by Ann Finley, President, Estes Valley Library Friends & Foundation
and trail runner
As February draws to a finish, we give a final cheer to Love Your Local Library Month. We’ve been spotlighting the process that guides us: the Library actively listens, identifying community needs, and forming those into Strategic Goals. Powered by kindness, Library Friends & Foundation donors transform that vision to reality.
Library donors and volunteers make great things happen year-round to elevate our local quality of life. Here is a sampling of 9 ways—all made possible by “Library Love” contributions:
Welcoming Spaces: As our library building turns 30, it’s adjusted nimbly to changing times and new innovations, thanks to donors—from the inviting Kids’ Space to the comfortable Quiet Room.
Makerspace: tools and technology unite for creative hands-on learning, made possible by Library Love. Last year, the 3D printers didn’t rest. They went to work making parts for face-shields needed by frontline healthcare workers.
One Book One Valley: maybe you were among the hundreds who took part in last month’s all-community reading celebration—and a conversation with a bestselling author. Books are a great way to connect with friends—and make new ones.
Monthly Book Discussions: as with One Book One Valley, donors make it possible to have books to share for discussion. Join us year-round, as we spotlight popular genres—and delve into topics from today’s headlines, often with partners like Estes Valley Crisis Advocates and Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership.
Lucky Day Collection: Have you seen the great selection of today’s bestsellers on display right inside the atrium? There’s no wait and no hassles—and in minutes you’ll be on your way with a hot new title.
Growing Early Readers: Library Love is placing Storytime Kits into the hands of our youngest readers, helping assure they’ll be school-ready and creating a path for lifelong literacy. We’re forging new opportunities for early literacy in 2021—stay tuned!
Summer Reading Program: thanks to reading incentives and fun programs, we can keep kids reading all summer-long, while we adults join in the fun too. It’s made possible by community generosity. All the excitement returns this May, with the 2021 theme, “Tails and Tales”.
Preserving a Community Treasure: did you know you can view Estes Park’s historic newspapers through 1965—right from home? Click Here and discover all the original articles, images, and ads. More years will be scanned, thanks to donors, and a partnership with the Estes Park Museum and Estes Park Trail-Gazette.
Service for All: everyone should feel welcome at the library. Donor support helps make that possible—from English-Language-Learning kits and resources, to equity-and-diversity training for library staff. Our commitment to hospitality is a commitment to all!
Love Your Library Month is a brief 28 days. Yet library generosity shines bright and impacts lives every day of the year. Find out more here or by contacting Friends & Foundation Development Director Sarah Walsh at swalsh@estesvalleylibrary.org.