Take a stroll through the forest of stories
Harold and the Purple Crayon are on display as part of Douglas County Libraries Forest of Stories. This is the third year of the holiday event to promote books and reading throughout the seven county libraries.
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) presented its Forest of Stories for the third year in a row: 175 Christmas trees decorated with book themes that are displayed throughout the seven county libraries.
The Forest of Stories serves as a festive way to promote books and reading. With growing popularity for the tradition, DCL has expanded its reach, including specialty tours and holiday events that encourage taking a stroll through the trees.
“The team wanted to create a festive event that lasted throughout the season and would draw people to visit the libraries,” said Amber DeBerry, DCL’s director of community engagement. “By combining the desire to celebrate the holidays and focusing DCL’s vision of inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection, we began to plan this magical event with the goal of becoming something the community looked forward to.”
The book themes are chosen each year by suggestions from the DCL staff that include classics, trending reads and popular authors. The team is then invited to decorate the boughs. Bringing the trees to life is a year-round process that requires contributions from every department, explained Amber.
In addition to the forest of literary décor, each DCL has a community tree.
“These trees are designed to recognize each community’s vibrancy as well as thank the communities for all of their support,” shared Amber.
The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate the close-knit community here in Castle Pines, of which DCL is a pillar. Each library has different trees, so visiting all branches is encouraged, and gives everyone the opportunity to step into the holiday season and, of course, the magical realm of books.
The Forest of Stories will remain in the libraries through January 4. For more information, see page 19 of the E Guide insert or visit dcl.org.
Characters from the children’s classic collection, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, are featured on a Christmas tree.
By Marly Holsman; photos courtesy of Douglas County Libraries
