The Friends of the Idaho Springs Public Library are the 501(c)3 organization that supports the Idaho Springs Library. Basically, we’re the cheerleaders for our local library. One of the things that we do is help raise funds to support the programs that the library sponsors. As many organizations are finding, funding is tough. As a member of the Friends of the Idaho Springs Public Library board, I looked around for a way for us to raise money to aid our library. I was inspired by other literary festivals, and took the idea to the board. Clearly, everyone liked the idea, because here we are!

The mission statement of the Clear Creek County Library District is to empower our community through literacy, human connection, and equal access to resources. The library supports access to all the things for all of our residents. We do this through digital access to news media, research outlets, ebooks, and audio books. The library also still offers contactless pick up for those who need it. We’re not a large community, so the librarians will also deliver books to those who can’t get to the library. The librarians stock and maintain a number of Little Free Libraries throughout the county.

One of the library’s unique offerings is The Library of Things. This is a collection of electronics, mobile hot spots, backpacks for state parks, season passes to our local ski resort, crock pots, instant pots, hot pots (we have a lot of pots) bread makers, and telescopes. Among other things. The library believes that if we can offer our residents access to things they’d like to try out, we want to do it.

Finally, the library offers all kinds of programming. For the pre-school aged children, elementary kiddos, middle school and high school students. Clear Creek county has a four-day school week, and the library schedules programming for our school-aged children on Fridays. Adult programs are done monthly – and none of it costs a thing. But programming is one of the library’s biggest expenses, and that is the origin of the Idaho Springs Literary Festival.

After discussion with the Friends board, we decided wanted to create a fundraiser that would invite people in to see our library – because we have a beautiful Carnegie library. It was restored ten years ago, and it’s an absolute jewel. We wanted to share our love of reading, and allow for readers to come together with authors, and immerse themselves in books. All the money that we’re raising this weekend from our sponsors and attendees goes right to the Idaho Springs Public Library to support their programming.

And like all of the library’s programming, the Idaho Springs Literary Festival doesn’t cost a thing. It’s free for all ages. There is a dedicated series of author events for children. We have authors of literature, genre fiction, and non-fiction. A little something for everyone. And it’s happening all weekend long. From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

We can’t wait to spend the weekend with you! Happy reading!

Lisa