Library History

Mission Statement

The mission of Franklin Ferguson Memorial Library is to support lifelong learning by anticipating and responding to educational and community needs for information, to encourage a desire to read, and enrich the quality of life in our community.

Policies of the Library

The following offenses violate library policies:

  • Failure to return items in a timely manner.
  • Failure to pay printing charges.
  • Leaving children under 7 unattended or children under 12 alone on library property after closing.
  • Disrupting service to other patrons, stealing, and unauthorized alterations to a library computer.
  • Verbal obscenity, obscenity on a library computer screen.
  • Threatening or abusive behavior toward library staff or other patrons.

Library Board

  • Penni Donatto
  • Thomas Litherland
  • Katrina Vannest
  • Belinda Johnson

History

In the late 1800s, a literary club, the Cripple Creek Fortnightly Society, was founded. This was the beginning of the Cripple Creek Library.

For many years the Cripple Creek Women’s Club sponsored the library, with the assistance of the city council and other civic organizations. Mrs. Nellie Ferguson acted as a volunteer librarian for many years. Later, Franklin Ferguson, mayor and civic leader, became responsible for maintaining the building and for helping to arrange the finances for the library.

After his death, the library was closed. On September 6, 1974, the city council was asked to re-open the Cripple Creek Public Library and they unanimously approved a cooperative venture with the Plains and Peaks Public Library System to re-open the library. In honor of Franklin Ferguson, the council voted to name the facility the Franklin Ferguson Memorial Library.

At the time plans were under consideration for the building of a new school in Cripple Creek, combining grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. On April 1, 1975, a $1.8 million bond was passed by the citizens of Cripple Creek and Victor. The public library collection was moved into the new school. The combined library-media center was opened at the school dedication ceremonies on January 11, 1976.

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