Red Feather Lakes Community Library update for Nov. 2013

Our own Sandy Merritt has been selected named 2013 Outstanding Library Volunteer by the Colorado Alliance of Libraries, sharing the honor with Larry Shriner of the Douglas County Libraries. This state-wide award was presented Oct. 18 at the annual meeting in Loveland. Our congratulations to Sandy as well as our thanks for her extraordinary efforts on your behalf through several years of library service.

By Creed Kidd, Library Director

We’re writing this month of community, or, more specifically of the services that the Red Feather Library — Your Library — provides you as community member.

Most can name basic library services: books and DVDs that may be borrowed; office services, computer availability and interest access, However, there are many functions — we tend to call them value-added services — that may not come immediately to mind.

For example, you may schedule a meeting for your community group, either on a one-time or rotating basis in the library’s Stenzel Community Room. Ad hoc meetings are fine too, provided the room isn’t already in use.

We on occasion serve as a drop-off/pickup point for packages/messages/crafts/loaned books and other materials across area residents. We’ve distributed community information, camping and fishing information, area and road closures, directions to local restaurants, groceries and lodges and at times, and information regarding Uncle John who once lived at Manhattan.

We provided award-winning service to local residents and travelers last year during the High Park Fire by means of posted information, addressed questions, assisted with possible evacuation routes, distributed information provided by the County, Forest Service and RFL Volunteer Fire Department and e-mailed recovery resources information. At times during this we were a seven-day-a-week library, closing only after the last individual left rather than sticking to set hours.

We are occasionally the source of 911 calls as travelers (or locals) in route suffer medical emergencies. Recently, we served as refuge for an individual involved in a domestic dispute until the authorities from Fort Collins arrived.

Just past, we’ve served briefly as de facto headquarters for a visiting gentleman from outside the U.S. who while in the area misplaced his wallet and then his glasses, then needed a landline to report the loss of his money and a physical address to have a new cell phone shipped.

We intend, in word and deed, to be a community good neighbor.

Finally, for those interested in the financial health of Your Library or how your financial support is allocated and used, we’ll be holding a public hearing on the proposed 2014 budget at 10 a.m. Dec. 4, at the library. This is an important issue for us this year and all are encouraged to attend.

November in Ruth’s Gallery: Winnie Hanson’s oil paintings and watercolors.