About the Campaign
Community support has kept Douglas County Libraries blazing trails and growing for over 30 years.
Because we continue to care for our resources and want to offer all of our customers premium experiences, we are excited to launch the third phase of our library improvement campaign, to fund and renovate libraries in and for our community.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you! We look forward to moving in to a new library in Castle Rock, and continuing to bring new, innovative features to all of our libraries, so we can grow with you, your family, and our community for years to come.
Campaign History
In 2016, Douglas County Libraries funded and built three new libraries in the underserved communities of Parker, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree. Between late 2016 and 2019, the Leadership Team, along with our Board of Trustees, expanded the campaign to focus on renovating the four remaining libraries in our district (Louviers, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Roxborough).
Finances & Funding
Through use of our capital reserve and strong stewardship of our resources, Douglas County Libraries hopes to build new libraries in our community without asking citizens for support through tax increases.
The Need for Renovations
Current libraries in Roxborough and Castle Rock do not meet the needs of their growing populations and communities. Inefficient and inflexible layouts inhibit our ability to offer the full spectrum of services and full complement of events and activities our community demands.
The changing landscape of books, reading, and information necessitates highly flexible, modular buildings that are experiential in nature. The library is a source for exploration, discovery, and connection as much as it is a quiet place of contemplation, or a place to do research.
The library is a destination. With nearly 1.7 million visitors annually (2019), Douglas County Libraries is a hub for our community. Residents check out books. They meet and visit with their children and families on a regular basis. Job seekers come to search our online databases or consult with professionals. Businesses and community organizations use our spaces for meetings and events. Many residents come just to hang out.
In 2012, we conducted a large-scale community-wide survey seeking community input and feedback. Library users and non-users rated the library very high for value. In addition to what we already provide, they told us they wanted more meeting rooms, drive-up book drops, indoor/outdoor spaces, study rooms, creative common spaces, family spaces, and contemplative spaces for quiet reflection. We will use findings from this data, along with more recent data and input, to help us inform the design process and ensure that renovations are built upon community needs.