SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Hurry and get your free tickets to see Shutter Island author Dennis Lehane!
Tickets are available and going fast for Jefferson County Public Library's annual InSight & InPerson Distinguished Author Series. Register now to see
Dennis Lehane, internationally renowned author of bestsellers such as
Shutter Island,
The Given Day,
Gone, Baby, Gone and
Mystic River!
Tickets are available at www.jeffcolibrary.org/lehane. Limit two tickets per person.
7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 18
Mile Hi Church Lakewood
Don't miss the pre-event reception and the opportunity to meet the author at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available now for $40 per ticket or two for $75 and can be reserved at www.jeffcolibrary.org/lehane. The price includes reserved seating for the 7 p.m. program, hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Ticket proceeds help fund future InSight & InPerson events.
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Happy Anniversary AskColorado!
AskColorado is celebrating its seventh anniversary today! Since Aug. 2, 2003, AskColorado has quietly and efficiently answered nearly 300,000 questions from students, parents, business owners, military personnel and other residents of Colorado.
AskColorado is staffed by qualified information professionals, librarians from Colorado libraries! It is a free service for Colorado residents to ask questions from the comfort of their homes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The librarians utilize sophisticated chat technology to communicate one-on-one and push links and other information to their clients. They use the same Live Help technology currently being used by large e-retailers such at REI and Godiva Chocolatier.
Libraries throughout Colorado of every type -- public, academic, school and specialized libraries -- contribute money to pay for the software and 24/7 service. Local libraries also provide the staff time to work online with Colorado students and residents.
The AskColorado service works on a model similar to public radio: it is grant-funded and paid for by member libraries. Federal monies through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) are supplied via the Colorado State Library, a unit of the Colorado Department of Education. In addition, member libraries contribute financially and through staff support.
For more about AskColorado, see www.askcolorado.org or contact Operations Manager Kris Johnson.
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AUGUST 23, 2010
Meet amazing patron Sue McMahon
JCPL is launching a series of patron videos to highlight the many ways our libraries transform the lives of individuals and communities. Our first installment tells an inspiring story of how Lakewood Library patron Sue McMahon solved a major problem in her community.
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AUGUST 19, 2010
Power Check Energy Meters Now Available for Checkout
JCPL is now partnering with Xcel energy to provide Power Check Energy Meters for checkout. Power Check meters measure the voltage, electricity cost and electric consumption of common household appliances to help you learn more about electricity use in your home and control your energy costs.
Meters can be placed on hold and checked out just like other library items. Meter kits include everything you need to get started, including instruction booklets in both English and Spanish. To learn more about this program, and to request a meter, check out JCPL's Environment Page at http://jeffcolibrary.org/great/environment.html.
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JUNE 24, 2010
JCPL Receives National Recognition for Innovation & Excellence
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) received national recognition for innovation and excellence from Library Journal and Gale, part of Cengage Learning, in their 2010 Library of the Year award competition. Columbus Metropolitan Library, in Columbus, Ohio, was named 2010 Library of the Year, and JCPL was one of three public libraries recognized for "demonstrating the service philosophy and dedication to community that signify a Library of the Year." Special recognition was also given to Anythink-Rangeview Library District, Northglenn, CO and King County Library System, Issaquah, WA.
The Library of the Year award is the most prestigious award a public library can be granted. It is granted to a public library in the United States that best demonstrates service to the community; creativity and innovation in developing specific community programs; a dramatic increase in library usage; and/or leadership in creating programs that can be emulated by other libraries.
View JCPL’s application for Library of the Year
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JUNE 13, 2010
Conifer Library Closed June 13
The Conifer Library will not be open today, June 13, due to maintenance issues. The library is anticipated to be open for normal business hours tomorrow.
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JUNE 3, 2010
Stories from Pine and Buffalo Creek Now Online!
New interviews have just been added to JCPL's Digital History Collection. Digitized from cassette tapes donated to JCPL by the North Fork Library Association, these interviews represent a small piece of a larger collection donated to the library. These interviews with residents of the North Fork Valley tell the story of Pine, Buffalo Creek, and the surrounding area. The library is pleased to be able to preserve and share these valuable memories through its online library.
To listen to interviews and read written transcripts, just search for the title "North Fork Valley Oral History Project" in the library catalog and keep an eye on JCPL's Digital History Collection for more oral history interviews in the coming months.
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MAY 28, 2010
Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale is June 4-6
More than 95,000 gently used books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and videos will be available at The Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library annual Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale June 4–6 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the sale support children’s literacy programs at the Library.
Fill your shelves with countless items from 50 cents to $2.50. Children’s and teen books will be located on the lower level. Higher priced vintage and better books in Bert’s Curiosity Corner are located on the main level. More...
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MAY 27, 2010
JCPL Unveils Vision for Library of the Future
The Library recently debuted it's vision for the Library of the Future, which consists of three pieces:
- Our vision of the Library of the Future
- Our Strategic Framework for 2010-2013
- Our Long-term facilities vision
This information was presented to the Library Board of Trustees, Library staff and the Board of County Commissioners.
You can view our vision for the future at www.jeffcolibrary.org/about/jcplofthefuture.html.
What are your thoughts about the Library of the Future?
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MAY 12, 2010
Tell Us a Story!
Introducing Jefferson County Public Library's Oral History Program, a new program aimed at collecting stories and memories through interviews with Jefferson County Residents.
We are launching this program with a series of short, topical interview sessions at several libraries. For the first session, we will be asking about how you came to Jefferson County. Were you born here? Did you move from somewhere else? What brought you here? We want to share your memories of your early life in the county.
This interview session will be held on Wednesday, May 26 in the Columbine Library Meeting Room, 1:30-3:30. More sessions will follow at other locations. Oral History volunteers will be there to record your memories. Interviews will be available through the library website as they are recorded and archived to preserve these valuable historical resources. Drop by and tell us your story.
For more information about Jefferson County Public Library's Oral History Program, to schedule an interview, or to learn more about volunteering in the program, contact Patrick Farrell, Digital Resources Librarian, at 303-275-2238.
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APRIL 8, 2010
Books with a Recycling Theme in Honor of Earth Day
The print version of Exploring Your Library may be gone, but one of its most popular features lives on! If you are a fan of Joyce Deming's Book Suggestions column, you can still find it each month in eNews or on our web site.
This month, Joyce presents a plethora of titles with a recycling theme in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
We hope you continue to take advantage of Joyce's recommendations! And, if you haven't already, be sure to purchase a reusable bag from any Library for just $1.
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MARCH 23, 2010
All Libraries Closed Tomorrow, March 24
All libraries will be closed Wednesday, March 24, due to weather conditions.
Your safety is very important to us! Please do not rush out in unsafe conditions to return items that are due. The Library will waive any late charges accrued during this closure.
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MARCH 23, 2010
All Libraries Closed for the Evening
All libraries will be closed for the rest of the evening due to weather conditions.
Your safety is very important to us! Please do not rush out in unsafe conditions to return items that are due. The Library will waive any late charges accrued during this closure.
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MARCH 19, 2010
Watch for Your Census Form this Month and Be a Part of History!
The 2010 Census form will be delivered or mailed to households across the United States in March, and you can make history by filling out and returning your census form as soon as it arrives. You are encouraged to watch for your census form and respond immediately by mailing it back.
Every person living in the United States must be counted in the 2010 Census – including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Your participation is vital and helps to provide a new portrait of America – illustrating our nation’s growing and changing population and demographics.
2010 Census: Why It’s Important
- By completing and returning your census form you are performing an important civic duty while helping to better define the future – for you, your community and our country.
- Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to tribal, state, and local governments based on census data.
- Census data guide local planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, establish child-care and senior centers, and build new roads, hospitals, schools and job training, and community centers.
- Census data are used to reapportion congressional seats to states and assure proper district representation.
- Many businesses, social service and non-profit organizations use census data to make critical decisions that affect communities everywhere.
Easy. Important. Safe.
Participating in the census is easy, important and safe. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form takes about 10 minutes to complete. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
JCPL is supporting Jefferson County government by encouraging your participation in 2010. Look for your 2010 Census form in March and return it upon receipt. Join us in helping to make our community a brighter place by participating in the 2010 Census.
You can access more information about the 2010 Census at http://jeffcolibrary.org/great/government.html.
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FEBRUARY 16, 2010
An award-winning resource from JCPL's Online Library
Job seekers, check out JCPL's Database of the Month, Optimal Resume. Optimal Resume was just voted the number one career tool in the U.S. Department of Labor's "Tools for America's Job Seekers Challenge."
Optimal Resume is available free with a valid Jefferson County Public Library card. Use it to create professional-looking resumes and cover letters, take skills assessments, practice for interviews and much more.
To access Optimal Resume and other great online resources, visit our homepage at http://jeffcolibrary.org, Click Research Tools, and then click Subscription Databases A-Z.
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FEBRUARY 11, 2010
Keep up with the Winter Olympics with JCPL's Online Library
The 2010 Winter Olympics are about to start in Vancouver and many of us will be trying to keep up with new developments or follow a particular event. Fortunately, the library has added a 2010 Winter Olympics Subject Guide on our website. This page collects web resources on the Olympics and Paralympics, news coverage of the games, information about travel to and around Vancouver and more. You can visit and bookmark this page by visiting our homepage, http://jeffcolibrary.org. Next click Research Tools, then look for 2010 Winter Olympics under the "Featured" topics.
For information on other sports or sporting events, check out our Sports/Recreation guide, also available from the Research Tools page. It provides general information and features upcoming events year round.
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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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