The Dolores Library provides resources to assist in the pursuit of educational, intellectual and emotional growth & the enjoyment of leisure time.
The Dolores Public Library functions as a traditional public library – providing both print and digital information. The Library plays a leading role in the community as a meeting place, a technology/training center, and a place to just relax and read.
Facilities
The current physical facility was built in 2004. The facility is conveniently located near the local schools and the post office and is just off the major highway running through the town.
Collection and Materials
The Library’s collection as of January 2010 was 22,609 with the total circulation of materials at 23,209. The Library is a member of a consortium that allows for interlibrary loans (borrowing books from other libraries). The budget for periodicals, electronic materials, electronic databases, and books was increased by approximately 30% in 2012. This increase will be used mainly for electronic and digitized content/resources.
Patrons
As of 2010, the Dolores Public Library serves approximately 4,000 patrons.
Staff
The Library has one full-time employee and five part-time as well as three regular volunteers donated a total of 197 hours in 2010.
Community Outreach/Programs
The Library offers a wide range of promotional activities and programs to the community. These include:
• breakfast for the local school district teachers in August
• Middle School/High School reading group
• Story Time
• Summer Reading Program
• After school programs
• Book club
Other programs, classes, training sessions, and various workshops and seminars are being developed for future opportunities.
Equipment/Technology
Technology is essential for the Library’s operations and community outreach and programs. There are 17 computer workstations available for the community, including 8 laptops made available through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant in 2011. One of these is an ADA-compliant workstation, also provided by the BTOP grant. An interactive Smartboard was also purchased through this grant. A computer workstation was also purchased by the Department of Labor and the Colorado Workforce Center to provide virtual services and assistance for those seeking employment. The Library has two T-1 lines and free WIFI. Other public services equipment includes a fax machine, copier, and telephone.
Funding
The Library’s primary source of funding is property tax (82%), and a mill levy.
