A journalist recently asked me what makes Boulder Library such a special place. With a quick moment of reflection, I replied, “The Library is a place where hope lives.” After I had said this, I realized that it wasn’t likely what the journalist was expecting to hear. I felt our conversation take a turn. We moved from discussing the library’s collection, programs and building amenities to talking about the library as a place that holds the collected dreams and potentialities of centuries. It is also a place where we store and retrieve information that is relevant today. And, perhaps more than this, it is a place where we can bring it all to life. The library is a place where the whole community can come together to explore, reason, wonder and, yes, share their hopes and dreams.
The past several months have been a trying time for the whole nation as our economy bobs on a sea of uneasiness. The effects of this are seen in large and small ways, in ways both obvious and subtle. The Boulder Library staff work with members of the community each day who are dealing with job loss, working to make ends meet and trying to make good, sound decisions for their families and careers. These are challenges that go deep and we are all sharing in them in profound ways.
Here is what I’d like for you and your family to know: your library is here for you. During this time of profound challenge, you are not alone—we share your concerns and are working with you to find solutions.
There are many practical ways that the library is here for you. To begin, you can try out our “Find–a-Job” zone on the second floor of Main Library. Check out the informational literature we’ve gathered, customized web pages and helpful staff -—all ready to assist you, a friend or family member in getting a jump-start on finding a job. Next, don’t forget to think of us as the first place to come for quality fun, educational and inspirational programs and experiences. From monthly, live musical performances of classical music to some of the most eclectic and memorable film screenings in all of Colorado, the Boulder Library makes it possible (and without the box office price tag).
Beyond the practical, let the library be your place of hope. The library is a place where you can come to remind yourself how wonderful life really is. Indulge your curiosity by browsing the library stacks to discover your latest fascination—whether it is information about interior design or the mosses of the Northwestern forest—you’ll find it here. Find a sunny corner of the building to dream and let your thoughts align themselves. (We won’t rush you when you’re dreaming). Remember that the library is yours. We want you to dream, to learn, to grow, to enjoy—and to share hope with us—at the library.
Filed under: Director's Blog
Boulder Public Library is a wonderful place. They have the best job resource tool available in libraries in their database section. I used ReferenceUSA to find a job for my son and I also was able to find several businesses in northern Colorado to connect with and offer my consulting services to. Within two weeks of using ReferenceUSA my son was starting his first day of work and I had found four new companies to consult for. I love Boulder Public!
Good morning,
I have many concerns about the direction of our library in these difficult economic times. I do not need the library to inspire me with hope or entertain me with electronics (it is a continual struggle with our children to keep them away from the easy distractions that electronics offer).
I look to the library as
1) resource for learning, online reference material and books. Knowledgeable staff to direct me
2) entertainment, books to read!
3) repository of information (esp. local). such as the Oral History collection. Local photos available thru the card catalog.
4) cultural programs – local art exhibits, author talks, forum for local music
I am quite concerned about the use of limited funds, on extraneous things… i do not need to be provide hope/fun/ideas/playthings.. i do need a good basic library maintained with knowledgeable staff.
thank you for listening and posting my concerns
S
I agree with S. Dodd’s comments. I think the library must remain available during tough economic times for those out of work searching for resources to acquire jobs, or to change career direction, or simply looking for a good book to escape the harsh realities of current life. There must be ways to curtail costs: hiring freeze, no pay raises, hold off on acquisitions (how about asking for specific book donations?), open up mtg. room space rentals with fees charged, etc.
The library is a public institution that should remain available to all citizens, esp. in these times when many people can’t afford to buy books, or have computers, or pay for tickets to art/music events. As Director Tallent writes, “The library is here for you…” Please keep it so!
I have recently heard a rumor that the Meadows Branch library may be closed. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing so wanted to go to the source and hear the truth. Please let me know. I and my neighbors use the library regularly. It is an anchor for our community and gives us hope in these hard times. Many thanks.
Hi Tony, I guess hope doesn’t live at the Meadows branch?
The Meadows Branch Library & Staff are a great asset for the Boulder Community.
The 100,000+ visitors in 2008 included : residents of the neighborhood, Fraisier Meadows, students & teachers using the study rooms & computers, children learning to read about the world, community groups & citizens who vote…
Library use is up across the nation.
Boulder needs to invest in itself and keep the Meadows Library open.
Mr. Tallent,
This is a bizarre blog post in light of your apparent role in attempting to close Meadows.
I support Meadows. It provide immeasurable value to its users, many of whom don’t have easy access to other branches. Keep it open.
Thank you.
Thanks to everyone who has expressed their love and concern for the library, particularly for the Meadows Branch.I would like offer up some brief clarifying information in this post. A plan to close Meadows Branch does not exist. What does exist at this point is a long-range conceptual proposal that offers up possible, substantial and ongoing cost-savings to the city and includes many possible options for budget reductions over the next several years. Meadows is included in this list of potential budget reductions, but exists there only as a concept. Meadows Branch has been noted as a potential budget reduction item at least since 2007 when the public library’s master plan was approved by the City Council.
Please know that I, library administration, staff, or the Library Commission are not lobbying or attempting to close this branch. The library, just as all city departments, has been asked to put forth potential budget reductions to help the City of Boulder meet significant projected revenue shortfalls. This proposal was carefully scrutinized, edited and approved by the Library Commission. Public input is of great value to the library and to the City Council. Please know that a dedication to transparency and public input will lead all the decisions that will be made in regard to our valued and much loved library.
With gratitude for the great support of the Boulder Public Library,
Tony Tallent
Library & Arts Director
Hi Tony,
It’s true; after a longtime love of libraries everywhere, I agree that libraries aren’t about what’s in books. It’s more about what’s in us. Thanks for pointing that out.
Best,
Jody