The newest Douglas County Library broke ground on August 26 in Sterling Ranch, continuing the community’s commitment to growing into a new town. In addition to checking out the latest bestseller or utilizing the research tools available at the library, Douglas County Libraries provide community services like rooms for rent, book clubs, and access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This project will also include a museum component, with the nearby Lamb Springs Archeological Preserve as well.
“Providing this valuable community resource has been a priority for Sterling Ranch. Libraries provide a home for learning, connection and imagination,” said Sterling Ranch CEO Brock Smethills. “A big thank you goes to the Douglas County Library District, and our own metro district board members namely, Alex Taylor for working so diligently on this project with us. The partnership with the Lamb Springs Archeological Preserve in creating an on-site museum in the future will bring something truly special to Sterling Ranch.”
The new Douglas County Library in Sterling Ranch will cost an estimated $21.7 million and will include an 18,000-square-foot facility that houses library collections, children’s spaces, reservable study rooms, an event hall, two conference rooms, and an outdoor space featuring a terrace, plaza, and children’s garden. Land for the project was contributed free of charge to the Douglas County Library District by Sterling Ranch, LLC.
Public libraries are an important “third space,” and can be a hub in any community – not just a resource for books, but a place where people go to research, gather, find community, grow their imagination, and meet up with friends and neighbors. Whether it is through children’s reading programs, story time or access to other online resources, the library will bring people together for all types of events and activities.
Construction is expected to be completed in approximately one year with doors opening shortly thereafter.
Recognizing the importance of community libraries, Sterling Ranch is also supportive of the effort to restore the historic nearby Louviers Library – the oldest library in Douglas County. Sterling Ranch looks forward to working with the community of Louviers to find solutions to maintain and improve that historical library building for everyone to enjoy.
