Red Feather Lakes Library gets new leadership

By Stephen Clearheart Johnson
North Forty News

Two new faces are greeting visitors to the Red Feather Lakes Library, as a new director and new assistant librarian were recently installed.

Creed Kidd became the new director in June, replacing Sherry Moores, while Karen Horner became assistant librarian in March, replacing Karen Deane.

Kidd comes to Red Feather from Vernal, Utah, where he worked 25 years. During that time he earned an undergraduate degree in literary studies and a master's degree in library science online through the University of North Texas.

Horner, who moved to Red Feather in October from Oklahoma City, brings 25 years of customer service experience and a degree in Christian education. Her previous library experience includes working in a college library in Idaho.

At the library she will coordinate children's programs and outreach programs with the three mountain schools – Livermore, Red Feather and Stove Prairie.

Kidd has enjoyed coming to the area. He describes himself as an outdoors person who likes small towns. His wife and four children remain in Vernal, where she is working to finish her degree. They will join him for the summer, and then move to Red Feather when her schooling is complete.

A people person, Kidd has set a personal goal of learning the library patrons by name. He noted, "It never ceases to amaze me how varied people's interests are," referring to the library's broad range of services including books, videos, CDs and Internet.

Horner will oversee the existing children's programs such as story hours for preschoolers, and she is working with the local school to produce a special two-week program to increase literacy. She is also working with the schools to conduct regular library tours.

"The center of our efforts is to keep the library as the heart of our community, to carry on a great tradition," Kidd said.

He vowed to maintain "openness to new ideas, flexibility and pragmatic approach" to make sure the library is responsive to public needs.

Founded in 1969, the Red Feather Lakes Community Library is now tax-supported by area property owners. Voters approved a 2.5-mill levy and created the taxing district in November 2000. The district encompasses Red Feather Lakes, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View Meadows. It is the smallest library district in Colorado.