The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Patrons at the Haxtun Public Library will see a new face among the books and behind the checkout counter. Librarian Carolyn Davis took on her new role at the local library on June 1 and is already working to bring back favorite happenings, like summer reading, and other new features she hopes to add to services in the coming months.

Davis grew up in Haxtun for most of her life other than attending college and beginning her career. Davis earned her Master's degree in social work while also expanding her coursework to run a non-profit organization including grant writing and budget management. She, and her husband John, moved back to Haxtun in 1994 when she took a position with Northeast Colorado Board of Cooperative Education Services.

"We have raised our three children, Brant, Katlin and Victoria, through the Haxtun School system and they are grown now," Davis said. "We are expecting our first grandchild this fall."

Davis recently retired from Northeast BOCES after 28 years of service to several different school districts. Over the past few years, she served on the Library Board and during that process, realized she herself was qualified for the open librarian position.

"I realized that my education around grant writing, and business management, as well as budgeting for my farm, and working with children through the schools, made me an ideal candidate for the position of Librarian," Davis said. "I like the idea of having a part-time job to keep me from getting bored in my retirement and give me a means of seeing people on an ongoing basis."

Hours at the Haxtun Public Library are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays. "That way I am open over the lunch hour every week day," said Davis.

Davis said she is preparing for the summer reading program, slated to start this week and run through two weeks through the end of July. "We will expand that a bit next year now that COVID is not as much of an impact to group participation," she added.

In addition to summer reading, Davis said she looks forward to reding with the infant/toddler age groups when school starts. She would also like to start a book club for different age levels so that every age can fit into a club. Davis added that working with children in programs like summer reading and story time will continue and grow.

"Also, I am considering a delivery service to the local shut-in's and elderly population within the town limits," she said. "We continue to seek Friends of the Library as an occasional fundraising source, and people can sign up for that."

The Haxtun Public Librar4y has books available in physical form as well as an online library available for individuals who prefer to read or listen to books on their phones or kindles.

Patrons also have access to a computer for those who need to research and/print.

"I am able to search for books by certain topics and authors and order the physical books as needed from other libraries if we do not have them available. We tend to have an ongoing supply of new books ordered each year paid for through a grant. Many of these books are available to other libraries as well through the interlibrary loan program," Davis said.

Additionally, Davis said there are also other resources for checkout including a park pass for many of the Colorado State Parks, audio books in CD Form and movies.

"I am very excited about getting to know everyone as the town librarian," Davis said.

The Haxtun Public Library is located at 141 South Colorado Avenue. For more information, contact Davis at (970) 774-6106.