The next time you have friends or family in town or are in need of a day of enrichment, add the Boulder Public Library to your to-do list. With nearly one million visitors annually, the BPL is one of the most visited public locations in the city. Over the years, it has transformed into not only a quiet place to read, meet, and reflect, but also a community hub for culture, literacy, and creativity.
Others are noticing its charm, too. The Boulder Library was recently named Colorado Library of the Year, and we are so proud to have this incredible establishment right in our hometown. If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out its programs (or even if you have), there’s never been a better time to do so.
The Boulder Library Foundation has played a huge role in establishing and continuing many of the library’s most popular programs. Here are some highlights of programs that are helping to promote creativity, literacy, and continued education for Boulderites.
Tech-Focused
Are your kids fascinated by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math)? The library’s new Maker Space hosts fun events like youth maker hangouts, open coding classes, and Lego story club, with opportunities for all ages ranging from toddlers to pre-teens. Almost 13,000 kids participated last year! They’ve even partnered with community organizations like CU Science Discovery, the Boulder International Fringe Festival, CoderDojo, SparkFun, Play-Well TEKnologies, Sphero, the Boulder Valley School District Millennium Lab, and Schact Spindle Company to further extend the relevance of STEAM education.
Literacy
Boulder is consistently ranked as one of the most educated U.S. cities, and the BPL definitely reaps the benefits of its citizens’ love for learning. Every summer, the library hosts its Summer Reading Program, which had record-breaking participation this past year. One of the BPL’s most impactful programs is BoulderReads, an adult literacy program that brings together adult learners and volunteer tutors. In 2015, there was a 10% increase in the program’s attendance, as well as significant growth in the program’s pool of volunteers. Readings and presentations from popular authors, such as Rainbow Rowell and Jennifer Egan, also draw diverse crowds.
Extending its Reach
One of the best parts of the BPL’s programming is that it extends beyond Boulder. The BPL partners with local and international organizations to bring incredible programs to town. It hosted the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2015 and 2016, which brought approximately 8,000-10,000 people to the library for a weekend of events and conversations with local, national, and international authors.
Additionally, the library partners with the Boulder Small Business Development Center, which moved into the library and hosts workshops and free, one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs in the community.
We wouldn’t have such a thriving local library if it weren’t for the Boulder Library Foundation. Founded in 1974 by Doris Hass, it continues to invest in programs that enrich the Boulder Public Library and our community. To learn more about ways in which you can support the foundation, visit its website.
What’s your favorite thing about the Boulder Public Library? Tell us in the comments below!