The Montrose Regional Library is committed to the work of Communities that Care here in Montrose because we wholeheartedly believe that a strong and collaborative community leads to better experiences, opportunities, and supports foryoung people (and for everyone!). CtC has been a great way to learn more about and especially from committed and innovative partner organizations and members, particularly as relates to youth development, and, ideally, will benefit both young people and our entire community.
The mission of the Montrose Regional Library District is to foster community by providing resources, encouraging reading, and supporting lifelong learning. The library has branches in both Naturita and the city of Montrose, and conducts outreach in a variety of ways, including through mobile librarianship (we have a Book Bike, an electric vehicle for deliveries, a Book Van, and a Bookmobile). The Montrose County Historical Museum posted a succinct and fascinating account of the library’s history in Montrose on Facebook in 2022, which can be accessed athttps://www.facebook.com/montroseregionallibrary/posts/curious-about-the-history-of-the-montrose-regional-library-take-a-look-at-this-p/2619394184858065/. We have occupied our current building on South 2nd St. since 1998, but the first library in town actually took shape in 1886, as a reading room.
I personally work in Teen Services, a department dedicated to connecting and collaborating with young people between, roughly, ages 11 and 18. In Teen Services, we support the development of a relevant and inclusive materials collection, create and run teen programs, build relationships with teens and teen-serving organizations, and foster opportunities for meaningful and authentic teen leadership. Much of the guidance for the trajectory of Teen Services comes from an awesome and active Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a group of teens between the ages of 13 and 18 who provide input on library decisions affecting teens and support teen outreach and engagement. The library is lucky to work with so many folks — from the TAB to CtC — committed to our community.