WHO WE ARE

VISION

A literate, informed and fulfilled community.

VALUES

We focus on our customers and anticipate their needs. We value integrity, inclusion, learning and fun. We act with courage, respect, empathy and passion.

OBJECTIVES

We will increase literacy empowerment by preparing our youngest to learn to read and helping others learn to thrive in difficult times.

We will build community connections by connecting people as resources for each other, virtually and in person.

MISSION

We are dedicated to being the best public library for the communities we serve by providing outstanding and personalized service to everyone seeking access to the world of information and ideas.

OUR WHY

We believe we can turn every search for knowledge into a helpful adventure.

OUR STORIES

Real patrons on what Arapahoe Libraries has meant for them.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

OLI SANIDAS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I can't think of anything better than working for an organization that is dedicated to empowering the community it serves. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to providing services that improve the lives of our patrons, ranging from small changes that make you smile to new opportunities that are life changing.

KIM COLLIE

DIRECTOR, PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The opportunity to work in the orbit of libraries is exhilarating. There seems to be no end to discovering the richness of human creativity, learning, kindness and compassion. As Carl T. Rowan said, "The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history."

CAROLINE HEINSELMAN

DIRECTOR, PEOPLE SERVICES

Our employees are the cornerstone to our success. I'm excited to be part of the Arapahoe Libraries team where we can co-create an organization where everyone belongs, thrives and feels like they can make a difference.

JENNIFER MAHIN

DIRECTOR, FINANCE

Libraries are an important part of a community and a valuable resource. Libraries give people opportunities to explore, experience new ideas and get lost in fantastic stories. I love working at the library because I get to support all the wonderful services that it provides.

JESSICA SIDENER

DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

I love sharing with our community all of the hidden gems libraries have to offer. It is also so very rewarding to support the amazing Arapahoe Libraries team, their overall employment experience and, most importantly, their passions for serving our patrons.

LINDA SPEAS

DIRECTOR, LIBRARY OPERATIONS

It is a true privilege to be a part of creating community spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued and can get access to the information and resources they need to thrive in their lives. Whether it is learning to read, learning English, applying for a job or learning about a different viewpoint than your own, the library is here for everyone.

ANTHONY WHITE

DIRECTOR, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Every day I am astounded by the creativity and passion our staff bring to push our services to more people in more ways. To be able to generate curiosity, excitement and support to each member of our community while providing equitable access to information, technology and space—that is the magic of Arapahoe Libraries.

CYNTHIA KIYOTAKE

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY OPERATIONS

Having grown up with Golden Books my parents must have known I would choose librarianship as my career. Reading made such a big impact in my life and libraries were a part of my life from a young age. Understanding that libraries offer more than books and are a gateway to early literacy, to connecting with others in person or through the use of a computer is fulfilling work. Libraries are the glue that help communities grow and learn together.

CORE VALUES

We have it, see it, cultivate it and celebrate it.

Building memories, bridging gaps and learning new things; this is a wondrous place to be.

We’re embracing all by bestowing deep respect upon everyone with whom we cross paths.

So we choose them wisely, using kindness to build each other up.

As Alexander Pope said, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” We are not perfect people, but we aim to be accountable, gracious and humble ones.

Here, we come together to build a rock-solid team that achieves far more collectively than we ever could alone.

OUR HISTORY

Arapahoe Libraries was established in April 1966 to provide public library service to all residents of Arapahoe County, except those living in the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora. Residents of these cities are served by libraries established prior to 1966 that are funded and maintained by their respective city governments. All Arapahoe County residents, however, are free to use any of the libraries in the county. Residents can also participate in the Colorado Library Card Program, which allows them to borrow items from any participating academic, school and public library in Colorado.

Arapahoe Libraries serves a diverse and varied population covering the rural areas of Byers and Deer Trail, the cities of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine, Glendale, Greenwood Village and Sheridan, and the unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County. Arapahoe Libraries is also a major resource for elementary and high school students of the Littleton, Cherry Creek, Sheridan, Byers and Deer Trail School Districts, as well as for those receiving private and home schooling, and students attending local colleges and universities. This map of the Arapahoe Libraries legal service area provides exact boundaries.

Funding is provided through a 4.9 property tax mill levy. Any increase in the mill levy must be approved by a vote of the people. Other revenue sources include income from specific ownership tax, grants and interest on investments. A non-profit Arapahoe Library Friends Foundation was established in 1990 to raise additional money from the private sector and to serve as an advocacy group for Arapahoe Libraries. The Foundation and its partner, The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries, which was established in 1995, support a variety of library programs and services.

The Board of Trustees is appointed by the Arapahoe County Commissioners and the Board of the Deer Trail School District. (Under the 1996 state library law, library districts had to be established by two governing entities. The Deer Trail School District and Arapahoe County are the two entities.) Other than the appointment of the Library Trustees, Arapahoe Libraries has full autonomy over its operational and financial administration.