by Lisa Crockett

The Castle Pines library was built on volunteer hours and community contributions at a time when library funding was being cut. As cuts continue, a group of volunteers is working to raise money for the Castle Pines library through a variety of means. A pancake breakfast, a bike race, even a library piggy bank for the kids to drop coins into are all under consideration as ways to raise funds.

The events will be part of a campaign called “Let’s Keep a Good Thing Going,” to reach the goal of raising enough money to keep the library operating for the next three years. Operating costs for one year are roughly $30,000; the group aims to raise $100,000 total.

The inaugural event to raise money for the library is an opportunity to sponsor the library for a day. For $100, donors will be recognized with a sign on the library door on the day of their choosing; up to three donors will be allowed per day from September 2, 2011 until December 16, 2011.

“We think sponsoring the library for a day is a great way to honor someone on a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary or other important date,” said Sharon Kollmar, president of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, the group coordinating library sponsorship.

Two years ago, the library successfully opened because of fundraising and negotiations by members of the community who wanted the library to come to Castle Pines despite defeated ballot measures in two consecutive elections. Warren Lynge, a Castle Pines volunteer instrumental in helping the library get established two years ago, sees the library as not only an enhancement to quality of life in the area, but as an important part of the business community.

“In March 2011 [the most recent month for which figures are available], 10,272 people visited the library,” said Lynge. “Those people also interact with the businesses in the area. The library is incredibly important to our
community.”

For more information on sponsoring the library for a day, call the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce at 303-688-3359. Donations can be made to the library at any time, either in person at the library, 7437 Village Square Drive, #110 or via the Douglas County Library Foundation at douglascountylibraries.org and click on “Donate It” in the “Give” column on the bottom of the page. Be sure to choose “other” in the “program designation” field and specify that your donation benefit the Castle Pines library.

Let’s keep a good thing going Castle Pines!