
by Polly Gallagher
Director of Public Services
A library is a community hub. It is the people’s university for equal access to connect, to share, to explore ideas, and to stimulate discovery. What does that short phrase, “equal access”, mean for Grand County Library District? When planning our collection, layout, and events, we are intentionally making decisions that attempt to create greater access to all people based
I found myself pondering this question on a recent trip to the Fraser Valley Library to meet with Diane of Sons of Norway (upcoming Scandinavian art programs in 2019!).
I enter the library and am always visually drawn to the children’s area. It’s changed over the years but always has maintained a bright welcoming environment. Populated with sensory toys and designed with quiet nooks as well as open spaces for people to gather, I remember my son as a toddler pulling out all the Stick
My eyes move across the section to the
Speaking of programs, I notice posters for upcoming events and resources: Nintendo Switch, Colorado State Park Pass, Career Coaching, and art displays–all free resources that not everyone can afford. I wave at Kim from Rural Health Network preparing for a meeting to help someone obtain affordable health insurance. There’s a lot happening today in the library.
All the meeting rooms are full; I take a seat by the puzzles and
Shiny objects definitely capture my attention. My eyes are drawn to a poster highlighting
I’m early so I scan through my emails and discussions on expanding our graphic novels collection, as well as comments on our improved Spanish Language signage and increased participation in the ESL classes Kremmling. Note to self,
A copy of the Constitution hangs in my peripheral view. Libraries are champions of the First Amendment. I think about the table in the central office as I left with The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis and Lukianofff and Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind. I nod in satisfaction. Our libraries strive to provide a variety of materials across all platforms to support ideas and civil discussion. I chuckle thinking of the Jo Godwin quote, “A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.”
Once my meeting is finished, I sit down to talk with Jeanette,
Could we do more? Always. Input is valued and appreciated. I dream of everyone in Grand County taking advantage of this wonderful community resources.
And, where will you find me on my day off? Tucked into a sunny corner of Fraser Valley Library, scanning cooking magazines while my son is testing out VR equipment or inquiring about what musical instrument is available for check