Three Lakes board approves three-year library plan to rebuild collections and train paraprofessionals

The Three Lakes School Board approved a three-year library plan that district staff said is required by state law and intended to rebuild and modernize school library services.

Administrator Terry said the district contracted Beth Martin, a library media specialist with decades of experience, to assess the libraries and develop an implementation plan. Martin reviewed collections, recommended policy updates and will support paraprofessionals and library staff through training and the Destiny Library Manager system.

Key goals in the plan include updating the average age of the collection, increasing the number of award-winning titles by 30%, improving the district’s ability to fill patron requests by 50%, and targeting a 20% average per-pupil increase in circulation by the 2026–27 school year. The plan also calls for revised library policies (some described as very old) and for continued collaboration with the Denver public library to supplement materials not housed in school libraries.

Board discussion focused on oversight and policy alignment. The board asked about checks on incoming orders and confirmed that library purchases will be reviewed by administrative staff before orders are submitted. The administrator said the plan is intended to be a living document, with annual updates and a review of goals on a six-month cycle.

The board moved and approved the library plan by voice vote.

Speakers quoted: Terry (Administrator) and Caleb (administrative staff who will review book selections).