Library Update:
Douglas County Libraries will break ground on the construction sites of three new libraries on successive Mondays in May. The public is invited to join in the festivities, and hear comments from Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk and the mayors and other dignitaries from each community.
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Lone Tree: Mon., May 4, 10 a.m., 10055 Town Ridge Dr., east of the Lone Tree Arts Center
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Castle Pines: Mon., May 11, 10 a.m., 360 Village Square Lane, south of the current library
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Parker: Mon., May 18, 10 a.m., 20105 East Mainstreet, north of the PACE Center
Ground breaking events will include coffee and light breakfast, and a special Lego activity to encourage the community to celebrate the spirit of building.
Douglas County Libraries announced plans in 2013 to build three new libraries by early 2016, funded largely by library district savings. For more information on the building projects, including architects’ renderings and virtual tours, visit NoLeafUnturned.org.
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein
The Town of Parker and the Douglas County Library announced today that these two entities have partnered together to make the dream of a new library in Parker a reality.
The New Parker Library will join the PACE Center at the East end of Mainstreet on the Kime property.
“The town is pleased to be able to partner with Douglas County Libraries to bring this important community amenity to fruition,” said Town of Parker Mayor. “With the Parker Library’s 530,000 visitors each year and annual circulation of 1.4 million, the Parker community has clearly demonstrated the priority they place on the library and the services it offers.”
There will be NO NEW TAXES.. really!
Construction of the Parker Library will be funded by Douglas County Libraries’ existing fund reserves, along with an active fundraising campaign. As part of this important new partnership, the Town of Parker intends to set aside the land necessary for the new library, located at the northwest corner of Mainstreet and Pine Drive.
“The Parker Town Council reflects the strong interest of it’s citizens,” said Jamie LaRue, Director of the Douglas County Libraries. “They clamor for more books, more technology, more programs and MORE PARKING!. Town leaders listened to our plans for a new library in Parker and our 3-5 year timeline, and said ‘We think we can make this happen faster. Our citizens want it and it’s a perfect fit for our plans for downtown.’ We’re thrilled to be part of a new creative district and can’t wait to work with our new partners.”
The Douglas County Library is committed to providing opportunities for community input and support and have already kicked off a program of public involvement to provide feedback at NoLeafUnturned.org.
The proposed new libraries will be in the Town of Parker, City of Lone Tree and City of Castle Pines. All are in great need of new library spaces to accommodate their expanding communities. Our leadership team is researching various potential sites in these communities, including opportunities to secure donated land. Parker will be the first to be built because of the “extraordinary vision of the Mayor and Parker Town Council” said Jamie LaRue.
When asked what will this new library have that the current one does not have, both Mayor Mike Waid and Jamie LaRue had the same answers, What do you the citizens in Parker want the new library to have? We are here to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Parker and the surrounding area and want to build the library that you want.
The Douglas County Library invites you to become part of the vision by first completing this survey form. At the end of the form, there is an opportunity to leave your contact information to be placed on a mailing list for updates and/or to volunteer to be part of the brainstorming group that will help to bring what the citizens of Parker want to this new library.
Parker Library Fun Facts
Mark Westen a member of the Douglas County Libraries Board of Directors shared some interesting facts about the Parker library.
- The Library started in a storefront then the books were moved to a couple of churches in Parker (one of them the old Parker United Methodist Church building on Mainstreet).
- In 1984 the library was able to open its own building which is now the Parker Water and Sanitation Building across from Ruth Chapel on Mainstreet.
- In 1995 the old bowling alley was renovated and currently houses the Parker Library.
- Parker is the 2nd most visited building in Parker and is the 10th busiest library in all of Colorado.
Douglas County Libraries by the Numbers
- Staffed at about the same level as in 2006.
- Circulates more than 8 million items annually, up from 6.5 million in 2007 (about 24% more).
- Operates on property-tax revenues that have grown by 2.4% annually since 2007.
- Serves a population that has grown by 1.3% annually since 2007.
- Serves more than 2 million visitors a year.
- Serves more than 230,000 program participants annually.
The design phase of the NEW Parker Library is scheduled to begin this fall, with a groundbreaking in late summer of 2014.
