It’s all here in your Durango Public Library – The Durango Herald
Hi Durango. As the new Acting Director of the Durango Public Library, I have been asked to contribute to these rotating articles on local libraries. I’ll start by saying how wonderful Durango is. Thank you for the warm welcome.
I continue with I am not a librarian by profession or by training; my experience is military and city management service. However, over the next year, I will be exploring the possibility of a library transition to a district library. There are over 60 library districts in Colorado, including three in LaPlata County, so it’s interesting to see what a district could do here. If this project interests you, stop by the library to chat.
Over the past two months, this interim experience has led me to consider the purpose and value of libraries. As a lifelong student and part-time graduate level teacher, I thought I knew a lot about libraries. Looking back, I had only scratched the surface. From this “deep dive” in which I am, here are some discoveries:
- Your Durango Public Library is a true knowledge portal. The library team is made up of experienced professionals trained to be the best “search engine” available.
- Librarians offer information on virtually any topic under the sun. Want to learn more about computers? See a librarian. Interested in learning another language, fixing the car or fixing the house? The library is your go-to place. More than a source of information, however, the library is an adventure haven. A place for the mind and the spirit to explore fiction, fantasy, poetry, fairness and the diversity of thought. It’s the cinema, but better and cheaper.
- Libraries generally have extraordinary rates of return on investment. I have seen evidence and have great confidence that the Durango Public Library team are the outstanding stewards of the public’s trust and their money. Your library makes the most of every dollar it has.
- Libraries are citadels of intellectual freedom and thought; often catalysts for meeting social challenges. No matter who you are, what you believe or where you are from, your library strives to meet your needs and spark your imagination.
There is a lot more to say, but this article should be short. Visit your Durango Public Library and witness the excitement and magic of ‘Story Time with Callie’ or Lego Fridays for Kids. Browse the variety of periodicals and newspapers or track your stock portfolio. Try a new language, immerse yourself in one of the greatest sections of local history, or read about future exotic destinations. Upcoming programs include a Girl Scout sponsored December 10 program for young girls interested in coding. Every second Friday there is a free legal clinic by video or phone sponsored by the library and virtual clinic Pro Se. Professional advice and guidance is available to you at the Patent & Trademark Resource Center, one of only three recognized PTRCs in Colorado. Fancy a good read this holiday season? Your library is the place to be. Do you have time and a passion? Join the Friends of the Library – they are amazing supporters.
Thanks for reading and see you in the library.
Randy Robertson is the Acting Director of the Durango Public Library.