The Space to Be
Discover Poudre Libraries – the space to be ambitious, creative, informed, and so much more.
Welcome to the space to be!
To all the opportunities, big and small.
To the connections that strengthen our community.
To a place where every story can be told.
Each month we spotlight unique library services, programs, and resources that foster learning, spark inspiration, and strengthen community connections.
We are thankful to everyone who supports Poudre Libraries, in both small and large ways. It takes a community to bring life to a library, and your support for our programs, events, and services has not gone unnoticed.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to the library and your community, stop by Poudre Libraries.
Volunteers enrich the Library in many ways. The hundreds of hours of volunteer service are an immeasurable value to our community. In 2023, more than 350 volunteers gave nearly 8,300 hours their time and energy to helping with library program, events, and other activities. We invite volunteers to join us for ongoing and one-time assignments.
Each year for Colorado Gives Day, the Poudre Library Trust raises funds for their endowment and a variety of projects that benefit the library. There are many other library giving opportunities. Whether you give $5 or $5,000, you’ll be an integral part of creating a culture of philanthropy for the Libraries and the greater community.
The Poudre River Friends of the Library contribute more than $70,000 from book sale proceeds, fundraising, and memberships every year to our libraries to help fund programs and events like Summer Adventure. You can become a Friend member or support them by shopping their many used book sales.
Poudre Libraries invests in credible, trustworthy resources to help you navigate the big news and current events of the day. From journals and newspapers to research databases to educational programs, we have your information needs covered!
Access a variety of news sources online through the Library. Our digital resources include full access to local news from Fort Collins Coloradoan, The Denver Post, and dozens of other local papers.
Find reliable and up-to-date information on local and state ballot issues including where to drop your ballot and vote in Larimer County.
As a parent or caregiver, you want your student to succeed both academically and personally, to engage in school activities, and to feel confident. That’s where the library can help. With dozens of resources to support K-12 learning, from study rooms to research materials and homework help, we help students succeed!
Explore dozens of online resources to help students in any grade with essays, science & math, literacy, test preparation, and so much more.
One of the most popular digital resources for K-12 students is Brainfuse Homework HelpNow, a digital platform that features live 1:1 tutoring, assistance with subject area homework assignments, an interactive writing lab, and test prep. Free with your library card.
Everyone can become tech savvy! It’s all about knowing how to use a computer and other modern digital technologies effectively, efficiently, and safely.
If you’re ready to expand your tech skills and thrive personally or professionally in today’s digital world, stop by one of our locations.
Choose from thousands of tech courses including web development, video and audio production, animation, AI, cybersecurity, and much more for free with a library card.
We offer a variety of computer and technology classes each month focused on improving your digital skills, from introduction to computers to more advanced topics like coding and ChatGPT.
Find a variety of unexpected technology including ScanEZ stations at Old Town & Harmony Libraries that digitize old photos or documents, laptops you can checkout, and so much more.
Some people may not picture the public library as a hive of social activity, but a recent study conducted by researchers from Portland State University and the American Library Association found that libraries are popular social hubs among Gen Z and Millennials.
The researchers stressed the importance of libraries as “third spaces” in communities, “offering social connection amid challenges like the loneliness epidemic and teen mental health crises.” Interviews with library visitors revealed that public libraries offer “a relaxed environment, permitting social interaction during activities.”
Come out for fun activities and even meet new people through Library programs and events.
Being part of a community is important for us to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Teens
Adults
Spanish Speaking Community
Immigrants
Volunteering with your favorite organization and giving back to your community can help you build relationships and support mental wellbeing.
Are you the type of person who is eager to have new experiences or visit new places? Then, you’ll definitely want to stop by Poudre Libraries. With more than 1.9 million items to browse through, thousands of programs happening each year, and tons of unexpected finds to inspire new ideas and hobbies, the Library is the space to be adventurous.
Explore 13 different Larimer County parks and open spaces properties with a Discover Pack featuring parks/open spaces pass, a parking pass, and much more.
Have a month of micro-adventures with fiber arts at the Library. Pick something new to learn with our craft kits or find a new challenge at a library event.
What do you like to do to recharge your mind and body when you feel drained?
We live in a fast-paced world where being busy is often worn like a badge of honor. But being worn-out isn’t healthy. If you’re looking for ways to recharge your personal battery or even a quick pick-me-up, come to the Library.
You can be transformed simply by reading! Books are not just a source of knowledge, but are catalysts for growth and inspiration. Reading can reduce stress, stimulate the brain, and nourish your body and mind. Find a variety of reads to reenergize you!
Find your energy boost with streaming music from Hoopla. The free online platform has your favorite artists and albums, plus some new finds (and no commercial interruptions). Whether your pick-me-up sound is electronic or dance music or you’re a die-hard Swiftie, get ready to sing and dance.
Fresh air or a simple walk around the block is sometimes enough to reinvigorate yourself. If you’re looking for more outdoor energy, check out a State or Local Parks Pass from the Gadgets & Things Collection and visit nearby parks and open spaces with family and friends. Take a bird watching kit or star finder kit with you.
If you’re looking for great performances, epic movies, and tons of other forms of entertainment, look no further. Poudre Libraries has some great – and surprising – options available.
Choose from more than 400 different DVDs collections all gathered into one "binge box" for a spectacular movie or TV series night.
No matter what type of movie you’re craving, you’re covered with on-demand streaming through Kanopy and Hoopla.
Want to watch a popular television show but don't subscribe to the streaming service? Check out Rokus with Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, and more.
If you have the strong desire to accomplish your goal or the drive to reach new personal heights, the Library has the people and resources to help.
Whether you’re looking for success in your career, planning to start a new business, or wanting to accomplish other meaningful goals, Poudre Libraries is the space where ambitions thrive.
The Library has a dedicated Business and Nonprofit Services Librarian who can assist with market research, industry reports, business plan templates, lead prospecting, and more.
Request a one-on-one appointment with our librarian to get started.
It’s never too late to get complete your high school diploma. Career Online High School supports local adults with earning their high school diploma and a career certificate online
The Library grants scholarships to qualifying students as part of this adult education program.
Make your work goals a reality with library training resources like LearningExpress. This online platform features a Career Preparation center that helps you prepare for industry exams including Cosmetology, EMT and Firefighting, and many others.
Did you know that Curiosity is one of the values that guides our work? We explore new ideas and knowledge to connect and engage with our customers.
Reserve a Curiosity Pass to visit museums and cultural attractions along the Front Range, including Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and Fort Collins Museum of Art.
Curious about your ancestry and where you came from? Start researching with our genealogy resources like Ancestry.com and My Heritage or visit Old Town Library every Thursday from 1:00 – 3:00 PM for one-on-one help from Larimer County Genealogical Society volunteers.
Library programs are all about learning something new, trying out a new skill, and even meeting new people. From Composer Talks, and from History Comes Alive to Global Tales, there is something to satisfy everyone’s curiosity. Stay up-to-date on events happening at the libraries with our event emails.
Calling all DIYers, crafters, and makers! Nurture your creative soul at the Library.
Explore thousands of instructional craft and art classes and series hosted by experts. Practice your craft daily or learna new skill.
Submit a 3D print project at Old Town Library! Staff can direct you to ready-to-print designs, or you can create something completely new!
Drop by our locations for in-person creative fun for all ages. Be delighted by drop-in creative events or learn a new skill from library staff!