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May 2019 JCLF Board Meeting Presentation: Library 2 You

The license plate says JOY – and that’s what you see on people’s faces when Jefferson County Public Library’s (JCPL) Library 2 You cargo van pulls up to the communities it serves. Kelly Duran, JCPL’s Library 2 You manager gave a presentation on the new cargo van service during our May 16th Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) Board of Directors meeting.

After dwindling numbers of bookmobile borrowers gave JCPL the challenge of making the Library 2 You service more accessible, they started brainstorming solutions and got Summit Body Works under contract to make the project a reality.

With features like removable rolling carts, JCPL was able to break down accessibility barriers with certain communities, like retirement homes. Walking outside to see the selection available on the bookmobile left less mobile residents opting not to use the service. Now, residents can wait inside for the books to come to them.

“Residents were excited and started arriving 30 minutes early to wait for the van,” said Kelly Duran. JCPL Executive Donna Walker added, “It provides social interaction as well.” As it turns out, with people gathering to await the book services, they were taking the time to engage and chat with each other.

The cargo van service began in January 2019 and is continuing to expand its coverage by visiting a children’s summer camp this year, and will making special outreach appearances throughout Jefferson County.

For more information about how you can help the Jefferson County Library Foundation, click HERE.

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margaret coel

Margaret Coel To Be Featured At Friends Annual Luncheon

We are so excited that Margaret Coel will be joining us at this year’s Friends Luncheon. She’ll be there with books to sell and sign at the event. You definitely won’t want to miss this one!

Margaret Coel is the New York Times best-selling author of the acclaimed Wind River mystery series set among the Arapahos on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation and featuring Jesuit priest Father John O’Malley and Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden.

The novels have received wide recognition. They have been on the bestseller lists of numerous newspapers, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News. Five novels have received the Colorado Book Award. The Spirit Woman received the Willa Cather Award for Best Novel of the West and was a finalist for the Western Writers of America’s Spur Award for Best Novel.

She is a native Coloradan who hails from a pioneer Colorado family. The West — the mountains, plains, and vast spaces — are in her bones, she says.

About the Friends of Jefferson County Public Library

Friends of Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is a membership program of the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the programs of JCPL through fundraising and advocacy. Friends of JCPL are famous for their used book sales, selling more than 200,000 used books throughout the year and raising nearly $250,000 annually to support the programs of JCPL.

Don’t forget your tickets

Do you have your tickets to the Annual Friends Luncheon yet? They are going quickly so make sure to get one while you still can!

January 25th, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-annual-luncheon-featuring-margaret-coel-tickets-54010501865

 

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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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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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