“Fun-Raising” Helps Keep our Library Going Strong

by Diane Shriver, Library Friends & Foundation Board Member

The Library is putting the “fun” in fundraiser.

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of Estes Park’s popular 18-hole golf course (congrats to our friends at EVRPD for this milestone!). What better occasion to transform our Library into a mini-golf course for two spirited days, as we bring smiles while raising dollars for literacy, community, and children’s programs.

Gather up some friends and drop by the Library this Sunday, October 7, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the Mini-Golf Fun-Raiser. Try your luck on a course designed by local artist Michael Young. You can play a round for just $5 per person or $20 per family—no reservations required, but you can pre-schedule your donation through this link.

As recording secretary for the Library Friends & Foundation, this is one of many rewarding projects which I find so fulfilling. The Library elevates our quality of life, and the Friends & Foundation builds bridges to elevate our Library services from good to great.

As a Library supporter, my story is not unlike many others in the community.

My husband and I retired here six years ago. We’re grateful for this mountain village’s small-town atmosphere. We’re grateful to hike from our home and see wildlife in our backyard. After many years in Houston, we’re grateful to enjoy all four distinct seasons of the year.

As a couple with four children and seven grandchildren, we appreciate the vital role of libraries for families and early literacy. And looking back on busy careers—myself having been a Certified Nurse Midwife providing women’s health care for thirty years—we appreciate how libraries support the needs of employees and small businesses alike.

Like so many of our neighbors here, we love to travel. Since retirement, we’ve hiked in France, Scotland, Ireland, and the Czech Republic. Have you discovered the wonderful travel guides available in our Library’s collection?

We often find ourselves hosting house guests who come to enjoy this scenery. It’s great to show off our Library as we tour our town’s amenities.

And we appreciate quiet days of simply enjoying this mountain lifestyle: gardening in our mountain yard, hiking and snowshoeing the trails, and of course—the joy of reading, which is abundantly served by our Library.

It’s no secret: this community has the best library resources serving all ages, welcoming all residents. It serves as the hub of activity for group meetings. Educational programs are provided on a wide variety of subjects. Our used book sales not only help to fund Library programs, they give books a second life to be enjoyed again and again by our community.

The Library does so much for us all. We’re happy to make it easy and fun to give back and keep that level of excellence going strong.