Our Boulder Library Foundation keeps us on the cutting edge by providing wonderful programs for us, including the Summer of Discovery reading program and the One Book, One Boulder selections and supporting activities. Due to COVID, the city greatly reduced the overall library budget and we are still suffering from the cuts, but the Foundation has stepped up and helped us in so many ways that many patrons aren't as aware of the cuts. In many ways, we owe the positive feedback from library patrons to the leadership of our Foundation.
The Boulder Library Foundation’s dedication to cultural experiences, creativity initiatives, and community equity is unrivaled. In 2021, I had the opportunity to work with the Boulder Library Foundation on our new “Arts in the Park” performance series in Boulder’s Civic Area. Their commitment to ensuring equitable access to the performance series (through the “Arts for All” program) is a testament to their core mission. Furthermore, my experience working with their Programming Director (Juliette Leon Bartsch) has been nothing short of extraordinary. Juliette’s positive energy and dedication provides continuous inspiration and serves as a reminder of how meaningful our work is to the community.
What can I say about an organization that helps the Boulder Public Library maintain the excellence of delivery, outreach, community support, and programming that it's known for?
The library does so much, often without the resources from the city that it needs to truly address the community's needs. But while the Foundation shouldn't have to be stepping in to provide that additional support, it does, and its work is manifest and tangible in the community. Whether it was the 400 wifi hotspots delivered to families cut off from the internet during the pandemic, or startup money for the BLDG 61, or free Spanish language programming.... the Foundation is an amazing organization that is making a difference in our town. We are so lucky to have it here.
There are so many reasons to visit the Boulder Library: a class at the maker space, meeting rooms, getting work done (I'm a freelancer), lunch or coffee, looking at good and illuminating art--and, yes, borrowing books, too. Boulder's a pretty white and wealthy place, and the library's one of the few places where you see a diverse group of people, speaking different languages, using the services for children. I love being there, and I love supporting it.
My wife and I have supported the Library Foundation for several years for several reasons. First, and foremost the cultural programming provides an outstanding opportunity for the community of Boulder access to varied creative artists. Secondly, all ages are included. To me, this adds a richness to the experience for everyone, young and old. I know because I’m one of the old ones.
Joseph La Camera
If it were not for the Boulder Library Foundation so many of the Boulder Library programs would not have happened, thus less support for literacy activities throughout the community. Thank the heavens for Doris Hass and all the other Foundation members for the work they do. From support for adult literacy activities, childrens’ services to the film programs, the Foundation has been there to help.
Boulder Library Foundation puts it's mission into action. Recently, they promoted literacy with Summer of Discovery, a reading program and activities for all ages. Also to promote cultural experiences, they sponsored a concert series. Our favorites are the monthly midday meditation. Finally, we love that they promote reativity initiatives like the BLDG 61 Makerspace which has helped us with the equipment and connections to experts to get a few father-son designs move from thoughts to reality.
As an Arts Service organization, we help artists and cultural organizations identify and access the resources they need to produce the work that enriches our community. Unfortunately, the hoops that artists are often forced to jump through to secure those resources can be daunting, discouraging and out of scale. Over the years I've heard from numerous artists about how kind, supportive and generous the Boulder Library Foundation is. They truly understand the nature of support and the value of building strong, equitable relationships.
When my daughter was asked by her 4th grade teacher where her favorite place in the world is, she said, "the Boulder Public Library." That in itself would be endorsement enough in my mind. I can also say that the librarians are fantastic, especially the childrens' librarians. I was able to read during the pandemic because of their service that allows me to find books online, put them on hold and then pick them up quickly, safely and efficiently. The library itself is warm, inviting, and organized. I cannot say enough positive words about the Boulder Public Library.
Although we currently do not reside in Boulder, the Boulder Public Library is always on our list of most frequented destinations when we're in town. We will never forget the incredible performances we've been fortunate to experience from Central City Opera soloists to programs designed for those with sensory limitations. Seeing children truly experience music without inhibitions is a beautiful thing!
I admire components of your effort and mission but take exception to the somewhat co-opted manner in which the Library chose to help "address" the lies regarding the alleged (but entirely government-invented) "pandemic." The CDC has hurt an untold number of individuals, including children, and you could have taken a more pro-active stance against the incursions against our civil liberties. However, as a lawyer and forensic investigator with an interest in the JonBenet Ramsey case, I do get a general "sense" of your organization as essentially compassionate and respectful of the various needs of members. You would get a higher rating by immediately opposing the CDC and government over-reaching. Thank you for your time.
I have been bringing my kids to the library for the past decade. It's been such an amazing resource, between the books and community events that they host. My children have become such avid readers that they've inspired both me and my husband to start picking up books regularly again to read for ourselves. I'm really very grateful for the Library Foundation!
I have been volunteering at the library for the last 3 or 4 years as a drop in tech helper and as an assistant to the library's volunteer coordinator. Libraries are an essential part of a democracy. The Library Foundation's support of the Boulder Public LIbrary contributes to the success of this institution.