Douglas County Libraries

Years in Business: 34 years

Library services were provided to Douglas County as early as 1929. Collections moved from the Castle Rock courthouse to basements of personnel to storefronts and other locations until 1966, when efforts to construct the first library building began.

Library services expanded throughout the 1970s and 1980s, which necessitated new facilities to meet demand. Officially, Douglas County Libraries was formed by vote in November 1990, when voters approved the creation of a library district for the county. The Castle Rock Library, Parker Library, and Oakes Mill Library formed the district at that time, with the Highlands Ranch Library finding a home within the district soon after.

In recent years, Douglas County Libraries has continued to innovate and expand. In 2016 and 2023, new branches were constructed, including state-of-the-art facilities in Lone Tree (2016), Parker (2016), Castle Pines (2016) and Castle Rock (2023). Douglas County Libraries has prioritized sustainability and modern design in our newer buildings, creating inviting spaces for customers of all ages, while focusing on providing a variety of community programs, educational resources, and digital services in all seven library branches—Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Louviers, Parker, and Roxborough—ensuring the library remains a vital community hub.

Throughout its history, Douglas County Libraries has adapted to the needs of the Douglas County community, growing from one small, single-room library to a robust system with multiple branch locations offering extensive resources, programs, and services to residents of the community.

Services provided:
Storytimes
Literacy-based Events
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library PlayscapesSummer Camps Summer Reading Reading Buddies
Bark for Books
Book Clubs
Themed Party Packages

How do you make it a point to put families first?
Douglas County Libraries welcomes everyone. We strive to create a welcoming and premium experience for all our customers. For families, we work to create experiences that inspire a love of reading, connection, and discovery with an emphasis on creating and strengthening family connections.

What do you enjoy the most about having the libraries in our area?
Each of our library locations offer warm, inviting spaces for the community. These aren’t just places for reading or to grab a book, they are vibrant community hubs where people can gather, escape, learn, and grow. We also offer a wide variety of services and programs, as well as a diverse collection, and we strive to welcome all.

What’s next for the libraries?
Douglas County Libraries is nearing the completion of a 10-year master facilities plan. As we have built and/or renovated almost all of our locations, we are looking to complete the plan in the next few years. In addition, we are working on a new strategic plan that is based on community input and demand. We will continue to provide a premium environment, experiences, and spaces for the community we serve.