The Smalls talks to High Plains Library District!

Listen in as your host Just Nate and Greg talk with Dr. Matt Hortt about the amazing Library located in Greeley, CO.

The Evolution of Libraries and the Link Facility: Dr. Hortt discusses the massive evolution of libraries over the past 25 years, moving away from things like stamped due date cards and VHS/DVDs towards online streaming services and specialized community resources. The new facility, located in Greeley, is called Link (Library and Innovation Center) and encompasses a massive 63,000 square feet. The design for Link was driven by community input that highlighted the need for skills-based development. Key Offerings and Resources: The Link facility combines many resources often found separately in other libraries into one space, including a recording studio, interactive children's areas, and a wood shop. Key features and services mentioned include:

Meeting Spaces: The library offers various meeting spaces, including a boardroom (set up for streaming and public use), smaller 2-3 person spaces, and a flexible events center that can hold approximately 300 people.

• Cost: All meeting spaces and core library services are free to the public, treated as prepaid services via tax dollars.

• Media and Digital Access: The library still carries books (fiction, children's, graphic novels) but relies heavily on digital resources via apps like Hoopla, Libby, and Overdrive for streaming music, movies, audiobooks, and ebooks. Anyone living in the state of Colorado can obtain a library card.

• Specialty Checkouts: Patrons can check out specialty items such as laptops, wireless hotspots, and state park passes (allowing free entry into state parks).

• Maker Space: The maker space is industrial-grade, featuring equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers, UV printers (capable of printing on items like golf balls), and a sublimation machine. Staff with industry experience are available to teach classes and assist the public with projects.

• Certifications: The library is launching a partnership with Snap-on tools (through NC3) to provide hands-on certifications to patrons related to tools and industrial skills.Operational Context and Challenges: The High Plains Library District is a government entity (a special taxing district) funded by property taxes (mill levy), supported by a strong tax base from gas and oil production in Weld County. Although they are exploring using an unstaffed model to become 24/7, they are not currently open around the clock. Dr. Hortt noted that the biggest current challenge is determining the library's next focus based on competing community ideas, securing continued government funding, and overcoming the lack of public awareness regarding the modern capabilities the library offers.

To go to the Library, you can drive to 501 8th Ave, Greeley, CO

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