FEBRUARY 4, 2010
What Happened to My Library Account Info?
You may have noticed that when you log in to "
My Library Account" some of the informtion you're used to seeing isn't there, such as how many items you have on hold or how many items you have checked out. You're probably wondering what's going on.
The Library recently updated our circulation software and that has revealed some unforseen issues like the ones mentioned above. Our IT staff are aware of the problem and are working to resolve it as soon as possilble.
In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy the materials, programs and services that JCPL provides.
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FEBRUARY 1, 2010
How Much Do You Love Your Library?
We know you love us – you’re coming to us in greater numbers than ever before and checking out record numbers of materials – but, now is your opportunity to share just how much you value your library.
JCPL and the Jefferson County Library Foundation are hosting a “I Love My Library” campaign during the month of February that will allow you to visibly demonstrate your support of the Library.
There are five simple ways you can share your love of public libraries – and you could even win a prize! More…
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JANUARY 12, 2010
Tax Information Online
As you get started on this year's tax return, keep in mind that the library updates its Taxes page each year. This page provides a guide to local resources for forms and tax help as well as links to online forms and information about changes to the tax law.
JCPL's Subject Guides collect reliable and up-to-date information on a variety of topics. Check out the Research Tools page and look for the "Featured" pages to see what else is new.
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DECEMBER 9, 2009
Wheat Ridge BEADazzled program rescheduled
Teens, take note: The popular BEADazzled! crafting program’s stop at the Wheat Ridge Library has been rescheduled. Previously scheduled to take place on Dec. 3, the program will now kick off 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. Be sure to mark your calendars so you can drop by and learn how to make your own DIY beadcraft Christmas presents!
Wheat Ridge Library
4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16
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DECEMBER 4, 2009
A response to rumors the Conifer Library is going to be closed
The Jefferson County Public Library Board of Trustees and Library Administration have received numerous e-mails and calls regarding a rumor that the Library Board is looking to close the Conifer Library. I’d like to assure you that we have no plans to do so. Although we are facing a significant reduction in our revenue for 2010 as a result of the Board of County Commissioners’ decision to further reduce our mill levy, we have not discussed closing the Conifer Library – or any other library – as a result of this cut.
You may be aware that Jefferson County voters approved a maximum mill levy of 3.5 mills in 1986. Each year, the County Commissioners set the Library’s levy. Unfortunately, since 1986, the Library has only received the full 3.5 mills three times and we have been allocated 3.425 mills since 2005. For 2010, the Commissioners are recommending further reducing the Library’s levy to 3.225 mills, which will result in a loss of approximately $1.3 million. In previous years, the Library has been judicious to build our fund balance (savings account) by setting funds aside to maintain our libraries and meet future needs; however, the Commissioners now believe that some of those funds should be spent so that a portion of the Library’s mill levy can be dedicated to other County priorities. Although some changes to our program of service may be necessary as a result of the budget cut, we are committed to providing the best possible service with the resources we do have.
The County is currently conducting an
online survey as an opportunity to let the Commissioners’ know how important libraries are to you.
On behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, I sincerely thank you for your support of and passion for Jefferson County Public Library and hope we can count on your continued support in the future.
T.J Carney, Chair
Jefferson County Public Library
Board of Trustees
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NOVEMBER 24, 2009
Library service in Jefferson County continues to grow
With recent news of libraries closing, hours being cut and services being reduced around the Denver metro area and the nation, it is important not to lose sight of the growing need for library services in the community. It is well documented that in an economic downturn library usage goes up and Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is experiencing this firsthand. Compared to this time last year, JCPL has seen nearly 150,000 more people come through its doors. In 2008, 2.7 million people visited our locations for computers, programs, materials, job search assistance and more; more than 100,000 of which were children attending programs at the Library. The library is a safety net, meeting basic human service needs many cannot access on their own.
One of the biggest needs among our patrons is computer use. Often, public libraries are the only place to go for free computer and Internet access, and with more people unable to afford a computer or the Internet at home, the Library’s computers are constantly being used. In fact, the Library’s 300 computers have been reserved more than 680,000 times this year, totaling 316,000 hours – and demand continues to grow.
The Library has also seen the impact the recession has had on families and has adjusted services accordingly. Our Traveling Children’s Library and on-site storytimes educate preschoolers to improve their reading skills before entering grade school; free homework help is available through the Online Library; the innovative eTrain Mobile Training Lab, a partnership with the Jefferson County Workforce Center, provides additional job search and computer training skills outside the Library; each of our full service libraries provide free computer classes, in addition to access to the Internet; staff can teach patrons how to use databases to select job opportunities and apply for jobs, and can also assist job applicants research companies when preparing for an interview; each year, beginning in February, all JCPL locations provide tax preparation assistance for those who can’t afford it otherwise – particularly seniors.
Unfortunately, local governments are not immune to the effects of the economy. The Library understands the challenge Jefferson County is facing trying to balance the 2010 budget and as a component unit of the County, we are committed to assisting the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in their efforts. The Library learned that the BCC has recommended further reducing our budget by approximately $1.3 million. Library staff have revised our operating budget to meet this reduction in revenue even though it will require the Library to modify the way we deliver services.
The County has looked to the Library to dip into our fund balance to help defray some of the effects this reduction in revenue will have. The Library has a healthy fund balance, which we have judiciously built up over the past 23 years, to help pay for the construction of libraries and to maintain our facilities. The Library is willing to tighten its belt in 2010, but cannot weather a sustained reduction in revenue. Of the approximately $12 million in our fund balance, the BCC requires the Library to set aside $2.8 million (or 10 percent of Library revenue). The rest is allocated to fund important projects as part of our long-term plan to meet the changing needs of the county, including needed repairs to our 10 facilities and building reconfigurations to meet changes in service, and longer term plans to construct and operate new facilities in underserved areas in Jefferson County.
The cuts the Library is proposing to make for next year are painful, but manageable. Should the Library be forced to continue cuts beyond 2010, it is unavoidable that the cuts will be more severe, including a significant reduction to much needed programs and services.
Although JCPL is among the most leanly-staffed and underfunded library systems in the metro-area, we have been diligent in ensuring the funds that are available are used to respond to the needs of our citizens. Our highly skilled staff will continue to provide the best library service possible with the resources we have.
Marcellus Turner
Executive Director
Jefferson County Public Library
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NOVEMBER 13, 2009
Tickets still available for Rick Steves author reception
Don't miss out on the opportunity to mingle with noted travel author Rick Steves prior to his presentation at the sixth annual InSight & InPerson event at Mile Hi Church! There are still a limited amount of tickets available to the author's reception where you can meet Mr. Steves.
The reception takes place at 5:30 p.m., with the author program at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 each or two for $75. The price includes reserved seating for the program, hors d'oeuvres and beverages.
Hurry to get your tickets today!
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NOVEMBER 4, 2009
Celebrate Columbine Library's 20th Anniversary this Saturday
20 years ago, the Columbine Library opened its doors and has been an invaluable community asset ever since.
Join us from 10 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, as we celebrate 20 years of providing library service! Music, entertainment and refreshments will be provided.
You still have time to submit your fondest memory of the Columbine Library!
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OCTOBER 20, 2009
Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale is this weekend!
The Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library is hosting its annual Whale of a Used Book Sale Oct. 22-25, 2009, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Thursday, Oct. 22 is a special preview night for Friends members from 6-8:30 p.m. Friends memberships are available at preview night or at any Library prior to the sale. To apply online, go to www.friendsofjcpl.org.
More than 95,000 gently used books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and videos will be available to fill your shelves for 50 cents to $2.50. Sunday is “Bag Day,” where $5 buys as many items as you can fit in a bag. We’ll provide the bag. Additionally, Bert’s Curiosity Corner books will be half-priced on Sunday.
Hours
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Admission is free!
For more information about the Whale of a Used Book Sale see our October newsletter.
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OCTOBER 9, 2009
Investor Education in Your Community
Lakewood Library 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Registration is required. Call 303-235-5275 to register or e-mail
lkinfo@jefferson.lib.co.us.
Investor Education in Your Community is a financial education seminar designed to provide independent and objective information to help consumers make informed investment decisions in today’s financial market. The program will include a lecture, question-and-answer session, and a guided workshop. Light refreshments will be provided.
This program is made possible by a partnership with the Evelyn Brust Financial Research and Education Foundation and the Foundation’s funding partner, the Investor Protection Trust (IPT). The program will be presented by the non-profit Evelyn Brust Financial Research and Education Foundation.
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OCTOBER 1, 2009
Homework Help Online!
School is back in session, the homework assignments are rolling in and midterms may be right around the corner. Try HelpNow throughout the school year.
HelpNow, from BrainFuse, is a live online tutoring service available to JCPL patrons through a partnership with the Jefferson County Workforce Center. HelpNow is staffed by professional tutors who can work with you on homework assignments or particular concepts.
Tutors are available between 2PM and 11PM. In addition to working with a tutor you can also submit a question, or submit a writing sample for writing assistance any time. Give HelpNow a try. To access this and other online resources, just visit our homepage, click Research Tools, then click Subcription Databases A-Z.
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AUGUST 27, 2009
Has Friends Gone Mad?!
It sure seems that way, because they’re holding a book sale – minus the books!
This weekend, the Friends of Jefferson County Public Library are hosting a sale of audiovisual media items at the Belmar Library. Browse an impressive collection of books on tape and CD, music CDs, DVDs and videotapes. The prices alone are enough to drive you insane: DVDs for $2.50! Music CDs for buck apiece! Audio books for $5 or less! If all this wasn’t enough, Sunday is certified straightjacket time – throughout the afternoon, you can fill a bag with as many items as it can hold for only $5! If you think we’re overusing exclamation marks, wait until you see the sale!
All proceeds from this sale will go to benefit teen and children’s literacy programs. Nothing crazy about that!
Belmar Library
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
12 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
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AUGUST 3, 2009
New Health and Medicine Resource at JCPL
Introducing Health and Wellness Resource Center, a new database at JCPL for health and medical information. Use this database to research diseases and conditions, medications, treatments and more.
In addition to articles on these topics, Health and Wellness Resource Center also includes informational pamphlets, videos, a medical directory and links to a variety of health assessment tools.
You can access this online resource from any library computer, or from work, home or school with your library card. Just visit the library's homepage, http://jefferson.lib.co.us, click Research Tools, then click Subscription Databases A-Z. For access to more online health resources, visit the Library's Health and Medicine Subject Guide, also available from the Research Tools page.
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JULY 31, 2009
Conifer Library closed Aug. 1-2
The Conifer Library will be closed Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2 due to road resurfacing at the Conifer High School. The library will reopen at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3.
The library was originally supposed to be closed July 30, but due to weather the road resurfacing project had to be postponed.
Conifer Library is located in Conifer High School. The Evergreen Library (5000 Hwy. 73 at Buffalo Park Rd.) is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
If you have any library-related questions, please contact 303-235-5275.
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JULY 29, 2009
UPDATED: Conifer Library WILL BE OPEN July 30
Due to the weather, the Conifer Library will be OPEN Thursday, July 30. The road resurfacing project may occur Saturday, Aug. 1. Check back for more information.
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JUNE 8, 2009
Daily Life Through History Online
Have you ever wondered what people wore during the American Revolution, or what kind of music people listened to in ancient Greece? Check out Daily Life Online, a database with extensive information about everyday life throughout history and around the world. Thanks to some recent updates, JCPL patrons have access to more information in this database than ever before. To access Daily Life Online, just visit the library’s homepage http://jefferson.lib.co.us Click Research Tools, then click Databases A-Z.
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MAY 28, 2009
Don't miss the Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale!
It's that time of year again! The Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library is hosting its annual Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale June 5 – 7, 2009, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
More than 95,000 gently used books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and videos will be available to fill your shelves for 50 cents to $2.50.
Make sure to stop by on Sunday, June 7 for “Bag Day,” where $5 buys as many items as you can fit in a bag. Hours are Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free.
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MAY 6, 2009
Libraries Closed, Friday, May 8
All Jefferson County Public Library locations will be closed Friday, May 8 for a staff in-service. Book drops will remain open.
Additionally, the Library catalog will be down during the day for maintenance. Access to patron accounts and some online databases will be unavailable.
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APRIL 29, 2009
Do-It-Yourself Resources
Spring is here and as the weather warms up many of us will be starting on new projects around the house or garage. EBSCO’s DIY databases, available online with a Jefferson County Public Library card, provide quality information to help with many repair and remodeling projects.
JCPL patrons can access three databases devoted to this topic. Auto Repair Reference Center provides maintenance and repair manuals for cars and trucks. Home Improvement Reference Center features instructions and diagrams for home repair and remodeling projects. And Small Engine Repair Reference Center provides online access to repair manuals for lawnmowers, chainsaws, motorcycles and more.
These databases are all available anytime from your home computer with an internet connection and your JCPL library card. From the JCPL homepage (
http://jefferson.lib.co.us), click Research Tools , and under "Subject Guides," click Do-It-Yourself. Databases are linked from the purple box at the top of the screen.
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APRIL 22, 2009
Check-out period for children’s feature films to change May 1
Jefferson County Public Library is changing the check-out period for children’s movies to seven days starting May 1. This change will make it possible for patrons with a hold to receive a children’s film more quickly. All films in the adult and children’s collections with a seven-day loan period are clearly labeled “7 day loan” so you can distinguish them from other materials having longer loan periods.
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APRIL 22, 2009
Final Great Decisions Date Change
The final Great Decisions topic, Human Rights, will be discussed one week later than previously scheduled. It will now be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at the Evergreen Library. Please call 303-403-5166 if you have any questions.
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