We moved to Colorado after spending three years in Hong Kong for my husband's work. It was September 1, 1994. This move was difficult for me because I had mistakenly thought that we would move "home" to the St. Paul, Minnesota area after our years abroad. After finding a home in the Governor's Ranch neighbourhood, to my great surprise and happiness I noticed the Columbine Library on Bowles about the second week of unpacking! I signed up immediately for a library card which has had regular use since that time.
I've used the books on tape and also purchased many pocketbooks to take on trips - just in case I would lose one - and have enjoyed the service of requesting materials from other branches.
My most poignant memory was in 1995...I used the chairs at the windows that fall, winter and spring to grieve. Both of my parents had passed away in 1995 and I had had no chance to take care of or be with them for long periods of time because, of course, they were in Minnesota and I was in Hong Kong and then here. Just looking at the hills and watching the geese stroll past the windows was indeed comforting and full of hope for me. Watching the many students take advantage of the facilities settled something in my spirit along with the cheerful atmosphere at the library.
That winter my son, Jeremy, a senior at Columbine, had his impacted wisdom teeth extracted. A couple of days after the surgery, he was doing some school work at the library and fell asleep at one of the desks. According to him, it took quite a bit of prodding by the staff to encourage him to awaken and LEAVE!
Thank you a thousand times for this beautiful facility and helpful staff. I plan to continue to frequent this wonderful place.
Clare, Littleton
Patron since 1994
HAPPY 20TH ! Thanks for such a wonderful staff (Nicki et.al.) and the modern conveniences. Your entire staff is patient and knowledgeable as to where everything I need is. I am most grateful.
Sifredo, Sheridan
Patron since 2001
My daughter (two-and-a-half) and I love the Library! We were so happy to have such a well stocked library after our move from Pennsylvania. Thank you.
Amy, Littleton
Patron since 2008
Soon after we moved to Columbine Knolls North, I took my three children to the library at Columbine High School. The children’s section was as big as a huge walk-in closet, but it has many of our favorite books. Another plus was that it was within walking distance. My children, now grown and flown, still mention the fun of checking out books "back then." They are now taking their own to the library – since they are "lifetime readers!" Thank you Columbine Library!
P.S.
I am a regular at the "new" library and walk around the lake too.
Irene, Littleton
Patron since 1981
I remember coming to the library and spending countless hours reading with my children.
Anonymous
Patron since 1997
My memory is all the great books you have here!
Raelynn, Morrison
Today, I opened the door for another patron and she said that’s what she loves about coming here is people always open the door for you and share a smile. She is right!
Richard, Littleton
I remember when the library was in Columbine High School - as a student there I used to spend a lot of time studying in the kid's area. It was pretty thrilling to get a "real" library - and as a frequent visitor to the library I have to say it has aged well.
Karen, Littleton
My fondest memory continues on to the present and I hope into the future, and that is the memory of all the excellent service I have received from every staff person and the unfailing delivery of all my interlibrary loan requests. The service is simply amazing and fulfills every notion I have of what a library gives not just to me as an individual, but to the entire community. Well done and congratulations on your birthday!
Mary Ann, Littleton
Patron since 1997
Since the dawn of time, i have been going to the Columbine Library. I continue going to the Columbine Library because most of my childhood memories took place between the various sized shelves. From the children's short shelves to the packed nonfiction shelves in the back, I've roamed the aisles in amazement on what a huge selection is offered to me every single time I enter through the magical entrance doors. I've personally tried going to other libraries like Belmar and a Denver Public Library, but it is not the same because the Columbine Library...is my home.
Melina, Littleton
Patron since 1993
Both our kids have grown up in the shadow of the Columbine library, so to speak, and it has been a central fixture in their lives. When they were little, every library visit started with laughter and fun: a roll down the grassy hill in front. Once inside there was story time, and the rows and rows of enticing books. The library was a safe place, where my wife and I let them wander to their heart's content, a world of adventures to explore.
Mark, Littleton
Patron since 1994
The Columbine Library staff has always been amazing and so helpful, no matter what location they were at. It was challenging being in the Columbine High School, especially walking through the hallways with my little kiddos, but there was always a smile for them when they got in the door of the library and the children's area was so welcoming. Libby was wonderful with suggestions for my eager readers and my Donna had just about read every series that was out there. Libby even offered books from her own collection when it wasn't available at the library, now that is commitment to what a librarian is about. My Mark went through almost every oversized book and then ordered many more through other libraries. Not once did any of the staff complain about all of the oversized books he would check out, in fact they were very helpful and encouraging. The summer reading programs were great for all of our children and storytimes. It was wonderful how they could easily go ask any questions and if the staff couldn't help them right then, they would promise to get back to them and would. Growing up I remember I was so afraid of one of the librarians and was not willing to go when I needed to. I am so thankful I never had that problem with our children. Our family has gotten so much use of the Columbine library because of the extremely helpful staff. Thank you so much for your commitment to people and the patience you display daily!!
Sue, Littleton
Patron since 1981
When our sons were little, we introduced them to the library at Columbine High School (the predecessor of Columbine Library) by taking them to Saturday morning story hours. It gave my wife and/or me a chance to get caught up on some of our own reading while they attended the presentations put on by the library staff. During one of those Saturdays, my eye was detracted from my reading by motion across the library floor. Looking up, I saw a large (two-inch) spider very slowly making its way across the room. Rather than disturb the solitude of others in the library, especially the children, I got up and dropped my Stetson hat on top of it, slid my note pad under the hat, and took the spider to my car. After story hour, I showed my sons my "catch". First question from them: "It's big! It's a tarantula! Right?" We left the spider-in-the-hat in the car and returned to the library to find out what kind it was. We concluded that it wasn't a tarantula at all, but probably the largest type of spider found in Colorado - a wolf spider. Second question: "How did it get there?" We found that wolf spiders sometime make their way into houses and garages, especially on cool fall days, like it was that day. (I had a better guess -- a high school student prankster released it there for obvious reasons during a school day.) Third question: "Should we kill it?" No, library research told us spiders are good for our environment. Plus wolf spiders are usually shy and not dangerous to humans and move very fast away from humans (ours moved very slowly). Fourth question: "Can we keep it?" Mom definitely didn't go along with that idea, so we decided we would take it home and release it in our backyard, near the same woodpile that the boys always released the garter snakes they caught. That way, we all could watch for it in the future, along with those snakes! (My instincts also told me that its slow movement was an indication that it wasn't in good shape!) Epilogue: The spider had died by the time we got it home, probably from having wandered around the library for at least 24 hours without finding much to eat. We did mount it in clear plastic so that we could always remember that experience. We told the librarians about it at the next Saturday's story hour, and one of them told us the one thing we hadn't read -- mother wolf spiders sometimes carry their babies on their back! (It's been a long time since we found that spider, and I still wear that Stetson. And I almost never check for baby spiders inside it!)
Dan, Littleton
Patron since 1980
