Jefferson County Public Library received five awards from the Colorado Association of Libraries on Sept. 10, 2026, the library reported on Sept. 25. The association presents the awards at its annual conference. Three of the five recognize library programs and spaces, and two honor longtime library leaders.
By the numbers
- 42 summer camps: The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award went to the teams behind the 2025 Summer Challenge camps. The library reports 42 camps at nine locations served 1,582 kids, tweens and teens free of charge, with several camps offered in both English and Spanish.
- 162 classes: The Jean Maio Award for Excellence in Adult Literacy went to the Adult Services team for Everyday Artificial Intelligence, a free class the library says it offered 162 times in 2025 for 661 attendees.
- Five storefronts: The Innovated Spaces Award went to Conifer Library, which moved out of Conifer High School and opened in September 2025 in five adjoining retail spaces converted into a full-service library, according to the library.
- 32 years: The Distinction in Library Services Award went to Donna Walker, who retired as executive director on Sept. 5 after 32 years in public libraries, the last 14 at Jefferson County Public Library.
- A decade: The Outstanding Library Trustee Award went to Kim Johnson, whose 10 years on the Board of Trustees ended June 20 and included five years as chair, the library reports.
Why it matters locally
Jefferson County Public Library is based at 10200 W. 20th Ave. in Lakewood, and its locations include the Lakewood, Golden, Columbine, Conifer and Standley Lake libraries. The library describes both the summer camps and the Everyday Artificial Intelligence class as free.
How to take part
- Get a card. The library says Colorado residents can sign up with photo identification, and minors need a parent or guardian. Start on the library card page.
- Browse free classes and events on the library’s events calendar.
- Volunteer. The volunteer page lists volunteers@jeffcolibrary.org and 303-275-2212 for questions.
- Give to a current drive. Standley Lake Library is collecting handmade or store-bought hats, scarves and blankets (no wool), $20 gift cards and other items for Victim Outreach Inc. from Oct. 1 through Dec. 3. Details are on the community drive page.
More like this: Find the Good · Community Wins · Lakewood · Golden · $3.5 million in Jefferson County health grants · Ukulele Thursdays at Golden Library
