Jamie LaRue has been director of Douglas County Libraries since 1990. A past president of the Colorado Council for Library Development, LaRue received the Award for Intellectual Freedom from the National Council of Teachers of English for defense of classic literature and culturally redeeming R-rated films in high school classrooms.
Q. Libraries seem an old-fashioned way to get information. How do your libraries measure up when it comes to technology?
A. Although lots of people in Douglas County have access to Internet technology, not everyone does. We have banks of public computers with very fast connections. We also offer something Google does not: verified, authoritative sources.
Besides, people who spend too much of their day in front of a computer relish the opportunity to stretch their legs, to browse the shelves, to chat with a smart or funny library staff member, to admire our latest art displays. It’s old-fashioned to actually talk to people, too, but it satisfies a fundamental human need.
Q. Why are libraries a good investment of tax money?
A. There are two reasons. First, it’s a great bang for the buck. Last year, the return on investment for a dollar of taxes was about $2.85 of services. Find that kind of deal in the private sector. Second, it’s a public good. Public libraries raise literate children and families. We make communities more interesting. We offer sanctuary and inspiration.
Q. Douglas County’s first “neighborhood” library is opening in Roxborough on Jan. 28, and there’s talk of a new library for Parker. Tell us about that.
A. Roxborough’s Neighborhood Library is pretty cool – a high-volume, popular-materials location, based on self-checkout and other technologies, featuring lots of media. This is in contrast to our “regional” libraries, which have more square feet and a broader range of programming and materials.
We have just begun conversations with both Parker and the city of Lone Tree about something rarely seen in Colorado: joint planning of cultural facilities in a way that integrates performing arts, library services, conference space and educational facilities. Our hope here is to realize great value in avoiding costly duplication. Both projects would be planned to promote thriving, pedestrian-friendly public places that are strongly integrated with commercial and residential development.
Q. You answer complaints personally, rather than handing them off to your staff. Why do you feel that’s necessary?
A. There’s a selfish reason, and a professional one. The selfish reason is that I am forced to read, view or listen to whatever our patrons are complaining about. It’s absolutely fascinating – the most interesting reading list in the county. The professional reason is that I think the public appreciates actually hearing from “the boss” – not a faceless committee, not a department, not a board, but a real person who also has children at home and cares about our culture and our library. Besides, I can usually get through something faster than a committee can.
REGIONAL NOTES
EL PASO COUNTY
Conservationists get $427,000
The Great Outdoors Colorado board has awarded Colorado Open Lands $427,000 to help preserve 800 acres in El Paso County.
The Peak to Prairie/Fountain Creek Conservation Project will help develop a trail along Fountain Creek. Also, it will ensure a buffer zone for Fort Carson, which is increasing in size because of other military bases’ closing.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Sledding limited to Hidden Valley
Beginning this year, sledding in Rocky Mountain National Park will be permitted only in the Hidden Valley area and no longer at Bear Lake. Slopes at Hidden Valley, which has a warming hut and heated restrooms, have been contoured to enhance the safety of sledding and other snow activities.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
