January 2019
By Darcie Sanders, Lyons Regional Library District Trustee
New library project now fully funded!
Thanks to a generous donation of stone by Blue Mountain Stone (Raul Vasquez) and a grant from Boulder County Worthy Cause, our capital project is now fully funded. We have reached the finish line, and can now turn our attention to outfitting the building with furniture, fixtures, equipment, and technology to serve the community.
Construction is on track
Despite a bit of cold weather our construction is still on schedule for a Summer 2019 completion. Blankets and plastic sheeting prevented the sub-floor from freezing, and on Dec. 12th the actual slab-on-grade floor was poured. Bill Palmer (of the Foundation) arranged for donation of an excellent quality vapor barrier from Stego Industries. Thank you, Bill and Stego! All in-floor electrical and plumbing is now installed. The next step is wood framing, which is expected to continue for the next six weeks through the end of January, weather permitting.
November 2018
By Darcie Sanders, Lyons Regional Library District Trustee
2018 Funding goals met!
Connie Eyster of the Lyons Regional Library District Foundation would like to thank everyone who worked so hard and contributed so much to the library building fund. “As the thermometers indicate, we reached our $3.4 million goal. Whew! With our initial funding goal met, we are thrilled to have been able to break ground on the new library.”
What’s next? In order to save costs and get construction underway, the draft amount budgeted for furnishings, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and technology was kept as low as possible. Lower, in fact, than the recommended amounts of tables, desks, chairs, computers, printers, and shelves for a building of our size and function. As 2018 winds down the staff and architects are conducting an inventory of current holdings, equipment, and furnishings with mind to re-using as much as possible. They will then come up with the minimum additional needed for Opening Day in summer 2019. They will also develop a wish list of future desirable FF&E plus Tech to be added as we can. Those cost numbers, when they come in, will drive the “Final Mile” funding goals for 2019.
Construction is on track
There were plenty of smiling faces at the historic groundbreaking ceremony for the new library building. We’re still smiling, because excellent weather conditions have allowed the work to progress nicely. Building Committee Chair Sandy Banta reports that site utilities and light posts are being installed, footings are being poured, and parking lot grading is being completed. There will be a big push to get the first layer of asphalt on the parking lot, because once that happens then Fransen Pittman will be able to use the parking lot as its staging area and move its equipment off the street. Fourth Avenue will not have to be blocked off for the entire length of the construction project. So keep your fingers crossed for continued good weather and good construction progress.
You can stop by the Library Mondays-Saturdays at 405 Main Street, call us at (303)823-5165, like our page on Facebook, or visit us online anytime at www.LyonsRegionalLibrary.com.
September 2018
By Darcie Sanders, Lyons Regional Library District Trustee
Construction has officially begun!
We have our building permit and construction has begun!
Over the past few weeks Town of Lyons has been clearing structures from the new library building site in anticipation of our construction start. The Recycling Center has been moved to Second Avenue (across from the Bohn Park entrance), and the RTD long-term parking has been moved eastwards to the Railroad Avenue frontage road by the new Habitat for Humanity townhomes.
On September 27th the District received its building permit, and the first order of business was to pour a new sidewalk for the Old Depot, which you can see in the photo. (Photo of the pour courtesy of Building Committee Chair Sandy Banta.)
Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and a groundbreaking ceremony announcement.
July + August 2018
By Darcie Sanders, Lyons Regional Library District Trustee
Three major milestones met in July, plus state-wide recognition for our District!
The new library project met three major milestones in July, and we’re excited to share the progress.
Major fundraiser success
Photo credit is “photo courtesy of Glynnis Farmwald”
First, on July 12th, 2018 over 250 happy “Hazel Tasters” participated in the Taste of Lyons with a Splash of Blues featuring Hazel Miller and Her Big Band at the Planet Bluegrass Wildflower Pavilion. This event raised about $40,000 towards the new building in a single incredible night. Kudos to the extraordinary team that put it together: Lyons Regional Library District Foundation (Connie Eyster, Glynnis Farmwald, Janet Corson-Rikert, Bill Palmer, Liz Early), vendor-wrangler Holly Haakenson, the purveyors of all things delicious (Mojo Taqueria, SNACK, Oskar Blues, La Mariposa, and Pizza Bar 66, Spice of Life Catering, The Greenbriar Inn & Greenspoint Catering), underwriter Dick Ralston, venue sponsor Planet Bluegrass, and auctioneers extraordinaire Holly Beck, Connie Eyster, and Tanya Daty. The band was in top form, and Planet Bluegrass never looked more lovely. During the intermission break, as folks caught their breath and re-irrigated, there was also a short auction. Successful bidders went home with three-day festival passes, beautiful jewelry donated by Cronin Jewelers, and the decorating rights to three of the bathrooms in the new building. Our Lyons community certainly has a big heart, and we know how to do good and have fun!
Over $40,000 was raised towards the new building, which is a major funding milestone. Only about three-quarters ($160,000) of our Final Mile of Fundraising left to go, folks –THANK YOU!
Locals Job Fair well-attended
On July 18th and 21st Project Team members Rachel Fenn (Project Estimator), Dan Sullivan (Project Manager), Marc Groen (CFO), and Dave Eddy (Director of Preconstruction) of Fransen Pittman Construction Managers hosted two Locals Jobs Fairs. Rachel reports back that both Fairs were well-attended, and that they was impressed with the range and experience of skilled trades in Lyons. If you are interested but couldn’t make it to the Fairs, you can still call Rachel at 303-783-3900 or email her at rfenn@fransenpittman.com.
Major plan progress
After the fundraiser and the Jobs Fairs, our next important event was the Public Hearing before the Town of Lyons Planning and Community Development Commission (PCDC), which took place on Monday, July 23. Four members of the public spoke for the Library, and none spoke against. Town staff submitted their report with recommendations. Dennis Humphries of Humphries Poli Architects presented the plans and answered questions. After discussion and deliberation, plus the addition of a few amendments and conditions, the PCDC voted to approve our development plan.
Practically speaking, this approval means that the Library District can now move forward with finalizing construction drawings, costs, and contracts. The next big milestone on the horizon will be issuance of Building Permits, though there are of course many smaller steps leading up to that.
All these milestones met have really moved us further down the path to getting a shovel in the ground this Fall. Congrats to all!
State-wide recognition for our District and our President
And speaking of congrats, major congratulations are due to our Library Board President Kathleen Crane, who was named Outstanding Trustee of the Year by the Colorado Association of Libraries. This is a very competitive state-wide award which brings honor and recognition to Kathleen and also to our tiny but powerful, “can-do” District. The award specifically references her continuous efforts to build a new District and a new facility at the same time, all in the midst of flood recovery, and Kathleen’s inspiring, warm-hearted and generous leadership style and extraordinary team-building skills. Kathleen will receive her award at the Colorado Association of Libraries Conference Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 14, from 11:30-1:00pm. The event takes place at the Embassy Suites in Loveland. Kudos, Kathleen!
July 2018
By Darcie Sanders, Lyons Regional Library District Trustee
Locals Job Fair this month!
The much-anticipated Locals Job Fair for the new library construction project is happening! Fransen Pittman, our general contractor, is seeking subcontractors, carpenters, and laborers. One of the reasons that the Lyons Regional Library District chose Fransen Pittman in the first place was because of their deep commitment to local involvement. Fransen Pittman sincerely believes that “locals are better. This is a project for the community and should be built by the community. Building with locals also helps the local economy keep more money within the District.”
When & Where? There will be two times and locations.
Wednesday, July 18
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Pizza Bar 66
430 Main Street, Lyons CO
Saturday, July 21
8:00 am – 11:00 am
Sandstone Park
Lyons, CO
What to expect at the Fair. The Fair will walk you through the project’s needs and paperwork and help you pre-qualify. There will be samples of insurance info, safety records, and financial statements. Fransen Pittman will take your contact info and follow up with you.
What to bring. All you need to get started is your business card or some other form of contact information. If you already have insurance, safety, and financial records that’s great–bring them along. If not, or if you first want to talk to the Project Team about exactly what they need, then that is fine — you can provide those documents later.
Who will be there? Project Team members Rachel Fenn (Project Estimator), Dan Sullivan (Project Manager), Marc Groen-CFO), and Dave Eddy (Director of Preconstruction) will all be staffing the info table. Stop on by and say “Hello.” These are exactly the decision-makers who interested subcontractors should be talking to about opportunities on the Lyons Library project.
Other news
A shout out to a wonderful member of our community, Patricia McGrane. Patricia couldn’t make it to the Taste of Lyons-Hazel Miller event due to being out of town, so she went ahead and bought tickets for two other couples who otherwise would not have been able to attend. According to her Lyons Happenings post she did it “in honor of my EXTREME love for live Blues music and public libraries.” Patricia hopes that “everyone has an amazing time at this event and that the library gets the needed $$$ for its growth!” Patricia, thank you for your generous humanity and we hope you have a great time in Italy. (Or, as Patricia puts it, “Eatily.”)
Welcome new Library volunteers Joan Treece and Danny Eaton (age 16); incoming Friends Board Members Bonnie DiSilva, Pam Browning, and Lisa Sobieniak; and new Foundation member Bill Palmer.
Welcome home intrepid Blister Sisters Sarah Catchpole and Erica Ellingson, who hiked the 100-mile English Coast-to-Coast Trail and raised $3975 through GoFundMe.com.
Congrats to Katherine Weadley, who celebrated her 3-year anniversary as our awesome Library Director in June, and to our part-time cataloger Karen Selden, who was elected to the Executive Board of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL).
Demand for services continues to increase: In May we registered 12 new library cards (that makes 73 new year-to-date), checked out 3352 items, and hosted 151 All-Ages Storytime patrons. Our “Walk Under The Strawberry Moon” event was sold out with a waiting list.
The book or the movie? Books being filmed include “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?”by Maria Semple, starring Cate Blanchett as the brilliant but complicated mother who disappears; “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan, about a New Yorker who goes to Singapore to visit her boyfriend’s family and gets quite a few surprises; “Boy Erased,” Garrard Conley’s memoir of undergoing conversion therapy as a child, starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, and Russell Crowe; and finally Philip Reeve’s sci-fi/fantasy “Mortal Engines,” boasting a screenplay by Lord of the Rings (LOTR) team Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh. Order these titles through the Library now so that you can decide for yourself which is better.
June 2018
By Darcie Sanders, Lyons Regional Library District Trustee
Fundraiser Fun — Enjoy a Taste of Lyons with a Splash of Blues!
The Lyons Library Foundation invites us all to dance the night away while sampling delicious food and drink at the “Taste of Lyons with a Splash of Blues: Featuring Hazel Miller” on July 12, at the Planet Bluegrass Wildflower Pavilion. Delicious food samples will be provided by Mojo Taqueria, Spice of Life Catering, Greenspoint Catering, La Mariposa, Oskar Blues, The Greenbriar Inn, and others. Drinks will include donations from Spirit Hound Distillers. Thanks to our event sponsors, Planet Bluegrass and Dick Ralston.
The seating situation is limited, so we recommend you buy your tickets now. General Admission single tickets, which do not come with a reserved seat, are $55. You can guarantee your seat by sponsoring a table. “Round Table Sponsors” ($750) have their name on the table and 8 reserved seats. “Harvest Table Sponsors ($1250) have their name on a gorgeous harvest table and 10 reserved seats, plus permanent recognition on the new building’s Donor Wall! Businesses, clubs, neighborhoods, and other commercial, social, or service groups can band together to sponsor a table and celebrate. If your group sponsors one of the Harvest Tables, then the group’s name will get on the Donor Wall!
Tickets: Available online through Eventbrite.com. Sponsors please contact Connie Eyster. Contact info below
Promoting literacy in all its forms
Literacy and access to information are core to the mission of the Library, and this summer we are exploring many areas of literacy including Reading, Music, Economics, Art, and Science.
In May our Library Director Katherine Weadley and Library Board President Kathleen Crane made a presentation to the Lyons Area Chamber of Commerce on the business resources and economic impact the Library provides to the community. Members were impressed with the wealth of information and services available. Last month also marked a new record for May of 3,352 items checked out. April was still our busiest month (to date), with a whopping 3,420 items circulated.
Our Annual Summer Library Program kicked off on June 2nd with a Musical Petting Zoo. This may go down in history as our “least quiet” kickoff ever. The program runs through August 4th. It’s never too late to sign up your kids or yourself. Come into the Library to pick up reading logs and bingo sheets to earn prizes throughout the summer, or download them from our website. Contact info below
What’s next? On June 27 there will be an all-ages science literacy program, “A Walk Under the Strawberry Moon.” Discover fun facts, hear stories, and learn how our moon affects life on earth with an interactive presentation and a moonwalk in Sandstone Park. Registration for this program is through Boulder County Open Space.
These offerings and more can be found on the Library’s website, including details on the return of last year’s smash art hit “Henna for Teens.”
New building progress update
Plans have been submitted to the Town of Lyons Planning & Community Development Commission (PCDC) for review. The projected (but not yet confirmed) timeline is to hold the hearing in July and break ground in September, when there is better contractor availability.
As always, we are very grateful for the support, participation, and creativity of this extraordinary community!
Contact Info
“Taste of Lyons with a Splash of Blues” Tickets
Eventbrite
Lyons Regional Library District Foundation Donations
Connie Eyster at cteyster@gmail.com
PO Box 2505, Lyons, CO 80540
Contact Connie, or donate online using the PayPal button on the Library website. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3, Tax ID# 46-2506771
May 2018
We are at a pivotal point
By Dr. Liz Erley, Lyons Library Foundation Board President
In the 20 years my husband and I have been Lyons residents we have appreciated our small town atmosphere and the local availability of goods and services provided by our intrepid businesses. Many a meal or home project has been saved by being able to grab a missing item; many good times have been shared with friends in town. My love of Lyons fuels my work on our Library Foundation drive.
I feel we are at a pivotal point as to whether Lyons will remain a small town or evolve into a bedroom community. What is the definition of a bedroom community? A community where commuters perform most of their professional and personal activities in another location, maintaining their residence solely as a place to sleep. Because of our small size Lyons has struggled over the years trying to maintain small businesses and attract outsiders to help support us. The new Lyons Library will have a long-term substantive impact on the lives and livelihoods of our community members. This space will allow us to gather, learn, create, exchange ideas, catch up, and bring outsiders in to spend time in and enliven our community. In other words, this new space will support Lyons’ economic growth while bringing the community to itself.
I have been asked “why do we need a new library since we don’t read books anymore?” The answer is that a modern library is different from the dark caves of enforced silence we remember from long ago. Yes, you can still check out books – and audio books, e-books, DVDs, and other resources. A modern library is an inviting place where all are welcome; where knowledge is created and promoted, and not just consumed; a community center and meeting place. I love Lyons, and I want it to thrive — not as a commuters’ home base, but as a lively town with active businesses and a strong sense of community. Our new library will serve that vision, as the vibrant heart of Lyons.
Your tax-deductible donation to the Library is a sound investment in our community. Financially, the project has received an A- rating from Standard & Poor’s. The evaluation review included the District’s finances, reserves, revenue, and organizational capacity. The A- is considered an excellent rating. In terms of accountability and stability, the District has ongoing oversight from multiple organizations including the Special Districts Association (SDA), the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and UMB Bank.
Our Lyons Regional Library District Board, Director, Building Committee and Library Foundation have been working diligently to serve this project and the community’s needs. So far we have raised $700,000 in private donations, secured a Certificates of Participation (COPs) loan for $1,250,000, a Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant for $790,000, and $500,000 from our Lyons Regional Library District capital project
fund.
We hope to break ground in the late summer/early fall, but we need your help now to raise another $200,000! Please pitch in through direct online donation, house party fundraising, and participation in our big July 12th event with Hazel Miller. We are delighted to announce here more details of “Taste of Lyons with a Splash of Blues: Featuring Hazel Miller and her Big Band” at the Planet Bluegrass Wildflower Pavilion. Doors will open 6:00pm. Pricing is $55/single tickets (includes delicious tastings), $750 to sponsor a table for 8, $1250 to sponsor a table for 10 (includes your name on
the new Library’s Donor Wall). Sponsors please contact Connie Eyster at cteyster@gmail.com. Ticket purchase is through Event Brite.
Donations can be made online at www.LyonsRegionalLibrary.org, by mail (our address is Lyons Regional Library District Foundation, PO Box 2505, Lyons, CO 80540), through the Benevity website if you work for a large corporation (allowing it to match your donation), or you may even transfer funds from your stock portfolio. We are a non-profit 501(c)3, Tax ID# 46-2506771. Please contact Connie Eyster at cteyster@gmail.com or Liz Erley at liz.erley@gmail.com for more assistance or if you have questions. We thank you for your support!
April
April Update
By Darcie Sanders. Darcie Sanders is Vice-President of the Lyons Regional Library Board and liaison to the Lyons Regional Library Foundation
Mark your calendars for Hazel Miller Benefit Event on July 12th, 2018
Hazel Miller to perform: Mark your calendars! Colorado’s own soulful Queen of Rhythm & Blues, Hazel Miller, will perform at a benefit event for the new Library building in the Planet Bluegrass Wildflower Pavilion on July 12th in Lyons!
How did this concert coup come about? Well, Dick Ralston approached the District and Library Foundation with the concept and underwriting. (Dick and his late wife Kathy had the vision to be the very first Library donors, and continue to inspire.) The Library Foundation then worked with Craig Ferguson of Planet Bluegrass for donation of the Wildflower. More details will be available next month. In the meantime, kudos up front for the generosity and support of these organizers. Their energy is the embodiment of Hazel’s own personal motto: “Keep moving forward — if you sit down, they’re gonna get you!”
Fundraising update: We received two more grant awards. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) approved an additional $290,000 (their project support totals $790,000), and the Gates Family Foundation awarded $40,000. The Library was also awarded a $5,000 SIPA grant for programming. We are busy writing grants!
This leaves us with a current funding gap of $120K–$200K, depending on how final costs come in. So far it has been a magnificent marathon of fund-raising, but nobody has broken out the Cheetos and Champagne yet. Why? Because we’re not over the finish line yet. Director Weadley points out that, like any marathon, these last two miles (or in our case, last $200K) are the hardest. We remain committed to raising these final funds without increased taxes.
You can chart our progress on the two big red Fundraising Thermometers in town. One is on the east side on Main Street, and the other at 4th Street and Railroad Avenue. Janet Corson-Rikert of the Library Foundation thanks Kim Mitchell of Town of Lyons for help in getting these set up.
Time-wise, we plan to break ground this summer/fall to get the building enclosed before winter. Funds donated now are extra-valuable because they will help us avoid additional costs of winter construction. Every dollar counts to move that meter!
Make a legacy that will last: Naming opportunities for your name (or a loved one’s) on a room, fireplace, or porch are still available for individuals, businesses, clubs, and families. Workplace matching funds do count towards your own naming rights. Check availability on the Library website, or contact Connie Eyster: 303-817-6137, cteyster@gmail.com.
Call for local subcontractors: Let’s keep our project money working for us in the District! Our construction manager Rich Everett of Fransen Pittman is eager to use local subs for: Excavation, Utilities, Concrete, Masonry, Framing, Carpentry/Casework, Roofing, Doors/Windows, Drywall, Flooring, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical. Interested, or know someone who might be interested? Contact Rich at: reverett@fransenpittman.com, or call him direct at: 303-902-2515. He’ll be very happy to talk with you.
Friends “Trivia Night”: The Friends of the Library Trivia Night at Pizza Bar 66 on April 10 was a huge success. Ten teams plus their fans packed the place, with the crowd spilling over into every nook and cranny. Congrats to Trivia Master Ian Phillips for keeping it all organized and entertaining. The Friends raised over $600 towards Library programming and have many new members, plus multiple requests for a repeat.
Library Stats: Serving our patrons: Last month there were 1,536 visits and 3,045 checkout items (books, dvds, books on tape, Dark Sky meter). This is a 40% increase from February 2017. Most-requested adult titles were: Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere and Amor Towle’s A Gentleman in Moscow. Top non-fiction requests were Sherman Alexie’s You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me and Deb Perlman’s Smitten Kitchen Every Day. Top audiobook was Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth. (Book Club packs are available – call or email info@lyonsregionallibrary.com for details.) There were 195 story time attendees, 41 special event attendees, two one-on-one Tech Help sessions, and 50 patrons made use of the Library’s new seed distribution center. Things are certainly hopping — and we are all looking forward to the new building!
Please “like” the Lyons Regional Library on Facebook, visit our website www.LyonsRegionalLibrary.org, call (303)823-5165, or come into the Library for more information!
March
Progress update
We are so excited to share the progress on our new Library! Diligent work with the Library Building Committee, the Town of Lyons, and our many funding partners is showing very tangible results. We are settled on a 7,000 sq.ft. footprint for the new building, which will be located on the NW corner of Railroad Avenue and 4th Street. (Current elements on that site, such as the long-term RTD parking lot, recycling dumpsters, and skatepark are scheduled for relocation).
The next step is the Plan Review. The Library District has entered the plan review process with the Town of Lyons Planning & Community Development Commission (PCDC). This is a detailed process of several months. Looking ahead, we hope to break ground in the second half of 2018. Look for more updates in the papers and here on the Library website www.lyonsregionallibrary.org.
Humphries Poli Architects and General Contractor Fransen Pittman have done some great library designing and building work throughout Colorado. Go to their websites to view previous projects.
Interested in subcontracting?
We are in the early planning stages for a Local’s Job Fair sometime this spring. Those interested in subcontracting can contact Rich Everett of Fransen Pittman right away. Reach him directly at: reverett@fransenpittman.com, or give him a call at: 303-902-2515.
Latest Designs
Architect Dennis Humphries included the community’s most-requested amenities: meeting spaces, a separate children’s area, a teen area, a quiet reading room, business hub, outdoor spaces, and a multi-purpose community room for programs, events, and community gatherings of all types. The site will also accommodate multi-modal parking.
Below are the most current versions of the Site Plan and Conceptual Design Sketches as of February, 2018. We welcome your comments at: Board@LyonsRegionalLibrary.com.
Fundraising update
The Library District and the Library Foundation are working hard on fundraising projects and grant opportunities for the new building, and the Friends of the Library continue to be stalwart supporters of our programming and outreach events. We need only $415K more to reach our goal of $3.4 million (total project costs, including building, site development, furnishings, fittings, equipment, and inventory).
Campaign Progress
- GOAL: $3,400,000
- RAISED: $2,985,000
- BALANCE: $415,000
Major commitments as of 2/26/18
- District revenue saved (Capital Fund): $500,000
- DOLA (Department of Local Affairs): $500,000
- Brett Family Foundation: $25,000
- Katechis Family: $500,000
- Drew Biel & Lynn Gregory: $100,000
- Sandy Banta & Lloyd Banta: $45,000
- In memory of Kathy Ralston: $18,500
- Pam Browning & Mark Browning: $10,000
- Dr. Liz Erley & Brian Erley: $10,000
Donations update
Ready to make your tax-deductible donation now? The Foundation’s 501(c)3 tax ID number is: 46-2506771. Just click the yellow and blue PayPal button anywhere on the Library website for a safe and secure donation.
We have seven levels of Donor Recognition.
Naming rights and sponsorship opportunities.
Interested in tax-deductible naming and sponsorship opportunities? We have plenty! There is even a Challenge Grant to name the children’s room “The Apple Valley Children’s Room.” This challenge is open to all those who love Apple Valley and is already 2/3 funded! Additional opportunities are available for any individual, neighborhood, group, business, club, or family. For more information and to find out the latest status please call Foundation Treasurer Connie Eyster at 303-817-6137 or email her at cteyster@gmail.com.
Below is the Naming Rights and Sponsorship status as of February 26, 2018:
