The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has reduced fire restrictions to Stage 1, effective October 31, 2024, until further notice. Stage 1 means NO open burning and NO fireworks. Visit the DCSO website to learn more.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has reduced fire restrictions to Stage 1, effective October 31, 2024, until further notice. Stage 1 means NO open burning and NO fireworks. Visit the DCSO website to learn more.
Plan ahead! Douglas County Motor Vehicle and Recording offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Election Day, as Douglas County Clerk and Recorder staff will be supporting General Election operations. Visit Douglasdrives.com to learn more.
Douglas County is home to two new Little Free Libraries.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these little libraries provide access to books for all community members. Reading has a profound impact on the health of children and families. Reading early and often stimulates brain development, creates strong bonds between caregivers and children, improves kindergarten readiness and contributes to lifelong academic success. These libraries are part of a national network of Little Free Libraries.
Community members can borrow or donate books by visiting one of the Little Free Library locations:
About Little Free Library
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes. The organization believes all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege. The little free libraries can be found in over 150,000 locations globally.
Why Does Book Access Matter?
Today in the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read.
Little Free Library book-sharing boxes play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books and encouraging a love of reading in areas where books are scarce. Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Bringing Literacy to Douglas County
The Douglas County Health Department Maternal and Child Health program works to improve the social and emotional well-being of families in our community. The newest Little Free Libraries in Douglas County were brought to life by community member James Hopkins, an Eagle Scout in Scout Troop 628. The project helped James earn his Eagle Scout rank. James and his troop constructed the two libraries and then partnered with the Douglas County Health Department to organize a book drive. Over 50 boxes of books were donated to help stock the Little Free Libraries, which opened in December 2023. A children’s book was written to commemorate the event.
Looking for more books and resources? Visit your local Douglas County Library for story time, reading buddies and a variety of other helpful early literacy tools for parents!