The Teller County community is invited to celebrate the Rampart Library District’s official grand opening of its Divide branch on Feb. 7 from 1-4 p.m. This will be an open house event where patrons can get acquainted with the staff, programs and services at the library. There will be door prizes, library swag, food and kids’ programs. “Residents of Divide had been asking for a library branch closer to home,” Florissant branch manager, Jennie Tesch said. “When the opportunity to rent space in the Pikes Peak Community Center building presented itself, we decided to test out the demand for an additional branch between Woodland Park and Florissant. The results have exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to be implementing new programs and events to serve the demand.” The Divide Library is a full-service branch of the Rampart Library system. (Kelly Sanford) Though the Divide library is smaller than other branches, it is a full-service library with many of the popular resources and activities offered in Woodland Park and Florissant. Of course, this includes access to the same books and content of its sister branches which are available in house or for pick-up through their courier program. In addition to free Wi-Fi, computer use, printing, hot spot access and library delivery, Divide will soon offer notary services and will be launching a long list of new programs and activities. “We will have a book club, Mario Kart tournaments, Wiggle Wednesdays (a story time for preschoolers), a fiber arts club, messy science for families, take and make crafts for adults, teens and youth, and the Divide branch will have visits from our mini mobile maker space,” said Tesch. The Wiggle Wednesday Program at the Divide Library draws families with infants through preschool age children for socializing, song and stories. (Kelly Sanford) Living up to its motto of being “the best library district in the known universe,” the Rampart Library District is ever expanding its reach and resources to serve the needs of Teller County. “I come in at least once a week, sometimes for a new book, sometimes to check out a DVD,” Divide Library patron, Johanna Stiles said. “Having a library this close is so much more convenient, and I love that when the weather is good, I can walk.” “I see a lot of regulars. The majority of visitors are resource seeking, but programs like Book Bingo, Wiggle Wednesday and the Christmas Sale have been a big draw too,” librarian Michele Eaton said. Divide branch librarian, Michele Eaton. (Kelly Sanford) Library branch and district representatives will be present at the Divide Library’s grand opening on Feb. 7 and they are eager to get input from patrons of how best to serve the wants and needs of the community as they celebrate Rampart’s latest branch. The Divide Library is located at 11122 US HWY 24 and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ...read more read less