The children of Douglas County love their libraries! According to the Colorado-based Library Research Service, preliminary statistics for 2007 show Douglas County Libraries checked out more children's materials than any other library in the state -- that's a whopping 3.1 million items.

And there are more reasons to celebrate the libraries in Douglas County - in the category of libraries serving populations of more than 100,000 residents, Douglas County was first in check-outs per capita with 24.38 items. DCL also came up second in its attendance of programs and third in total items checked out.

All of this good news comes as the Board of Douglas County Libraries considers putting a mill levy increase on the ballot this November. The proposal asks for a property tax increase of about 1.3 mills. .5 mills would pay for three new or replacement library buildings; that part would go away when the buildings are paid off.

The rest, a permanent increase of less than one mill, would pay for ongoing operations. For the average Douglas County homeowner with a home worth $300,000, this increase is equal to about $31.04 per year, or $10 for every $100,000 of the home's market value.

Douglas County Library Director, Jamie LaRue, wants your input on this matter before the Board votes in August whether or not to include the mill levy proposal on the November ballot. Mark your calendars and plan to meet with Jamie LaRue for a Library Planning and Community Input meeting at your local library in July. No registration required. For more information, call 303-791-READ, or visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

Highlands Ranch Library (9292 Ridgeline Boulevard)
Saturday, July 12 from 4 to 5 p.m.

The Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree (8827 Lone Tree Parkway)
Saturday, July 19 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Parker Library (10851 South Crossroads Drive)
Friday, July 25 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Philip S. Miller Library (100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock)
Monday, July 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.