When one thinks about a library, many thoughts come to the mind for that person. It might be the research done in a library to get that A in a college class. It could conjure up a memory of that person’s childhood library and the story times spent there.

It could remind you of the computer classes you took at the library, and the friends you made there while taking the class together. It might be the remembrance of a favorite librarian who found the first chapter book for you.

Whatever you think of when you hear the word “library,” there’s a good chance you have fond memories of it.

As we celebrate National Library Week April 3-9 this year, think of the Manitou Springs Library in your community. What does it mean to you?

To me, it means being a community gathering place to make new friends, participate in a variety of activities or engage in public discourse. It means a place to find the resources needed to better one’s life, whether that’s finding a book for enjoyment, taking a computer class or studying with a tutor.

It means supplying the tools necessary to continue one’s pursuit of life-long learning goals.

Having worked there as a director, then manager, from 2006-2019, I have many fond memories of my time at the library and the impact it has made on the community. 

I could tell you a whole host of stories that I’ve witnessed at the Manitou Springs Library, but I’ll share only a couple here. One is of an immigrant family who moved to our community to open a new restaurant, but knew very little English.

With the librarians’ help, the father used our library computers to find and complete the paperwork required to open his restaurant. After months of jumping through all necessary hoops, he opened his restaurant in Manitou Springs, and it became a very popular place.

While the father was working on the business, his wife was coming into the library to check out children’s books. This was her way of learning the English language. She would check out bags of books to read to her children and, in the process, learn English.

This is an example of what a library can do to expand one’s knowledge and education.

Another story involves the mothers and fathers who brought their children to the library each week for story times. Over the course of my time there, I saw these parents, who were often newbies to the community, make steadfast friends at the library.

They were able to share their concerns about parenting with each other, offer guidance and support to one another and enjoy the conversation of other adults. Many times, these parents and children would continue their association with each other after story time by taking picnic lunches to the park together.

As these children outgrew story times and went on to elementary school, we would continue to see a new batch of parents with their youngsters coming to the library and going through the same process. The cycle would continue.

The Manitou Springs Library has been in existence since 1910 and has seen many people come through its doors seeking a variety of resources and engaging with others. It is a gem in the heart of our beautiful little community and is like no other place in town.

Celebrate National Library Week by stopping by to see what is there and how it can benefit your own life. You won’t be sorry.

Margaret Morris,

retired librarian/manager of Manitou Springs Library

Editor’s note: The Manitou Springs Library is temporarily housed in the Manitou Art Center, 513 and 515 Manitou Ave. Information: ppld.org/manitou-springs-library or 531-6333, ext. 7004.