The Basalt Regional Library’s renewed mission statement, “The confluence of community, freedom and fun. A Place to Go. A Place to Gather. A Place to Grow,” was approved during its July 15 board meeting. The adjustment to the mission statement is just the beginning of a larger strategic plan update slated for 2025. Executive Director Amy Shipley filled in The Sopris Sun about how that has progressed thus far.
“A needs assessment and data collection process centered around community interviews,” Shipley explained. Through the first half of 2024, the Basalt Library completed 52 interviews with community members.
The next step, which is currently in process, is comparing the collected data with similar libraries across the country. From there, the library board and staff will create a mind map and identify key areas for development centered around the community’s needs. The board aims to have its updated strategic plan completed by the end of the year. Its last strategic plan was published at the end of 2019.
Community-based learning
The Basalt Library is known for its frequent and well-orchestrated community events. According to Shipley, a major driver in this regard has been the library’s staff. Nearly half of its employees are part of the programming team. They each work with community organizations and share the responsibility of scheduling events.
The summer reading program, for instance, hosts weekly events for kids and teens, as well as biweekly ones for adults. The program has increased in popularity, likely thanks to Basalt Middle and Basalt High hosting their summer school programs at the library this year.
“The goal is keeping kids engaged with reading for pleasure over the summer,” stated Shipley. “The reading program and book bucks have really resonated with local teens” who may have previously viewed reading as a chore, she added.
The summer reading program culminates this week with a Scholastic book fair taking place through Sunday, Aug. 4. Books, magazines and prizes are available in exchange for book bucks or real dollars. The last day to submit reading logs, which also gains readers entry into the grand prize drawing, is Aug. 4. Grand prizes for adults include a one-night stay at the Hotel Maxwell Anderson in Glenwood Springs, two passes to Iron Mountain Hot Springs and a $100 gift certificate to the Italian Underground.
The library regularly collaborates with various community groups and many of its offerings come by way of those partnerships. One such series is the Dementia Education Series offered in partnership with Memory Care for Ascent Living Communities. The final summer event of this series, “Reducing Anxiety and Agitation in People with Dementia,” is from 4 to 5pm on Wednesday, Aug. 14, featuring Amelia Shafer.
An upcoming autumn event, Swap It Like It’s Hot, occurs annually and Shipley said, “It’s been really transformational for community members in need.” The fourth annual community clothing swap and thrifting event will take place in late October. The library will be accepting donations through the month of Halloween. While the specific swap date is not yet set, Shipley expects there to be a significant turnout. The Basalt Lion’s Club will provide free pancakes and Heirlooms Basalt is partnering to support.
Between now and autumn be sure to check out the Library of Things. Made possible by an outdoor equity grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Basalt Library is able to loan out camping kits, backpacking gear, board games, telescopes, handheld games and more. All you need is a library card to expand the possibilities for your end of summer and early autumn outdoor activities.
To learn more about the Basalt Library events, its Library of Things and so much more, visit www.basaltlibrary.org