At the heart of Cortez, the local public library has become a cornerstone for the community, offering not just books, but a wealth of programs designed to foster learning, creativity, and connection. Director Beth Edson, with a deep personal connection to libraries, is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for all ages. For Edson, libraries are more than just places to check out books — they are safe spaces for learning, engagement, and community development.
Building a Strong Foundation with Kids and Families
For Edson, her love of libraries began as a child. "I was a latchkey kid, and the library was my safe place," she recalls. That early connection has inspired her vision for the Cortez Public Library, where she strives to create a similar environment for today’s children and families. The library offers a variety of programs geared toward young minds, like bird lessons with Ranger Cahill of Mesa Verde National Park, and hands-on activities like 3D printing workshops with Pueblo Community College. These activities cater to a wide range of ages, ensuring that the library is a place of learning and fun for all.
“We really want to build relationships between kids and their caregivers,” Edson says. Storytime sessions are a key part of this mission, providing early exposure to reading and creating meaningful connections between parents and children. "The other day, I was reading, and a kid was just chuckling because we were doing animal sounds," she remembers fondly. "It was just super fun and delightful."
Engaging Teens and Adults
Beyond the younger crowd, the library also serves local teens and adults with enriching programs. Events like Teen Trivia and pizza afternoons, along with art workshops that encourage creativity, provide a space for teens to explore their interests. The library is also gearing up for a vibrant summer reading program designed to keep young readers engaged and prevent the summer slide, a phenomenon where students lose progress in their reading skills over the break. This summer’s program will be particularly exciting, with a chance for children to pick out a free book just for signing up, along with an array of activities to keep them motivated.
Edson emphasizes the importance of reading throughout the year. “Research has shown that students can slide back a reading level or two over the summer if they don’t keep reading,” she explains. “We’re here to combat that and make sure we’re fostering strong readers in this community.”
Addressing Challenges in the Face of Funding Cuts
However, the library is also facing external challenges. Recent defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has raised concerns about the future of library services. While Edson notes that the immediate impact on Cortez may not be severe, smaller libraries that rely on IMLS funding could be more affected. "It could slow things down, especially when it comes to interlibrary loan transfers and accessing resources like book club kits,” Edson warns. Additionally, services for visually impaired patrons, which rely heavily on IMLS support, could also face disruption.
Despite these challenges, Edson remains committed to ensuring the library continues to serve as an essential resource for the community. “The best way you can support your local library is to visit it," she urges. “Get a library card, use the resources available, and help keep the library a vibrant part of the community.”
Exciting Programs Ahead
Looking toward the future, Edson is excited about the many upcoming events and opportunities. The library is embracing art and music through summer programs tied to this year’s theme, "Color Our World." These programs aim to celebrate creativity and artistic expression in the community.
For those looking for more information, the library’s website is the go-to place for details on events, programs, and how to get involved.
As Edson puts it, "We’re so much more than books, even though books and stories are so important. We really want to build those life skills and make learning fun." With its broad range of programs and its commitment to serving the needs of the community, the Cortez Public Library continues to be a vital resource for all.
For more information on Cortez Public Library’s programs and a full calendar of events, visit CortezCO.gov/library.
