Stouts & Stories/Ales & Tales — a beer tasting bonanza!

Plenty of cars and plenty of hops — that was the essence of JCLF’s fall fundraiser, Stouts & Stories/Ales & Tales. This benefit was the kick-off to a six-week, go-on-your-own, county-wide Jeffco craft beer tour, and it was held Thursday, September 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the colorful Lamar Street Center in Arvada.

Two guests lift their glasses for local craft beer.

“This event was hosted by Jefferson County Public Library in 2017, and it received a tremendous response from the community,” said Jo Schantz, executive director of JCLF. “The Foundation decided to turn this into a fundraiser and partner with local businesses to help raise money for Library programs.” Each year, the Foundation raises tens of thousands of dollars to help support the Library’s STEM/STEAM initiatives, early childhood literacy and the hugely popular Summer Reading program.

The Steel Affairs showroom.

Nearly 150 guests attended the event, which featured two tantalizing food trucks, games of skill (such as giant beer pong and ladder ball), a fun photo booth (complete with zany props), plus gallons of beer samples from 11 local craft brewers. Tickets were $15 for general admission, and those who purchased VIP tickets (at $25 each) were able to visit the Steel Affairs showroom to drool over rare and collectible cars, including classic Lamborghinis.

Allison Lausten tries her hand at giant Jenga!

“It was such a fun event!” said Allison Lausten, JCLF’s bookkeeper, who attended the event with her husband, Matt. “We really enjoyed tasting all the different craft brews, plus we listened to great live music and played some of the super-sized games.”

Emcee Neal Browne waves a welcome to our kick-off guests.

Our silver-voiced emcee and Board member Neal Browne was in charge of announcements, and prize drawings were held throughout the evening, hosted by Mel Rutledge and Jim Berry, two radio personalities from media sponsor KOOL 105. In addition, a pair of local brewers were tapped on as featured speakers for “brew talks” where they discussed craft brewing techniques. Toe-tapping live music was provided by an energetic band appropriately named Half Pint and the Growlers.

The event also served as the launching pad for a six-week, self-guided craft beer tour throughout the county available from September 28 through November 11. Free beer tour “passports” w

KOOL 105 radio personality Mel Rutledge divvies up door prizes with the help of Kim Hightower (R).

ere given to kick-off event attendees, and are also available for free at any Jefferson County Public Library or at any of four Jefferson County-based Westerra Credit Union locations. Patrons who visit the breweries listed in the passports receive a stamp for enjoying the breweries’ special offers. Stamped passports can then be redeemed for prizes at the four Westerra Credit Union branch locations in Jeffco.

Participating craft beer tour breweries include Brewery Rickoli, Colorado Plus Brew Pub, El Rancho Brewing, Evergreen Tap House, Golden City Brewery, Grand Lake Brewing Tavern, Ironworks Brewery & Pub, Joyride Brewing, Landlocked Ales, New Image Brewing Company, Someplace Else Brewery and Westfax Brewing Company.

Bespectacled beer fans pose for the camera at our photo booth.

Sponsors of the kick-off event and craft beer tour include Westerra Credit Union, High Point Financial Group, LLC, Cat Care Society, Picocyl, West + Main Homes, AMI Mechanical, Guaranty Bank, Sally Reed, Nocturnal Tattoo, the Taurus Fund, and Sw33t.com Design. KOOL 105 and Colorado Community Media are our event media sponsors.

Special thanks go to event planner Kim Hightower for creating a wonderful evening and a wonderful experience for our guests!

We are grateful to all the beer lovers and book lovers who joined us for this year’s Stouts & Stories/Ales & Tales!

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Celebrating our 2018 Foundation Volunteers!

What could be better than spending a summer afternoon enjoying good friends, good food and good fun? That “theme” was carried throughout our 2018 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic held on Friday, July 27, at Fruitdale Park in Wheat Ridge. This event marked a special time for the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) to celebrate, honor and applaud our wonderful volunteers.

“What a terrific way to say ‘thank you’ to so many of these dedicated individuals and couples,” said Tami Bandimere, president of the JCLF Board of Directors.  “All these volunteers work so hard — all year round — sorting books at the warehouse, helping with our Whale of a Used Book Sales and staffing the Friends Gift & Book shop at the Belmar Library. We couldn’t do all these things without them!”

Her words of praise ring especially true when we consider that JCLF’s volunteer corps provided 12,864 hours of volunteer support in 2017. That support translated into an amazing cash value of $317,612! (The Independent Sector values volunteer service at an average rate of $24.69 per hour.)

Nearly 60 volunteers, including JCLF Board members and Library staff members, were on hand for the noon-time feast, which featured a catered lunch from Frank’s Bar-B-Que, and a whole table full of delicious desserts.

This year, JCLF was pleased to honor Sharon Edwards with the Volunteer Leadership Service Award, and Al and Cheryl Cyr as our Volunteers of the Year. Retiring JCLF Board Vice President Jeannie Mann was selected to receive this year’s Elena Joyce Grissom Award. In a new twist, we also gave out special awards (super-sized doggie treats!) to a couple of four-legged volunteers who faithfully visit our warehouse each week — Remi, owned by Al and Cheryl Cyr, and Tuyok, whose owners are John Wilson and Dawn Jacoby.

Special thanks go out to Alison Egbers, JCLF’s office coordinator, for organizing the awards lunch and celebration event, and who also brought in an array of fun games, including corn hole, Jenga and an extra-large version of beer pong!

Each year, JCLF pays tribute to a special group of individuals who work hard and who continue to support our Foundation. And each year, we continue to be grateful for all you do! Thank you!

 

 

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Reasons to Support Your Local Libraries

4 Great Reasons to Support Your Local Libraries

Public library systems all around the U.S. have a lot to offer communities and local residents. Even if you haven’t heard of all the benefits that your own library has to offer, there are several fantastic reasons to support them, such as our very own Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL)!

It’s a Great Way to Give Back to Your Community

When you show support for the library, you aren’t just supporting one organization or building: you’re offering help and participating in a foundation that the community relies on.

Many residents utilize the library’s programs to continue their education after their school age years, teach children about the wildlife nearby, or to research and study for college exams. Supporting your local libraries allows them to sustain (and grow!) these community programs.

Libraries Are a Wealth of Knowledge & Entertainment

Where would many of us be without the information we find in our libraries? Truth be told, knowledge is available not only on the shelves in the library these days, but also online and in the minds of experienced librarians.

But the libraries are also a great place for entertainment, especially for children and families. Several JCPL locations have arts and crafts classes, movie times, author readings and other visits from experts nearby!

Check out their online calendar to see just how many events occur almost every day of the year!

Government Funding Isn’t Always Available

Unfortunately, many states, counties and cities have cut back on budget spending for local library systems. This means that they need extra support from individuals and groups who care about education and community resources!

Libraries Boost the Economy

That’s right: libraries can also add to the economy, since they are a resource for local individuals and businesses. But they also provide jobs to those in the public library system, and even offer a place where many people spend time applying for jobs!

How to Show Support for Our Libraries in Jefferson County

  1. Visit the library! The more that locals use their library’s resources and programs, the easier it is for the public library to ask for both public and private funding.
  2. Volunteer for events and programs!
  3. Become a member of the library and you’ll have access to millions of book and article titles, dozens of local education programs and a whole lot more.
  4. Become a Friend of the Jefferson County Public Library!
  5. Vote for local representatives who support the library’s initiatives through government funding.
  6. Donate good quality used books to the Jefferson County Library Foundation! Proceeds from these book donations support the public library in many ways.
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Best Things You Can Do with Your Used Books

Best Things You Can Do with Your Used Books

Even if you have a love for collecting books, chances are you have at least a few sitting on your shelf you’ll likely never pick up and read again.

But that doesn’t mean they have to sit there and collect dust either. If you’re looking for things you can do with your used books, take a look at the following ideas to consider!

Get Crafty

There are dozens of unique and fun craft ideas to try with your used books these days, especially for books that are torn or unusable. From folding the pages to form a word when the book stands up to cutting pieces out in various shapes for wall art, the options are nearly endless.

Check out this list of most creative craft ideas using old books to get you started. You can even try many of these with your family this summer while school is out of session!

Give Them to Family & Friends

What better way to pass on great pieces of literature than to gift them to others you know who may love them, too? Scan through your collection a couple of times a year to see which ones may make for great birthday, holiday or “just because” gifts others will love!

Donate to the Public Library or Jefferson County Library Foundation

Last, but definitely not least, our local Jeffco libraries accept up to one box of good quality used books. If you have more than one box, bring them on by to our warehouse for Jefferson County Library Foundation!

When you donate good quality used books to us, we use those to re-sell online and at our book sales throughout the year. And proceeds help support our public library programs, such as continuing education, literacy, and multi-cultural events!

This means that you not only get to free up some shelf space in your home (say, for more new books to read!), but you help support your local community at the same time!

Learn more about donating books (and other items!) online here.

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The Mystery Continues…with Murder, She Writes!

More than 20 years ago, the nation was shocked by the horrible death of JonBenét Ramsey, the tiny, six-year-old beauty pageant princess who was found tortured and murdered in the basement of her Boulder home in December 1996. It was a homicide that rocked our Colorado community, and yet the case has never been solved.

Paula Woodward, an award-winning author and former investigative journalist from Channel 9, KUSA-TV, reported on that story from its very beginning. In 2016, Woodward wrote a book about the murder, unveiling the evidence, interviews and police reports – including details that even the crime scene investigators missed! The title of her book begins with the killer’s own four ominous words scrawled in a ransom note found at the crime scene – We Have Your Daughter: The Unsolved Murder of JonBenét Ramsey, Twenty Years Later.

Woodward’s in-depth account of events surrounding JonBenét’s death were the focal point of Murder, She Writes!, a fundraising luncheon and audience-interactive conversation hosted by the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF). Neal Browne, Woodward’s former KUSA colleague and a JCLF Board member, served as the event emcee.

The benefit was held on Friday, April 27, at the Club at Rolling Hills, 15707 W. 26th Avenue in Golden, and Woodward’s book was available for purchase and signing at the luncheon.

We want to thank our Murder, She Writes! event sponsors for their support: ICON Eye Care; LegalShield; Rocky Mountain Safety and Security; Dr. Jackie O’Beirne, DDS; the Cat Care Society; Front Range Workplace IT; and the Taurus Fund. The event media sponsor was 93.7 The Rock radio. JCLF’s continuing supporters, our Friends Community Partners, featured: Westerra Credit Union, Bandimere Speedway and Pinkard Construction.

Event proceeds benefited the Jefferson County Library Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that is dedicated to supporting Jefferson County Public Library programs and events. Each year JCLF provides much-needed funds that support Library programs such as Summer Reading, Early Childhood Literacy and STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities for teens and tweens.

Stay tuned for other JCLF-sponsored events that are coming soon!

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Reasons to Bring Your Children to the Library While They’re Young

Reasons to Bring Your Children to the Library While They’re Young

Public libraries are a valuable resource for every community. They provide access to technology, a wealth of information stacked on shelves, and dozens of educational programs available to people of all ages.

They are also a great place to bring your children to while they are young. Read on to understand why your family should visit the library early and often!

Literacy is Important for Their Long-Term Success

Learning to read and write as a young child is one of the most impactful skills over the course of a lifetime. Studies show that early literacy helps brain development in ways that provides a strong foundation to learn and grow over time.

When you bring your children to the library as a baby or toddler, they are more likely to be far more proficient in understanding text and communicating clearly as they grow older. As they say, knowledge is power!

It Fosters A Love of Learning

By the time your children enter school, having previous experience with the learning process can be a huge help. If you bring the family to the library in their early years, they can begin to love learning — something that will benefit them for years to come.

Those who aren’t afraid to learn or who love to discover new facts are all better able to be more creative, insightful and wise as adults. Letting them see the library as an exciting place of information is essentially giving them the gift of wisdom.

The Library Offers a Variety of Activities for Kids

One of the top perks of local libraries is the wide range of educational, cultural, creative and fun activities that are great for families to do together. Whether you sign up for an arts and crafts workshop, visit during story time, or hear an expert speak about the local wildlife in Colorado, you’ll never run out of unique things to do at the library throughout the year!

Head on over to the Jefferson County Public Library website to get all the latest updates on future events, classes and programs!

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Family-Friendly Things to Do in Colorado This Summer

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Colorado This Summer

School’s out for the summer, which means more time spent with the whole family together. And one of the best things about summertime in Colorado is that the warm and dry weather allows us to have pretty endless activity options!

Here are some fun family-friendly things to do in the Centennial State this summer to bring you closer together while making the most of the season!

The Summer Reading Program

Our local Jeffco Library system has a fantastic summer reading program that aims to help children read more books during the summer. You can track your minutes both individually and as a family, and can even earn prizes when you hit your goals!

It’s a great family activity to do together, and perfect for all ages. You might even want to have a family challenge to see who can read the most during the summer!

Library Events

The library isn’t just a place for reading or studying; on the JCPL calendar you can find a range of classes, programs and experiences that are family-friendly!

From story times and movies, to hands-on workshops and games, be sure to save the dates for your top choices. Some events do require registering in advance, so sign up while you can!

Museums

Do your kids love learning about science, nature, art, or history? Take the family to some of the best museums in the area to inspire them! Here are just a handful of the many museums in the Denver metro area:

Butterfly Pavilion

Denver Firefighters Museum

MCA Denver

Museum of Nature & Science

And if you sign up for the JCPL’s Culture Pass, you can get into several places free of charge!

Opt Outside

Colorado has an abundance of natural scenery and geological wonders to explore. Whether you take the family for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, camp outside near Lake Dillon, or stroll through one of the many state and county parks, you’re bound to create new memories the whole family will cherish for years to come. The best part? Library card holders can get into all 42 state parks for free when using the Culture Pass!

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Friends of JCPL logo

Top Benefits of Becoming a Friend of Jefferson County Libraries

At Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF), our goal is to support the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) resources, programs and services to further benefit our local community.

And if you are interested in learning how to support our initiatives, consider becoming a Friend of Jefferson County Libraries!

Friends value our Library and lend their voices, time and resources to support our public library system through advocacy and fundraising. Individuals and families in the Friends membership program believe that the Library is the heart of our community, and that each Friend can help amplify that steady and resounding heartbeat.

Read about some great benefits to becoming a “Friend” listed below!

Have an Impact . . . While Having Fun!

When you become a Friend, you have the opportunity to volunteer your time and talent while helping us fundraise for a variety of great educational programs in your local community. In 2017, our Friends and volunteers helped JCLF raise over $200,000! These funds help support many Public Library programs, including: Summer Reading, Early Childhood Literacy and STEM/STEAM programs.

You might also be influential through lending us a hand at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop in Lakewood, advocate on behalf of the library, promote the library among others in your community, provide leadership via the Friends’ Council, or assist with our book sales such as our Whale of a Used Book Sale!

Discounts!

As a Friend of JCPL, you not only can receive a 10% discount at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop, but you’ll also receive 50% off on Saturdays at both Whale Sales!

To top it off, you’ll even have access to Friends’ Preview Night at our Whale of a Used Book Sale — only given to Friends of JCPL!

Other Benefits

Our Friends receive print and e-newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest information about JCPL and JCLF. Additionally, they receive invitations to Friends-only events!

Become a Friend Today!

Join over 900 other Friends of JCPL and have an impact on your community! Membership levels start at $15/year for an individual up to $500/year for a Conservator. Learn more about the membership or sign up online through our website today!

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underrated library resources

The Most Underrated Resources Available at Your Local Jeffco Library

If you live in Jefferson County, you have access to a wide range of resources and tools provided by your local library system.

Although some of the main services such as renting out books and movies with a library card are pretty well known, we wanted to provide a list of many other opportunities that the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) offers!

Here are some of the best resources available at your local Jeffco Library you may not have heard about:

Computer Classes

Whether you are someone who has never felt “tech-savvy” and need a few quick lessons on using computers properly, or you have a specific question on a computer software or online searching, JCPL has free classes you can join at a variety of locations!

Topics range from using Google Docs and Microsoft programs to email, job hunting and more! You can learn more about their computer classes online here.

Culture Pass

By far one of the best services JCPL provides is the Culture Pass! This is your “ticket” to participating metro-area cultural institutions, such as the Colorado State Parks, the Butterfly Pavilion, several museums and other arts centers.

With a JCPL library card, you can reserve a Culture Pass online up to 30 days in advance. Be sure to check out the details, instructions and other reservation requirements on the JCPL website!

Servicios en Español

If someone you know is a native Spanish speaker living in the Jefferson County area, they may not know about the many classes, events and other resources available to them in Spanish through JCPL!

Invite them to discover the resources, programs and more available online here.

Meeting & Study Rooms

Need a quiet place to work on a project? Have a hard time finding a good local place to meet with others?

Several of the Jeffco libraries offer small study rooms, as well as large meeting rooms available free of charge! Small study rooms can be used for up to 2 hours per day, hold up to six people and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Larger meeting rooms can be reserved up to 60 days in advance!

Check out the information on the JCPL website to learn about the available locations, meeting room policies, and other FAQs.

Computers, WiFi and Printing

With a valid library card you can reserve a computer at the library to use for research, job and college applications, and more! JCPL also offers laptops available for use at the Belmar, Columbine and Golden locations.

You also can use the WiFi networks and hot spots to connect to the internet for free! Other great technology services available include: printing, scanning and faxing. Visit JCPL’s website to learn more!

Have other questions or need assistance?

Reach out to JCPL by calling (303) 235-5275, visiting one of their local library locations or submitting a question online!

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Why Volunteer for Jefferson County Library Foundation

Why You Should Volunteer for Jefferson County Library Foundation

Whether you have more time on your calendar these days, or you are simply looking for a way to support the Jefferson County Library Foundation, volunteering may be a great fit for you!

If you need a little extra convincing, we’ve got a handful of reasons why you should consider becoming one of our volunteers this year:

1. You love being around books.

Want to be surrounded by books all day? Then you’ll love volunteering for JCLF!

Our donation warehouse is often looking for additional help sorting through the boxes of books we receive from our donors in the community. It’s a great opportunity to help us out on a regular or semi-regular basis!

Or, if you only have a handful of days throughout the year, we’d love to have you as a volunteer for events like our Spring Whale Sale (you can even sign up for the 2018 WWhale of a Used Book Sale Spring 2018 JCLFhale Sale online today!).

2. You can support a local nonprofit.

Showing your support doesn’t always have to mean book or monetary donations. Our organization’s mission is to provide critical support to Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL), expanding free programs and services to all Jefferson County residents. This includes things like early literacy, technology access, education and cultural engagement.

What better way to spend a free afternoon than by helping a nonprofit you love?

3. Engage with the community.

There’s nothing quite like becoming a more active and engaged citizen in your regional community. When you volunteer with JCLF, you’ll have the chance to connect with others nearby, especially when volunteering for our annual events!

Contact JCLF to Become a Volunteer

Reach out to our staff members to see how you can get involved! Help us make a difference in Jefferson County by supporting our local libraries. Call us at (303) 403-5075 to learn more!

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3 Great Reasons to Donate Your Old Books

3 Great Reasons to Donate Good Used Books!

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Even in today’s high-tech world, traditional hard copy books still have the amazing ability to offer inspiration, insight and education. And sometimes, there’s just nothing better than holding a book in your hand, rather than a cell phone or a tablet.

But what if you have too many books that you no longer need? Then it may be time to let them find new owners!

Below are some fantastic reasons why you should donate good quality used books to the Jefferson County Library Foundation!

Donating Good Books Gives Them Extra Purpose

Yes, even those you cherish so much and would have a hard time parting with!

When you donate your books, you allow the opportunity to let those texts have new life. Whether they end up in the hands of a young teen looking for an exciting new story to read, or they become part of a collection on someone else’s shelf, donating your books expands their purpose and influence in a fascinating way.

You Can Support Your Local Library System

If you donate good books to JCLF, you are — in effect — supporting all of our public libraries in Jefferson County, Colorado!

We collect these books (and good quality CDs, DVDs and vinyl records!) for our book sales, which helps raise money in support of early childhood literacy, technology, education and other programs held at various libraries in our system. And for those that are rare collectibles or vintage books, we are happy to sell them online via our JCLF storefront — Jeffco Friends — to increase the monies we raise in support of Jefferson County Public Library!

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning

Have a few (or a bunch) of great books sitting on a shelf? Clear out the space by bringing in books by the box-load at our donation center in Wheat Ridge!

Or if you’re downsizing into a new home, consider going through your book cases to see which ones you think others will love reading as much as you did.

PLUS, your contributions are tax deductible, and we will give you a receipt for your tax purposes!

It’s a win-win for everyone.

Ready to Donate? Come by JCLF!

At the Jefferson County Library Foundation, our goal is to support and enrich the resources and services our library system provides to the community. Help us continue to achieve our mission by donating your good quality used books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records! (Sorry, we do not accept VHS tapes, cassettes or magazines!) We will accept  donations Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at:

10790 W. 50th Avenue, Suite 200
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

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Our 2018 Friends Annual Meeting

There is an old Spanish proverb that states: “Life without a friend is like life without sun.” That’s why it turned into a very “sunny day” when the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) brought together many of our Friends of Jefferson County Public Library for the Friends Annual Meeting held on Friday, February 2, at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center in Wheat Ridge.

This year’s event broke from the traditional breakfast occasion, and instead our Friends and guests enjoyed a buffet lunch with a Mexican theme — tacos and burritos, complete with an ample array of sauces and condiments prepared by our caterer, Bonfire Burritos.

The highlight of the luncheon was our keynote speaker, Scott Gibson, a Colorado author known for his amazing skills as a playwright, as well as for the very moving and sensitive novels he writes. Many of our guests were already familiar with Scott’s books, with titles such as: Stopping by Earth; Standing Outside of Life; and his latest work entitled Treading Deep Water. 

As Scott shared with us, he is a Colorado native, and he’s lived from one end of the state to the other, starting out in the southwestern corner in the small town of Pagosa Springs followed by stays in Leadville, Sterling and Greeley. He now has homes in Evergreen and Grand Lake, and most of these places have figured into one of more of his popular books. As a special tribute to JCLF and our Friends, Scott donated back a portion of his book sales that day to our nonprofit organization, helping us continue on as we support Jefferson County Public Library programs, events and activities.

We were happy to celebrate another year with our wonderful Friends of the Library, a membership and support group that assists JCLF in fundraising efforts, voluntarism and advocacy on behalf of Jefferson County Public Library.

If you are not yet a member of the Friends of Jefferson County Public Library, you can become a member for as little as $15 per year. If you or your family would like to join, please visit the Friends section of our website to sign up online, or call us at 303-403-5075 for more information.

 

 

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