So Many Reasons to Love Your Public Library

Library & Arts Director Tony Tallent

September 2008
Monthly Message from Library & Arts Director Tony Tallent

In late July, I packed a truckload of my belongings and drove the long road from Charlotte, North Carolina to Boulder. On the trip out, I saw some long stretches of the country I’d never seen before. Along the way, I found myself wondering where the public library was in this town or that city? I even made it a point on several stops to ask people I met if they knew where their local library was. Wonderfully enough, almost everyone that I asked knew where the public library was located and many gave me strikingly good directions on how to get there. While in Wentzville, Missouri, I was delighted by the response of one woman who overheard my question to another woman. She graciously came over and said, “Yes, the public library! I was just there two nights ago…” and then proceeded to confirm the quickest way to get there. In Newport, Tennessee, 100% of the people I asked knew the way to their public library. In Topeka, Kansas, 100% as well! These responses certainly fueled many smiles and made me all the more excited and overjoyed at stepping into the role of director of Library & Arts in Boulder.

Here is what I’ve found out in the month I have been living in this beautiful city: the Boulder community loves its library! So many people I’ve met as I’m settling in, whether in my neighborhood or on the job, have expressed utter adoration for Boulder Public Library. And there is so much to adore about BPL. Here are a few reasons I’m happy to share with you:

1. A dedicated, creative, friendly staff who love the work they do (come in and get to know them better today!)
2. A beautiful, historic Carnegie Library that is a storehouse of memory and regalia from Boulder’s past (1125 Pine St.)
3. Walls, corners and gallery spaces that are brimming with original artwork provided through the creative and visionary leadership of our partnership with Boulder Arts Commission
4. Meadows Branch, which is set up like a large and welcoming bookstore—but there is no price tag on these wonderful services when you come to one of our desks here (4800 Baseline Rd., located behind Safeway)
5. A Youth Services program that is ready to delight, inspire and challenge kids from birth to 17 years old (and their adults)! (Teens: you have to check out the Teen Space at Main Library)
6. Reynolds Branch Library is a full-service location which offers both a bright sunroom for reading and it’s going even more “sunny” with the installation of solar panels through a terrific public-private partnership (3595 Table Mesa Dr.)
7. More programs, services, meeting spaces, dramatic architecture than is imaginable—and it’s all yours!

So, the next time you hear someone ask “Do you know how to get to the public library?” I know you’ll be able to answer the question (and then give them a few reasons you love your library as well).

I’d like to hear what you love about your public library right away. Please feel free to email your thoughts, ideas and library joys to librarydirector@bouldercolorado.gov.