Summer at The Highlands Ranch, CO Library

The Douglas County Libraries, of which the Highlands Ranch Library is one, are ranked in the top ten American libraries. Over 675,000 items are available for check out. In 2007, over 6.4 million items were checked out and there were over 1.7 million visits to the libraries. Our libraries in Douglas County have a combined total of 92 employees who have a Master's Degree in Library Science.

We do, indeed, have a really great library system and our Highlands Ranch library shines as one of the best in the system. What goes on at the library in Highlands Ranch? There are Art Exhibits and used book sales, which I particularly like. You can join a book club, chess club, genealogical society, photography club or writers group. Always popular are the many childrens' programs and activities. Teens have their programs, also. Douglas County libraries hold a 4 week class in collaboration with Douglas County Schools to help immigrants learn what they need to know to obtain their citizenship.

If you like to volunteer, there are many opportunities. Spellbinders are trained by library personnel and then tell stories in the Douglas County schoolrooms. Tutors are trained to help people learn English, study for citizenship or prepare for the GED. Early literacy volunteers are trained and then go to childcare centers to read to young children. Trained volunteers facilitate groups where English is practiced and American culture is learned. There are many more opportunities to work with the public or behind the scenes.

Highlands Ranch storytimes are Monday 10 ad 11 am, Thurs. 1 pm and Sat. 10:30 am for all ages and Wed., Thurs. and Friday, 9:30 and 10:30 for babies and toddlers.

Now for what is going on at the library for the summer! Teens 10-18 years who read for 18 hours receive a pass to Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Adults who read four books receive a pedometer. The Shakespeare Festival takes place in July with these events:

Shakespeare's As You Like It is performed at Civic Green Park, July 24-26 at 7:30 pm (FREE admission).

Local film critic Walter Chaw presents a screening of Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of As You Like It on July 21 at 6:30 pm at the library.

A Celebration of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era with juggling, music, may pole dancing, face painting and arts and crafts takes place on Saturday, July 26 from 10:00 am to noon at Civic Green Park.

The Denver Center Theatre Academy brings Shakespeare's work to life for kids with character-work, improvisation and text analysis on Tues., July 15, 6:30 pm.

Another event for those who love stories, although not presented by the library, is the Rocky Mountain Storytelling Festival, July 26 and 27 in Palmer Lake south of Denver on the way to Colorado Springs. The kick-off will be "A Summer Evening of Stories 2008" at The Wildlife Experience in Parker, Friday, July 25, 7 pm. (FREE admission) This is a great evening for families of thrilling tales, edge of your seat type.

I hope to see you at the library this summer!