Red Feather Lakes Community Library was founded in 1969 by a group of civic-minded local citizens who missed the convenience of a library.

After working with the Fort Collins Public Library for bookmobile access, they found that the bookmobile couldn’t pull the grade of McNey Hill (then unpaved). So, they founded their own local library.

Below are two histories of the Red Feather Lakes Community Library:

From Dream to Reality
A short History of How a Little Library Was Born and Grew
History and Speech written by Ann Smythe,
Past Board Member of the
Red Feather Lakes Community Library, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Read by Ann Smythe in person at the Red Feather Lakes Community Library

Dedication and Grand Reopening on August 27, 2005.

From Dream to Reality

A Short History of How a Little Library Was Born and Grew

This is the Little Library that could…..

It all began in September of 1969 when women from the Mountain Gals requested the county Library extend the services of the bookmobile to Red Feather Lakes. But the Bookmobile was unable to negotiate McNey Hill which has a steep grade and was not yet paved. At that time, however, the county Library was in the process of combining with the city library, and the county library director encouraged the women to establish a library in Red Feather Lakes, beginning with some of the excess books made possible by the merger.

Permission was given to use the basement of the POA Building for the library, so Kathy and Bert Morissette chose 200 books, a desk and some shelves, and by November 4, the library was open, with 18-20 volunteers. Those first years the Larimer County commissioner provided $240 to offset the cost of utilities. The earliest presidents of the Board were Cathy Carter, Kathy Morissette, Lynn and Jack Lytle, and Nita Raney.

By 1977 the library was receiving $2000 from the County General Fund. Because of generous donations and support of the community, there now were 5000 books crowded on the shelves in this 522 square foot room.

Among the many volunteers, and an original board member, was Mary stenzel, who often expressed the wish that the library have its own building. After her death, a Mary Stenzel Foundation was established in her memory. Her husband, Ray Stenzel, told the library Board that, if the community would help, he would provide aid from Mary’s Foundation for a new library building. At the time Nita Raney was president of the board. With her leadership, enthusiasm and inspiration, the community and outlying areas raised money with contributions, spaghetti suppers and bingo nights.

September 5, 1987, ground was broken for the new library building. Much of the labor was provided by volunteers of the area, recruited by Nita Raney.

Ten months later, on July 7, 1988, the Red Feather Community Library opened its doors with a grand celebration and open house.

In 1986 The Friends of the Library was organized, and they became a chief money raising source for the library. Through the years they have raised many thousands of dollars, primarily with their two annual used book sales. Additional funds have been raised with ice cream socials and pizza parties, and the sale of cook books,t-shirts and tapestry throws depicting the Red Feather area. In addition they have purchased books, a computer, a digital camera and, recently a printer. Many interesting programs for the community to enjoy have been sponsored by the Friends also.

By 1994 the library was operating on a budget of about $30,000 a year- money contributed by the county, local citizens, and the Friends. We were the only public library in the state of Colorado that did not employ a library director, and ‘tho we wished for a library director, the funds just were not there.

For several years the library had petitioned the county Commissioners for a one year grant, so a part-time library director could be employed. Finally, in 1994, the commissioners agreed with a one year grant of almost $8000. That was the year we hired Marilyn Colter to work 20 hours a week at little more than minimum wage.

At the meeting with the commissioners we were represented by Della Frydendall. When asked by one commissioner what we would do for salary when the county’s grant rand out, she boldly replied that we would find some “angels”. And that is exactly what she, along with Maryanne Lyon and Jane Porter did. They recruited a number of citizens who pledged up to $1000 a year for five years to assist with a salary for a Library director.

That also was the beginning of an endowment plan, because what would we do for salary after the five years were up? The Stenzel family agreed to match any donations to an endowment fund up to $10,000. The fund has grown, and each year expendable funds are made available to the library, this year $10,000 went into the building fund.

During the ten years of leadership by Marilyn Colter the library experienced tremendous growth. Beginning in 1996, Marilyn began writing grans to get the computers we needed to offer patrons internet services. In January of 1998 Internet access was introduced in the library, and a year later the circulation system was automated, making it easier to search for information and find materials needed. Today we have five computers for patron usage.

The library’s collection of approximately 11,000 items includes latest best sellers and old classics, large print books, non-fiction books, a special collection of Colorado books, reference books, books-on-tape and CD’S, videos, periodicals, children’s books and a toy lending library. Inter-library loans for books not in our collection are available. The library also maintains a book drop in Glacier View Meadows for patron’s convenience. And the number of patrons has increased dramatically.

The library always has served as a cultural and educational center for the mountain community, with a wide variety of programming.

Programs for the community presented at the library have included authors James Galvin, C.J. Box, Tom Sutherland, Steven Grace; and Wayne and Terry Baltz; also travelogues, programs about high country gardening edible wild plants with Cattail Bob, tropical birds, pests of the West, astronomy, a cowboy poet, and a modern day Theodore Roosevelt to name some.

From the beginning, a major outreach of the library has been a preschool story hour begun by Rachele Casselman and JoLynne Johnson. Preschool story hours, filled with stories, games and crafts, continued to be an important program under the leadership of volunteer Maryanne Lyon from 1994 to 2001. They continue today with the help of Karen Deane, Children’s Program director. Summer reading programs are another tradition. This year’s program kicked off with a puppet show enjoyed by more than 60 people. And 73 children participated in the program, reading, earning prizes, and proudly wearing t-shirts designed by Karen.

The library cooperates with the Red Feather Lakes School to provide educational and fun programs for children. In 1997 a program provided and opportunity for children to become acquainted with the history of Red Feather Lakes by interviewing some of our older residents, and writing their own booklet “Red Feather Lakes; A Child’s Point of  View of History’. The project was complete with a Young Author reception and Book Signing evening. More recently the children enjoyed a project based on a popular series of books about Lemony Snicket. Karen Deane has taught several cartoon drawing classes at the school, she worked with homeschooling families, too.

While a member of the Library board, Claudine Murphy began the monthly art and craft exhibits by local artists that soon became popular with the community. That tradition was continued by Ruth Kevan when she was a member of the bard, and now by Karen Deane.

The library also became the meeting place for a watercolor group which continued to meet weekly after a class taught by Ruth Kavan ended. Other classes taught in the library have included quilting and pine needle basket weaving, internet access, baby sitting and photography for young people. Every month two popular book discussion groups meet to exchange ideas about books they have read.

Not to be forgotten, are the many, many dedicated volunteers who have worked behind the circulation desk, helped to select new books, catalogued and processed those books, weeded shelves, served on committees and performed other useful tasks. They have been invaluable to the library.

In 1999 the county commissioners announced that after 2001 they no longer would be able to provide funds for the six libraries in the county. That year, we received $16,100, or 45% of our operating funds from the county. If we were to survive, we would need a tax supported library district., an ambitious plan. Bob Kevan volunteered for this challenging task, and led a very successful drive for the Red Feather Mountain Library district. Before the election, Bob spent many, many hours at the county building and working with committees. Planning educational events and publicity. The patrons and library supporters responded with a 2-1 affirmative vote, Now, with tax funds that nearly tripled out former budget library services were expanded even further. Money became available for a full time Library director, a children’s Program director and and Administrative Assistant to handle payroll and data processing. With a higher visibility, there was a 73% increase in the number of people who came through the door the first year. Without the library district many of the services your library now provides would not be possible.

By the year 2003, it became evident that the library was out growing our building, and a long range planning committee began working on plans for expansion. Two years later because of the wonderful support we have received from the community, and from grants received as a result of Marilyn’s diligence, we are here today to open the new addition, which has doubled our square footage and will allow us to continue to expand our services to this great community!

Many of us were disappointed when Marilyn Colter, who did so much to aid the growth and services for the library, resigned from her position as Library Director. But we are very happy to welcome Sarah Myers as our new Director. I know that, with her leadership and because of the spirit and support of the mountain community, the library will continue to endure and prosper in the days ahead.

Because the always has been the Little Library that Could!!!

HISTORY OF THE RED FEATHER LAKES COMMUNITY LIBRARY

November 4, 2009, Updated September 2012

History by Margie Caswell in 2009 and 2012, based upon histories written by Kathie Morissette in 1977, Ann Smythe in 2005, and another in 1995 plus input from Creed Kidd.

 The Beginnings: 1969

The Red Feather Lakes Community Library began in September of 1969 when the Mountain Gals, a local service group, requested the Larimer County Library extend the services of the Bookmobile to the Red Feather Lakes community.  But the Bookmobile was unable to negotiate the steep grade and dirt surface of McNey Hill on the way to the Red Feather Lakes Village. The Larimer County Library was in the process of combining with the Fort Collins City Library, so the County Library Director encouraged the women to establish a library in Red Feather Lakes, beginning with some of the excess books made possible by the merger.  Thus, the Mountain Gals became the first sponsor of the community library.

The basement of the Red Feather Lakes Property Owner’s Building became the library’s first home. Two hundred volumes, shelves, and a desk chosen from the County Library’s excess plus shelves from an abandoned store were used to create the library. Larimer County Commissioners provided $240 to offset the cost of utilities and rent.  Many individuals donated books and magazines, paint, a sign, homemade draperies, rugs, and the Mountain Gals donated money to fix up the area. With much community effort, the Village’s first library opened on November 4, 1969.

Tom Keys, Kathie Morissette’s brother and the Mayo Clinic Librarian, donated many books and expertise on how to run a library. Marjorie Warren was the only volunteer who was a professional librarian and her experience helped the library improve.  By 1977 the library was receiving $2,000 from the County General Fund. Twenty volunteers helped operate the library.  Through generous donations and support of the community, the library grew to 5000 books crowded on the shelves in the 522 square foot basement room.

The First Library Building: 1987-1988:

Mary Stenzel, original Board member and volunteer, often expressed the wish that the library have its own building.  After her death, a Mary Stenzel Foundation was established in her memory.  Her husband, Ray Stenzel, told the library Board that, if the community would help, he would provide aid from Mary’s foundation for a new library building. Under the leadership of Nita Raney, President of the Board, the community and outlying areas raised money for the library building through contributions, spaghetti suppers and Bingo nights. The Red Feather Property Owners Association donated the land for the library building and parking lot.  September 5, 1987, ground was broken for the new 2400 square foot library building with much of the labor provided by area volunteers.  Ten months later, on July 7, 1988, the Red Feather Community Library opened its doors with a grand celebration and open house.    By 1989 the library provided service to 817 patrons.

Supporting Groups

The Red Feather Lakes Library Foundation was established on January 28, 1985, and on August 22, 1985, the Internal Revenue Service granted 501(c)(3) status to the Foundation.  When the Library District formed in 2000, this group disbanded due to its change in legal status.

In 1989 The Friends of the Library was organized, and they became a chief money-raising source for the library.  The Friends’ 501(c)(3) status was granted in 1997. The past ten years they raised tens of thousands of dollars through used book sales, ice cream socials, concerts, and pizza parties; and the sale of cook books, t-shirts plus place mats and tapestry throws depicting the Red Feather area; and being race marshals at the Wild West Relay. Their donations have purchased books, computers, digital cameras, and printers.  The Friends June Annual Dinner always has an interesting speaker or program.

In 1994 The Red Feather Lakes Community Library Fund was established with the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. The Stenzel family agreed to match any donations to this endowment fund up to $10,000.  The fund has grown, and each year a percentage of the interest on the funds are made available to the library.

First Library Director: Marilyn Colter

By 1994 the library was operating on a budget of about $30,000 a year with money contributed by the county, local citizens, and the Friends.  It was staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers, and was the only public library in the state of Colorado that did not employ a library director. For several years the library had petitioned the County Commissioners for a one-year grant, so a part-time library director could be employed.  Finally, in 1994, the commissioners provided a one-year grant of $7300 to hire a part-time Library Director.  That year Marilyn Colter was hired to work 20 hours a week at little more than a minimum wage.  After the grant money expired, a number of citizen “angels” each pledged up to $1000 a year for five years to assist with a salary for a library director.

During the ten years of leadership by Marilyn Colter, the library experienced tremendous growth.    Beginning in 1996, Marilyn began writing grants to get the computers we needed to offer patrons internet services.   In January of 1998 internet access was introduced in the library, and a year later the circulation system was automated, making it easier to search for information and find materials needed.  Marilyn Colter did much to aid the growth and services for this library from 1995 – 2005.  In May 2005 she resigned from her position to buy and run the Mountain Crafts Gallery in the village

The Collection

The library’s collection of approximately 12,000 items includes latest best sellers and old classics, large print books, non-fiction books, a special collection of Colorado books, reference books, books-on-tape and CD’s, videos, periodicals, children’s books and a toy lending library. Inter-library loans for books not in our collection are available thanks to a donation from the Friends of the Library.  The library also maintains a book drop in Glacier View Meadows for patrons’ convenience, and the number of patrons has increased dramatically.

Library Programming for Adults

The library always has served as a cultural and educational center for the mountain community, with a wide variety of programming. Programs for the community presented at the library have included authors James Galvin, Tom Sutherland, Steven Grace, Laura Pritchett, C.J. Box, and our own community authors Wayne and Terry Baltz, TJ Viola, and Carol Strazer. Many varied programs have been held including: travelogues, high country gardening,  edible wild plants with Cattail Bob, tropical birds, pests of the West, astronomy,  poetry, healthy living, local geology, birds, straw bale home building, Bear Aware, and a modern day Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson.

Other classes taught in the library have included quilting and pine needle basket weaving, Internet access and safety, computer literacy, babysitting, and digital photography.  Every month three popular book discussion groups meet to exchange ideas about books they have read.

Children’s Programming

From the beginning, a major outreach of the library has been a summer reading program and a preschool story hour filled with stories, games, and crafts. Marianne Lyon and her volunteers were the force behind children’s programming until Karen Deane was hired as the Children’s Librarian and then renamed with additional duties as the Assistant Librarian.  Karen Horner served as the Assistant Librarian from March 2010 – July 2012.

The library cooperates with the Red Feather Lakes School to provide educational and fun programs for children.  In 1997 a program provided  an opportunity for children to become acquainted with the history of Red Feather Lakes by interviewing some of our older residents, and writing their own booklet,  “ Red Feather Lakes ; A Child’s View of History”. The project was complete with a Young Author reception and Book Signing evening.  More recently the children have enjoyed popular books and cartoon drawing classes at the school. The Children’s Director assists home schooling families, too.

Support of the Arts

While a member of the Library Board, Claudine Murphy began the monthly art and craft exhibits by local artists that soon became popular with the community. Ruth Kevan continued this tradition when she was a member of the Board, and Ruth’s Gallery is named in her honor. The staff currently sets up the exhibit schedule.

The library also became the meeting place for several groups: the RFL Watercolor Society which continued to meet weekly after a class taught by Ruth Kevan ended, the Women’s Book Group, Knit and Stitch, a Writer’s Group, and a Quilter’s Group.

Volunteers

Not to be forgotten, are the many, many dedicated volunteers who have worked behind the circulation desk,  helped to select new books,  catalogued and processed those books,  weeded shelves,  presented programs, plowed and shoveled snow, made repairs, served on committees and performed other useful tasks.  Over two dozen volunteers cleaned the library after the 2005 construction, saving the building budget $1500.  The library shone with their love at the dedication. Volunteers have been invaluable to the library throughout its history.

A Successful Mill Levy: November, 2000

In 1999 the County Commissioners announced that after 2001 they no longer would be able to provide funds for the six libraries in the county. That year, the Red Feather Lakes Library received $16,100, or 45% of its operating funds from the county. If the library was to survive, it would need a tax supported library district. Bob Kevan volunteered for this challenging task and led a very successful drive for the Red Feather Mountain Library District.    Before the election, Bob spent many, many hours at the County Building and working with committees planning educational events and publicity.  The patrons and library supporters responded with a 2-1 affirmative vote.

Red Feather Mountain Library District became the smallest library district in the State of Colorado, covering 37 square miles, including the Fire Districts of Red Feather Lakes, Crystal Lakes, and Glacier View Meadows.  With tax funds that nearly tripled the library’s former budget, library services were expanded even further to serve the 2,200 card holders and visitors. Money became available for a full-time Library Director, a Children’s Program Director, and an Administrative Assistant to handle payroll and data processing.  With higher visibility there was a 73% increase in the number of people who came through the door the first year.  Without the library district many of the services the library now provides would not be possible.

Successful Building Project: 2003-5

By the year 2003, it became evident that the library was outgrowing its
building, and a long range planning committee began working on plans for
expansion. Two years later because of the wonderful support received
from this community and from grants received as a result of Marilyn Colter’s diligence, a new $300,000 addition was completed and nearly doubled the library’s square footage and allowed services to the community to expand!

The addition included two offices for library staff, the Stenzel Community Room with media and kitchen facilities, a children’s library, and Ruth’s Gallery, a small art gallery named for Ruth Kevan.  Judith Leibman and Vivian Gilbert designed outside landscaping which included sandstone benches and a Demonstration Garden of native, high-altitude plants.

Dedication: August 27, 2005

The dedication of the new Red Feather Lakes Community Library Addition was held on August 27, 2005.  Ann Smythe, the vice-president of the Red Feather Mountain Library District, described the library in her history talk as the “little library that could.” A bald eagle flew over the gathered crowd to make the moment even more special.  Volunteers and Friends of the Library provided a reception following the dedication.  Bette Sailor’s drawing of the new library was used on the donor’s board and library correspondence.

Second Library Director: Sarah Myers

Sarah Myers, the second Library Director, was introduced at the Library addition’s dedication. Sarah served from 2005 – 2009.  Sarah holds a Masters in Library Science degree and worked hard to upgrade technology, plan a wide variety of program offerings, and meet the challenges of a required water mitigation project.   Ben and Sarah Myers’ musical talents were always a welcome treat at festivities.

Third Library Director: Sherry Mooers

Sherry Mooers was Library Director from September 8, 2009 to January 2010.  She moved to Red Feather Lakes from Mississippi where she had been a high school teacher and librarian.  She has a Masters of Library Science degree from Kent State.

Fourth Library Director: Creed Kidd

Creed Kidd is our current Library Director, beginning on June 1, 2010.  He moved from Logan, Utah. Creed has a BS in Literary Studies from Utah State University and a Masters in Library Science degree from the University of North Texas.

Additional Staff

With the increasing demands for financial record keeping, a position of Administrative Assistant was begun in 2004.  Pat Carlson and Jane Wagner have held this position.  Margie Caswell served as a staff member the summer of 2005 to handle the Library Director duties between Marilyn Colter leaving and the hiring of Sarah Myers.

Expanding Services

AspenCat is a cooperative catalog and interlibrary loan service that allows the Red Feather Community Library an affordable automation system and increased its ability to borrow materials from other AspenCat sister libraries in Colorado in a timely manner.  Since September 2010 we have been a  net lending library, lending more books to other Colorado libraries than we borrow.

BTOP Grant

The BTOP (Broadband Telecommunications Opportunity Program) Grant provided $27,000 from the State Library through economic stimulus funds distributed by the US Department of Agriculture. Funds were intended  to create or improve broadband service and availability to rural areas and as an opportunity for adults to create or home job-seeking  or employment skills.  It was awarded in late 2010 and implemented by mid-2011. This grant allowed Red Feather Community Library to completely revamp and update computer access within the library through the incoming connection, wiring, distribution, and networking equipment.  Funds further allowed the purchase of sixteen laptops for adult, public use plus an ADA-accessible machine and other accessories.  Thanks to Sarah Myers and Judy Viola for writing this successful grant.

Looking to the Future

Funding

The Red Feather Lakes Community Library continues in 2012 to meet the needs of the Red Feather Lakes Mountain Library District.  Financial challenges have come because of the economic downturn following the recession that began in 2008 and the devastating losses of over 50 homes in Glacier View Meadows during the High Park Fire of June 2012. Solutions for funding shortfalls must be sought and found.

Downloadable Books are the wave of the future in the form of audiobooks and eBooks.

Conclusion

The Red Feather Lakes Community Library provides Golden Rule service.  People are treated not as customers or patrons, but rather like shareholders in this community endeavor.  As a “no overdue fines” library, all ages are treated respectfully and respond with responsible behavior.

For the first forty years the Red Feather Lakes Community Library was “The Little Library that Could.”  The second forty years it will be “The Little Library that Continues to Do.”

Red Feather Lakes Community Library home page      Library catalog      Location/Hours

Red Feather Lakes Community Library / Box 123, (71 Firehouse Lane) / Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545,  970-881-2664   970-881-2836 (fax)  help@redfeatherlibrary.org