Written By: Josh Speer
Photos By: Alex Liethen
The College Hill Library, a joint public-academic operation between Front Range Community College of Westminster and Westminster Public Libraries, is no doubt a thriving location. There is a lot going on; everything from weekly programs to aid in learning a second language to various book and writing clubs. It also happens to be the location of our campus Math and Writing centers where students can go to get extra help from a tutor at no cost to them. The public can also go for computer access, fax and scan services.
There is a weekly program to help those learning English as a second language. ESL students can get help to improve their conversation skills on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am and evenings at 6:30 pm, and then Thursdays at 9:30 am. There is also a Spanish conversation program on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm to help those learning the Spanish language establish fluency. Social engagement is an essential component in helping to establish fluency when attempting to learn any second language. The new friends you’ll make is just an added bonus!
Aside from weekly programs, there are also a number of special programs that take place. There was a ‘Banned Books Week’ that began on September 26th and ended on October 1st. According to Westminster Public Libraries latest Month at a Glance publication, the point of the event is to “celebrate the freedom to read and the importance of the first amendment”. Featured were books that have been challenged across the country over the past couple of years (even decades!). There are also events for children and teens; such as ‘Totally Terrific Tales’ program for ages 6-8 on Tuesday, September 26th from 4:00-5:00 pm (call 303-658-2606 to register) and a ‘Teen Advisory Board’ where ages 12-17 can earn volunteer hours for posting reviews on the Teen Underground website and promoting library services to other teens at the Westminster Public Libraries (no registration required).
The Math Center, 
located at L280 (in library), is an academic lab staffed by campus faculty where any FRCC student can go to get assistance for any level of mathematics. During the fall and spring semesters, it is open from Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, and Saturday from 1:00-4:00 pm. The Writing Center, located at L264, exists to help students develop their skills as a writer and is open to anyone enrolled in a course with a reading, writing, or speaking component. They’re open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm and Friday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Many of the textbooks that students use are available as loaners at the library as well. If you left your book at home or need to look up a formula from last years math class, you can talk to the friendly librarians at the front desk and borrow the book for a few minutes to a few hours. Of course there are non-textbooks available to checkout or to borrow for a few minutes to look up a piece of information.
The library is also a great place to find a quiet place to get your homework finished or prepare for your next test. There are tables, chairs and nooks and crannies all over the place where you can settle in for some quiet study time. Computers are also available for students to use as well. Being on the West side of the building, the views over the Westminster and the Front Range mountains are stunning and provide a nice, naturally lit area to study.
As you can see, the College Hill Library is a busy place. Where students and other members of the community come for both work and play, and the resources to do so are plentiful. Whether your interest lies in a weekly program, special event, or learning resource, there are plenty of reasons to go check it out. What are you waiting for?
