Red Feather Lakes library update for Dec. 2014

We’d like to thank all that voted in the library’s recent mill levy initiative. With 824 votes cast, 442 (54 percent) were for and 382 (46 percent) against the proposal. Passage should ensure stable library funding through many years. We will continue to work diligently in your interest and in your behalf.

For those part-time residents that were frustrated in voting because of primary residency Colorado law, we nonetheless wish to thank you for both your support and your interest in the library. When you’re at home here in the tri-community Red Feather area, be assured that we’re here too, and will continue to provide excellent library and community service.

A big thanks as well, to the volunteer citizen’s group, Mill:COM, the “Moving our Library Forward” Committee that for over a year worked tirelessly in getting the word out through meetings, a fine website and the publication and distribution of brochures and bookmarks that well-outlined the critical issues the library was and is facing. It couldn’t have been done without them.

Nor without the able assistance of the library’s Friends of the Library group, a 100 member-strong organization that provided support, fundraising and the wherewithal to make things happen.

There’s a host of others, but last if not least we’d like to mention the board trustees of Red Feather Mountain Library District – those volunteers who govern the library – your neighbors that recognized growing library financial problems and made the right decisions at the right times.

We’re continuing on. Through the next several months we’ll be working through a new strategic plan, an abstract concept that in practice means an exhaustive review all things library with the intent of setting goals for the next 3 years, years that we see as critical in the continued growth of the library and library services. And, of course, to have those services and features in place that you, as a resident and library member would want to see and use. With your assistance we’ll review primary library functions – policy, services, hours open, review and balance print, non-print and online resources towards your interests.

To facilitate the discussion we’ll have short, in-house and online surveys regarding library services: Let us know what you think – what’s working, could work better or something new you’d like to see. Also, we’re happy to meet with you individually or as a group on issues or general operations. We certainly have a vision (that we’ll discuss in greater detail here in coming months) but it’s important that our view matches your interests.

December in Ruth’s Gallery: Seasonal decorations (including Christmas tree) and Santa onsite Friday, Dec. 6, from 12-2 p.m. Also that day we’re sponsoring do-it-yourself crafts for children and helping adults from 12-5 p.m.