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Communities Have Changed. So Have Libraries.

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Katie Auman in Library Blog

If you reflect upon the changes our community has seen in the last decade, you might notice the changing faces of your neighbors or the growing number of people calling the area “home.”

Northern Colorado is home to a vibrant population that is expected to continue to grow, to age, and to become more diverse. These changes present our community with amazing cultural, social, and economic opportunities…and a few challenges.

One of the public library’s greatest strengths is our local focus – responding to changes in our community and evolving to meet its needs. Poudre River Public Library District is organized around being a community and learning center with a focus on shared experiences and personal enrichment.

That means that the old stereotypes about libraries definitely do not apply.

Celebrations like Dia de los Muertos highlight cultural traditions and foster community connection.

We’re not a book barn.

Yes, libraries have books and library staff is known for their love of reading (and spot-on book recommendations). But the Library District is more than a repository for books.

Your libraries are meeting spaces, learning hubs, collaborative spaces, innovation centers, entertainment spots, as well as a source for reading. We’re hosting coding classes, community conversations, murder mystery parties, and book clubs. Even our regular library visitors are often surprised by the extent of what the Library offers in programs, services, and materials.

Books support what libraries do, but they do not define what a library is.

Participants in the Living Library event get an up-close demonstration of Tintype Photography from Chad Shryock.

We’re not just for kids.

The Library District has a significant responsibility to children and families in our community to support early literacy skills and help children succeed in school. Storytimes and interactive children’s programs will always be a core part of our service.

Yet we also recognize the role of the library as a platform for lifelong learning, innovation, and personal and professional enrichment.

Adults regularly take part in educational experiences from tech classes to lecture series to financial workshops. Job seekers tap into numerous in-person and online resources. Entrepreneurs plan and collaborate. Seniors find community connection and opportunities to enjoy personal pursuits.

From personal finance workshops to technology classes to Memory Cafes, the Library District offers a variety of meetups, programs, and activities for adults and seniors.

We’re not going to shush you.

Modern libraries are dynamic, active public places, not silent catacombs. Librarians encourage exploration and collaboration, and often that’s pretty lively. As we continue to evolve more and more to a place for community gathering and civic engagement, you’re bound to bring in a little noise.

Fortunately, our library spaces are designed with areas for noisy, joyful adventure and for quiet solitude. You get the best of both worlds, depending upon your need that day.

It’s always active and exciting in the Children’s areas of the libraries.

As our community continues to grow and change, your Library District is positioned to respond and evolve to meet its needs with innovative programs and services, a robust and diverse collection, reimagined spaces, and strategic partnerships.

We’re looking forward to an amazing 2020 serving you at Poudre Libraries!

Related

21st century library, civic engagement, Community, job and career, library myths, lifelong learning, modern, small business

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Including the collection of Front Range Community College, Larimer Campus