest account was launched, offering read-a-likes, literacy resources and many other creative library ideas and initiatives.

Our Places
Douglas County Libraries entered into a new partnership with the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center. Their Castle Rock office is now located in the Philip S. Miller Library.

The Castle Pines community more than met its $90,000 library fundraising goal 15 months ahead of schedule. The funds are being used for library operations.

The Lone Tree Library was selected as the "Best Place to Take Your Kids" by Lone Tree Voice readers.

The Philip S. Miller Library served as a location for early voting for Castle Rock voters in the Presidential Election, where thousands of voters turned in their ballots or voted early.

The Castle Rock ArtFest was held in the Philip S. Miller parking lot for the fifth year running.

Library branches participate in local community programs, such as Oktoberfest, Kids Expo and the Taste of Lone Tree.

Our People
Cherie Ellingson, Branch Program Liaison for Castle Pines and Lone Tree, was elected to Castle Pines Chamber.

Amy Long, Branch Manager for Parker Library, was elected to Parker Chamber.

David Farnan, Associate Director of Community Services, was elected to Castle Rock Chamber, theCastle Rock Economic Development Council and is elected as the Colorado Public Library Association president.

Colbe Galston became the first District Business Librarian.

Douglas County History Research Center volunteers Ed Dash and Roger Williams won the Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) "Dynamic Duo" award. In addition, six dedicated volunteers from our branches were also recognized at the award ceremony.

More than 1,500 people volunteered their time and talents to DCL for a combined 37,000 hours.

Philip S. Miller was a successful pilot site for one-on-one technology training by volunteers. By year-end, three volunteers provided 12 hours of training each week to PSM patrons.

Staff rallied around the unexpected loss of Lone Tree staff member, Brian Konicek.