- Arapahoe Library District
Arapahoe Library District is a
public library located in Arapahoe County,Colorado with offices in Englewood. It was established in April 1966 by action of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners and the Board of School District 26J, Deer Trail, to meet the needs of Arapahoe County residents in the unincorporated areas and the smaller towns and villages that did not receive library service. At that time, only the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora provided library service to their residents.Overview
Organization of the District follows the provisions for establishment of library districts as defined in Colorado Library Law, Title 24 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. A seven-member Board of Trustees, appointed by a joint committee made up of members of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners and the Deer Trail School Board, governs the Library District. Two trustees represent the Library District at large, one trustee represents the eastern half of the county, and four trustees represent the more densely populated western half. Their powers and duties are listed in the library law.
Growth in the Library District has been steady and rapid. In 1966, the population served was estimated to be 27,000 and 40 years later, in 2007, the population served was estimated to be more than 200,000.
In addition to circulating over 4 million books, audio books, music CDs and DVDs in 2006, the Arapahoe Library District’s website provides access to the library catalog, downloadable audio books, over 40 research databases, recommended reading lists, and recommended websites by topic. The library ranked fifth in
Hennen's American Public Library Ratings in 2006.Special Services
* InfoArapahoe Community Guide is a directory of government, service and support organizations serving Arapahoe County.
* Library patrons can access reference help in person, by phone, via e-mail, or by using AskColorado, Colorado’s 24 hour online chat reference service.
* The District also offers video book reviews viaYou Tube (ALD Live), and has createdDel.icio.us accounts to help guide both patrons and staff to quality web resources.
* The Arapahoe Library District was the first library in Colorado to offer Homework Help, an online Tutoring Service for kids in Grades 4-12 needing help with Math, English, Science and Social Studies.
* Begin with Books introduces the joy of books and reading to preschool children in daycare homes, well-baby clinics and other locations in the community.The District also offers:
*Free computer classes
*E-mail newsletters
*Nearly 150 computers available for public use
*Wireless internet access
*Bookmobile service to areas of the county without a physical library nearby
*Materials delivery for homebound patrons
*Teletale storyline
*Spanish and Russian speaking staffBranches
* Administrative Offices
* Castlewood Library
* Davies Library
* Glendale Library
* Kelver Library
* Koelbel Library
* Outreach Services
* Sheridan Library
* Smoky Hill Library
* Southglenn Library
* Arapahoe County Detention FacilityThe District is in the process of building two new libraries. A new facility at Parker and Florida will replace the Glendale library by late 2008, and the Southglenn location will become part of the Streets of Southglenn in May, 2009.
External links
* [http://www.arapahoelibraries.org Arapahoe Library District Website]
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