Slew of New Programs and Services Offered by Rampart District
Trevor Phipps
It used to be that a library in a local town was a place that centered around books, and then more books and many periodicals, encompassing a variety of subjects.
Those days are gone. With technological advances, less people use libraries now to check out reading materials, as the internet has allowed people to access a treasure of entertainment and information and even great literary outlets with a touch on their smart phone or computer.
In order to stay relevant in the 21st Century, libraries across the world have had to get creative in ways to provide value to citizens. Now, modern libraries, including those in Woodland Park and Florissant that are part of the Rampart Library District, offer a lot more options then checking out books. In fact, many don’t know half of the services these libraries now offer.
For example, the Woodland Park Public Library just recently opened up a new coffee kiosk from the local Solid Grounds Coffee Roasters outlet. Now when people are searching the web or conducting research, they can enjoy a great cup of java, brewed from the popular Solid Grounds shop in downtown Woodland Park.
According to the Rampart Library District Director Tim Miller, one major recent improvement involved expanding the hours of the meeting spaces inside the library. The large meeting room is now available during hours that the library is closed.
Miller said that expanding the available hours for meetings has helped provide a place for more community groups to get together. “So far this year our meeting room stats have tripled or quadrupled in terms of how many people use them,” Miller said.
When it comes to checking out books, the library has changed their system so it’s easier to renew, and users won’t get fined late fees for not returning items on time. “We will automatically renew items up to six times for you if somebody else hasn’t requested them,” Miller explained. “We became a fine-free library a couple of years ago and everybody is always reluctant to do that. They think that there is going to be a run on the bank and there will be no items left because everybody is going to keep them. But as we know that is largely exaggerated. For the most part people are very conscientious. The bottom line is our circulation stats of traditional book slinging is pretty good.”
Miller said that another goal of the library has been to help people connect with one another. The library now offers a slew of extra activities, such as book clubs, writers’ groups and classes, with subjects ranging from basic plumbing to paranormal investigations.
The library has also added delivery to its services. Library staff can now bring books to residents and pick up old books.
In addition, the library has become much more than a place to check out books or media products. People can check out Go-Pro cameras to record their adventures, or even a state park pass to go hiking and exploring.
This year, the library also provides passes to drive up America’s Mountain (Pikes Peak) for free. During the mountain’s slower season in the fall, winter and early spring, residents can check out a Pikes Peak pass and drive their own vehicle up the famous 14,000-plus-foot peak with as many as four people.
Special Technological and Artistic Perks
Another addition to the Woodland Park Public Library is their new maker space. For those who have an imagination and the urge to create, the library now has just about every tool one can dream of.
In a large room on the bottom floor of the library, the maker space contains just about everything an artist could desire. The space sports 3D printers, CNC woodworking machines and laser engraving and cutting tools to make or alter just about anything.
The room has mosaic and stained-glass making capabilities, along with soldering tools and a microwave kiln. They also have kits to make robots and small computers, as well as clay and leather working tools.
The room also contains bookbinding tools and the capabilities to make paper. Sewing machines also fill a corner of the room, with machines that are capable of doing embroidery and sewing heavy duty materials.
“The way that this works is that you can do an orientation for the space either online or you can come in during some of our scheduled times that are posted on our website,” said Megan Ross, the Rampart Library District’s community relations coordinator. “After doing that, you will receive a badge and then you can get certified to use these things. It’s mostly about safety. Then you can book the space through the front desk or on our website and make your own projects and all sorts of cool stuff.”
Another room in the library lower level features an audio/visual studio that anyone can use for free. The studio features sound and video equipment where users can record their own podcast or make a movie.
The computer inside the studio comes equipped with software that can help with video editing, graphic design and animation creation. Anyone can use the studio and get help with the equipment from volunteers.
The library is currently looking for people who want to learn their equipment, make their own unique, artistic stuff and then help train others. The opportunities what people can learn and create is now endless with all of the services offered by the local library district
For information about the services at the Rampart Library District, and its facilities in Woodland Park and Florissant, visit their website or call them at 719-687-9281.
