October 2024
Note from the Executive Director
Dear Friends of the Library,
How lucky are we to live in a world where autumn exists? Especially in beautiful Colorado. The changing leaves and entering a new season is always so exciting to me. This year, it reminds me of our library district- entering a new season with a new library director, our membership appreciation event fast approaching, and the spirit of thanks and giving falling upon us all the next few months as we wrap up 2024. We have had a wonderful summer helping the library and continuing the foundational work with the Friends & Foundation board to prepare us for a successful end of the year and exciting plans in 2025. Thank you for all of your support- looking forward to all of the growth we have planned for this upcoming year.
Cayti Weber-Vowell
Executive Director, Clearview Library District Friends & Foundation
New Library Director Appointment
The Clearview Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Erica Rose as the new director of the Clearview Library District. Following a thorough nine-month search process, her contract was approved and signed during the regular board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. She will assume her role on Monday, Dec. 9.
Rose, who grew up in the community, possesses a deep understanding of the area's history and characteristics, which will be invaluable in guiding the Library District's journey forward. Additionally, Rose has served as President of the Clearview Library District Friends & Foundation for the past year giving her further ability to guide all areas of the district. Her ability to connect with people and convey warmth stood out during the search process. "We're excited for Erica Rose to build upon former Director Kling's solid foundation and write the next chapter for the Library District," said Jeromey Balderrama, Library Board President.
Balderrama emphasized that after 12 years, Kling left behind a skilled staff and state-of-the-art facilities, offering valuable community services. He acknowledged the board's gratitude for the community's support and input during this transition. Additionally, he stated, "One of the Library District's foremost goals is strengthening and building community partnerships, and with her charisma, vibrance, and eloquence, Rose will propel us to fulfill that goal."
The Clearview Library District looks forward to Rose's leadership and vision for the future. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this library district into its next chapter. Clearview is an exceptional Library, nurtured by a very talented team, and I am thrilled to work with and for our beautiful communities. We will seek to innovate and sustain services that nourish these growing places, ensuring access and excellence to all residents in Windsor, Severance, and West Greeley."
Congratulations to Erica Rose from the Friends & Foundation!
Friends & Foundation Recap
The Friends & Foundation Board has been working diligently to improve operations, support the Clearview Library District, and be active in our community. Take a look at what we’ve been up to recently:
- We were proud to be part of the Summer Adventure Program Wrap Up Carnival in August. This year the carnival was held in memory of Heather Montgomery and we were honored to provide the poster in her memory and to work the event. Heather was the children’s services supervisor at the Windsor Library and passed away in April. Heather had previously coordinated this event annually and it was special hosting it in her memory this year. The Friends & Foundation worked the dunk tank. The dunk tank was a TON of fun- lots of water and library staff being dunked by patrons. Thank you to all who came to this event!
- The grand marshals of the Windsor Harvest Festival this year were none other than Gary Perko and our volunteer and past board member, Joann Perko! Congratulations on this honor and it was wonderful seeing you so involved at one of our favorite events.
- The Friends & Foundation were pleased to be present for the first time at Severance Days in August. With our new branch in Severance opening in April, it has been a delight getting to know and becoming part of the Severance community. We look forward to attending this event annually and we are so proud to be a part of the Severance community.
- We have been diligently working with the Clearview Library District’s Communication Specialist, Christine Henschler, on rebranding. We are excited to be going into 2025 with an updated logo and brand to match all of the growth we have been working towards. Thank you to Christine and board member, Lisa Bellendir, for the hard work on this rebranding! We are proud to present our new logo below:
Donor Thank You
Thank you to the donors who generously supported the Clearview Library District Friends & Foundation between July and October. All donations to our organization are deeply appreciated and will directly benefit our community through enhanced library programs, services, and resources. The ongoing commitment of our donors to fostering literacy and learning within our district through our organization is truly commendable. Together, we are creating a stronger, more vibrant community.
We would also like to give a special thank you to all of our generous Friends and community members that brought in book donations. We received so many incredible books and we are so thankful for your generosity!
Did you know….?
- Clearview Library Book returns can be dropped off at three locations? At the Windsor Library, the Severance Library, and at the book drop-off in the parking lot of the Safeway in Windsor.
- You can now sign up for text notifications from the library! We’ll let you know when your holds are available for pickup, when items are due or overdue, and more. You can sign up by contacting a library staff person at 970-686-5603. Learn more by clicking here.
- We are excited to announce the rollout of a new cataloging system for our library district- Pika! This system is more intuitive and will improve the overall search experience for our staff and patrons. Learn more about Pika, officially launching October 15, by clicking here.
Upcoming Events
- You are invited! Our membership appreciation event, Friendsgiving, will be held this year on November 8, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Severance Library (5 Timber Ridge Parkway Severance, Colorado 80550). An RSVP form will be available soon via email and on our website. We will also be hosting a pie contest with prizes for first and second place at this event. If interested, please use THIS LINK to sign up.
- Our Blind Date With A Book fundraiser will be launching within the next month at the Windsor and Severance Library locations. Buy a surprise book for $10 based on genre and a short explanation for yourself, a family member, or a friend! This year, we will have books for all ages! These make the perfect holiday or birthday gift and serves as a sweet reminder to never judge a book by it's cover.
- Colorado Gives Day is a day for Coloradoans to celebrate the impact of coming together and lifting up nonprofits in our local community. This year, Colorado Gives Day will take place on December 10, 2024. Please consider donating to the Clearview Library District Friends & Foundation to help us to continue to support our wonderful library and serve our community. Donations can be made at any time up until December 10 through THIS LINK. Thank you for your support.
Have ideas? Comments on the newsletter? Want to add something? Email us at [email protected] with the subject line “Newsletter Input”.
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We encourage our followers to take part in Giving Tuesday (every second Tuesday of the month) and to invite others to grab a library membership on Friend Friday (the last Friday of every month). Or, donate today by clicking here.