Arapahoe Library District
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Arapahoe Library District is a public library located in Arapahoe County, Colorado with branches in Centennial, Sheridan, Deer Trail, Byers, and unicorporated Arapahoe County. It was established in April 1966 by action of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners and the Board of School District 26J, Deer Trail, to meet the needs of Arapahoe County residents in the unincorporated areas and the smaller towns and communities that did not receive library service. At that time, only the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora provided library service to their residents.
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[edit] Overview
Organization of the District follows the provisions for establishment of library districts as defined in Colorado Library Law, Title 24 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. A seven-member Board of Trustees, appointed by a joint committee made up of members of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners and the Deer Trail School Board, governs the Library District. Two trustees represent the Library District at large, one trustee represents the eastern half of the county, and four trustees represent the more densely populated western half. Their powers and duties are listed in the library law. The Board is not compensated for their service.
Growth in the Library District has been steady and rapid. In 1966, the population served was estimated to be 27,000 and 40 years later, in 2007, the population served was estimated to be more than 200,000.
In addition to circulating over 4.5 million books, audio books, music CDs and DVDs in 2007 (Library Research Service, 2008), the Arapahoe Library District’s website provides access to the library catalog, downloadable audio books, over 40 research databases, recommended reading lists, and recommended websites by topic. The library ranked sixth in Hennen's American Public Library Ratings in 2008 (HAPLR Index, 2008).
The Arapahoe Library Friends Foundation serves as the fundraising arm for the Library District. It is legally a component unit of the Library District and holds an official 501c3 status, which allows for tax deductable contributions. Within the Foundation there is a committee called the Friends, which is more commonly known as the Friends of the Arapahoe Library District. The Friends group has a Board that oversees the activities of the membership group that boads nearly 500 members. The Friends work to raise money for the Library District through used book sales, supported primarily through donationed books from patrons.
[edit] Special Services
- InfoArapahoe Community Guide is a directory of government, service and support organizations serving Arapahoe County.
- Library patrons can access reference help in person, by phone, via e-mail, or by using AskColorado, Colorado’s 24-hour online chat reference service.
- The District also offers video book reviews via You Tube (ALD Live), and has created Del.icio.us accounts to help guide both patrons and staff to quality web resources.
- The Arapahoe Library District was the first library in Colorado to offer Online Homework Help, an online tutoring service for kids in Grades 4-12 needing help with Math, English, Science and Social Studies.
- Begin with Books introduces the joy of books and reading to preschool children in daycare homes, well-baby clinics and other locations in the community.
The District also offers:
- Free computer classes
- E-mail newsletters
- Nearly 150 computers available for public use
- Wireless internet access
- Bookmobile service to areas of the county without a physical library nearby
- Materials delivery for homebound patrons
- Teletale storyline
- Spanish and Russian speaking staff
[edit] Branches
- Administrative Offices
- Castlewood Library
- Davies Library
- Eloise May Library - opened February 21, 2009
- Kelver Library
- Koelbel Library
- Outreach Services
- Sheridan Library
- Smoky Hill Library
- Southglenn Library
- Arapahoe County Detention Facility
[edit] External links
