Douglas County Libraries celebrates its seventh year of bringing first-rate, professional Shakespearean theatre and activities, free of charge, to Douglas County this July. This year, in addition to some great programs for all ages at our area libraries, Shakespeare at the Ranch features three outdoor performances of As You Like It, plus Midsummer Merriment, a family-oriented fun day in Highlands Ranch Civic Green Park. Just take a look at all of the ways we're celebrating the Bard this July:

- As You Like It - Three free professional performances
July 24-26, 2008 7:30 p.m.
Civic Green Park (9370 Ridgeline Boulevard, Highlands Ranch)
All performances are FREE. No reservation or tickets needed.

Join us again in Highlands Ranch Civic Green Park for an outdoor performance of As You Like It, one of Shakespeare's earliest romantic comedies. It's the story of families fractured by jealousy and desire, who, through a series of comedic episodes, are drawn together by tolerance and brotherly love. Recommended for ages 12+. Bring your favorite outdoor seating. Sorry, no pets or glass allowed. The play is performed by Theatreworks ( uccstheatreworks.com) of Colorado Springs.

Midsummer Merriment
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. - Noon
Civic Green Park (9370 Ridgeline Boulevard, Highlands Ranch)

Families can celebrate the Elizabethan era with juggling, music, Maypole dancing, face painting, and arts & crafts. Free. No registration required.

Shakespeare on Screen - "As You Like It"
Monday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Highlands Ranch Library(9292 Ridgeline Boulevard)

Join local film critic Walter Chaw for a screening of Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of As You Like It (2006, PG). Recommended for ages 12+. Free. Registration is required. To book your spot, stop by your library, call 303-791-READ, or visit the Programs & Events calendar at DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

Bard Talks
July 24 & 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Civic Green Park (9370 Ridgeline Boulevard, Highlands Ranch) - picnic pavilion

Enrich your Shakespearean experience and get a behind-the-scenes look at the staging of As You Like It with director Murray Ross. This program takes place in the picnic pavilion, so feel free to bring your favorite meal! No registration required.

The Play's the Thing, Shakespeare for Kids
The Denver Center Theatre Academy will use improvisation and character-work to bring Shakespeare's work to life for kids ages 7-12. Free. Registration is required. To book your spot, stop by your library, call 303-791-READ, or visit the Programs & Events calendar at DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

Neighborhood Library at Roxborough (8357 N. Rampart Range Road)Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree (8827 Lone Tree Parkway)
Monday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Highlands Ranch (9292 Ridgeline Boulevard)
Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Philip S. Miller (100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock)
Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Parker (10851 South Crossroads Drive)
Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Naked Shakespeare, "Love Gods"
Have fun exploring the lighter side of Shakespeare with the No Holds Bard theater group! Recommended for ages 14+. Free. Registration is required. To book your spot, stop by your library, call 303-791-READ, or visit the Programs & Events calendar at DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

Highlands Ranch (9292 Ridgeline Boulevard)
Monday, July 14 at 6:30pm

Philip S. Miller (100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock)
Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30pm

Parker (10851 South Crossroads Drive)
Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30pm

To date, the sponsors of the 2008 Shakespeare Festival include The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Metro District of Highlands Ranch, Cañon Catering, Frederic Printing, Highlands Ranch Community Association, Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association, IREA, LMC Solutions, and YourHub.

For more information about Douglas County Libraries and the July Shakespeare Festival, please call Community Relations at 303-791-READ or go online to DouglasCountyLibraries.org.