The Ute Mountain Tribal Library has upgraded its facility in Towaoc to better accommodate students and their tutoring needs.
“We’ve added more space, more student materials and study carrels,” said Cassandra Laner, library coordinator. “It’s much more student friendly.”
A stylish mural was painted on a blank wall by artists from Southwest Open School. New couches were purchased, and the arrangement of the facility is very professional.
Library catalogues and reference materials have been improved and expanded as well, Laner said, with a focus on continuing education. Sections are arranged based on ability, and there is more college prep material.
“It is much more organized and arranged in a more open format. We got rid of that old couch and we have a large variety of Native American books and study materials,” she added. “We’re keeping better track of books that are coming and going.”
An expanded periodical section includes issues of Indian Country Today, Choctaw Community News, Weenuche Smoke Signals, Navajo Times, Lakota Journal and more. The reference section has been upgraded to include Colorado law books, health and science texts, and college guides.
Library and Ute Mountain Education Department staff want to get the word out about the Tutors of America program now being offered at the Towaoc library. Parents can arrange for students to meet with a tutor, explained Marilynn House, a truancy officer with the Ute Mountain Education department.
“Private study rooms are set aside for one-on-one help in any subject,” she said. “We have seen students get caught up and retrieve that one extra credit they need to graduate because of tutoring.”
Family craft nights will continue at the library. Ute language classes are also offered, said librarian Nicole Taylor.
“We get kids as well as adults participating in the language classes,” she said. “We’re preserving the culture.”
Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 970-564-5348.
