Sterling Public Library
The Sterling Public Library opened on April 12, 1918, with much help from the Zeta Zeta Club. Money was raised by the community, and with a generous gift provided by Andrew Carnegie Sterling was able to open a public library. Sterling Public Library was started to provide reading materials to the community. The first librarian was Katherine Marvin.
The Public Library is a part of the City of Sterling and funded through the City’s general fund. The library also receives funds to complete special projects from the Friends of the Sterling Public Library.
In 1953, Sterling Public Library and Logan County Library were combined. The library remained in the Carnegie Building on the corner of South 4th Street and Ash Street until moving to the current location of 420 North Fifth Street. The current building was dedicated on Aug. 1, 1976. On April 1, 2010 ground was broke for a new 5478 sq. ft. addition. The addition and complete renovation of Sterling Public Library was completed in February 2011.
Sterling Public Library is no longer just a place to borrow books. The library offers many services and forms of technology. Sterling Public Library provides downloadable books, audios and magazines for all ages through the Libby app. Computers are available for use in the library. Wireless printing is also available. The library provides special formats such as Playaway Views, Vox books, Launch Pads and IR books for children. There are Baby Bags and Early Literacy Bags available for kids as well as bags for adults on special topics. The library provides Diala-story for kids to call 970522-6808 and listen to a story which is changed on Tuesday and Saturday.
Sterling Public Library offers a wide range of programs for all ages. One of the most popular programs in Story Time. Denise Ladd has a great time introducing early literacy to children. Erica Kallsen provides programming for teens. Some of the programs the library has offered for kids are cooking, LEGOS, escape rooms and movies. The library provides Story Walk in Columbine Park. As you walk around the park kids and adults can enjoy a simple story. The library provides informational programs such as financial or medical education for adults. They also provide entertaining programs such as their annual teas for adults.
Each year during the summer the library provides a Summer Reading Program for anyone birth to 100+. It has been found through numerous studies that reading for pleasure during the summer helps kids maintain skills for the coming year. During the summer the program provides incentives for reading and many educational and entertaining programs for all ages.
The library provides several annual programs. The library holds an annual Quilt Show each March. Quilters and those who own quilts graciously display their pieces to share with the community. Santa City is provided with the Recreation Division for kids of all ages. Kids can have their picture taken with Santa, complete a craft, enter a coloring contest, draw for a prize and enjoy refreshments. The library also provides the Bunny Hop annually which is similar in nature with the Easter Bunny. The library holds the Parade of Trees each year. Community members help decorate trees and an Open House is held where all the lights are turned down to enjoy the sparkle of the trees. Live music and refreshments are provided throughout the evening.
Sterling Public Library continues to provide Take and Makes for all ages. Take and Makes are craft projects or creative activities that you can pick up and complete at home.
The library continually purchases new books for all ages. However, they cannot possibly purchase everything. For those items they do not have and you wish to use, the library provides interlibrary loan. Tish Ramos processes ILL requests to help you obtain what you need.
Megan Riveria-howard, Shania Morgan, Madison Peck, Candace Talbert, and Ciara Bennett are here to help you in the library or answer questions on the phone. The group provides great
support in making the programs possible. Sterling Public Library staff are all here to serve you.
Stop in at the Sterling Public Library for assistance from their friendly staff at 420 N. Fifth St. or call (970) 522- 2023. You can always see what’s happening at the library by visiting their website at www.sterlingcolo.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sterlingpubliclibrary80751.
Please join the Logan County Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Sterling Public Library as this week’s Member of the Week and tying our Community together!