Douglas County Libraries is experiencing growing pains. Over the past five years, checkouts have increased from over three million in 2002, to 6,471,935 in 2007. In that same time period, the number of library card holders climbed from 96,379 to its current number, more than 182,000. According to the Library Research Service, Douglas County Libraries checks out more children's items than any other library system in Colorado, including the Denver Public Library. Parking lots are overflowing, meeting rooms are booked solid, and storytimes are downright crowded.

To alleviate the strain on its resources, the Board of Douglas County Libraries is considering a proposal to place a mill levy package 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.