The Estes Valley is fortunate to have an excellent Library, one that is gearing up for two very popular sales. The Friends of the Library will put on the annual Used Book Sale at the Estes Park Conference Center on Aug. 5, 6 and 7. Then they regroup for their Holiday Book Sale at the Estes Valley Library, December 2nd and 3rd.

The all-volunteer Friends of the Library raises the majority of its money from the two annual used book sales. Both sales take hundreds of volunteer hours to sort, table, transport, display and sell thousands of titles. But the hard work pays off to the benefit of the library and its patrons. Last year the summer sale earned $27,900 while the holiday sale topped $5,690, a new record.

The Estes Valley Library started from humble beginnings. In 1914 members of the Woman’s Club began the collection with just 262 books, housed in one room of the Estes Park School, which was located at the corner of Park Lane and MacGregor Avenue. Open two afternoons a week, the library was run by Florence Bond. Her salary was $1.50 per week.

Fast forward to 1990 when the library came into the tech age. A FAX machine, IBM typewriter, and three CARL terminals with a multiplexer and modem were added. Staff also started re-registration of 9,000 plus library card holders for conversion to the CARL System in March, 1991. During this time the new library was built, books were moved with forklifts, and the current library building was opened in June, 1991. The Library offered the first public access internet station in 1991.

By 2005, the staff consisted of 9 full time employees with 8 part time or substitute workers. The collection contained approximately 45,710 volumes, 200 magazine subscriptions, 15 newspaper subscriptions and 5,886 books on tape or CD, music CDs, videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMS.

Ninety seven years since its modest beginnings, the Estes Valley Library has become the cultural hub of the valley, bringing together people, ideas and opportunities with quality information, resources and services.

For more information on either of the sales call (970) 586-8116.
Estes Valley Library, 335 East Elkhorn Avenue