By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News/Birchwood Communications LLC.
All are invited to a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, for two new Little Free Libraries. They’re near the Howelsen Tunnel along the Yampa River Core Trail, and behind Emerald Park near the river entrance at Yampa River Botanic Park.
t’s a place where you can share a book, or take a book.
Steamboat Springs Parks & Rec is hosting the ribbon cutting, which will be at the Howelsen Hill library location.
The boxes were painted by Parks & Rec staff member Erica Renner.
Little Free Library Guidelines:
- Operate on an honor system—no book is required to take one, but sharing is encouraged
- Only donate books in good, readable condition
- Please do not include textbooks, DIY materials, or religious content
- For maintenance needs or questions, contact pacs@steamboatsprings.net
- Users of the Little Free Library app are encouraged to check in and leave comments
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; April 2026.
Two New Little Libraries Bring A Novel Chapter To Town
Little Free Libraries Grow Community Connection Along The Core Trail
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 1, 2026-The Steamboat Springs Parks & Recreation Department invites the community to celebrate the installation of two new Little Free Libraries with a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, April 8 from 4:30 to 5:00pm along the Yampa River Core Trail at the Howelsen Hill library location.
“This project is about more than just books—it’s about connection, exploration, and creating small moments of discovery throughout our community,” said Recreation Coordinator Rachel Jackson. “Little Free Libraries encourage people to get outside, explore our trails, and share the joy of reading with others.”
The brief, family-friendly event will include remarks from Parks & Recreation staff, an official ribbon-cutting, and time for attendees to browse and exchange books. Light refreshments, including sparkling water, lemonade, and juice boxes, will be provided.
The two new Little Free Libraries are located:
- Near the Howelsen Tunnel, where the Core Trail meets the parking lot, featuring a Howelsen Hill-inspired design
- Behind Emerald Park near the Botanic Park’s river entrance, showcasing a river and nature theme
The project was a collaborative effort within the Parks & Recreation Department, bringing together staff from recreation, open space and trails, and parks. The libraries were purchased using end-of-year program funds and hand-painted by P&R staff member Erica Renner, with locally inspired themes to reflect their surroundings.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the spirit of the Little Free Library motto, “take a book, share a book,” by bringing a gently used book to exchange during the event. Extra donations will be collected and used to help keep the libraries stocked in the future.
Little Free Library Guidelines:
- Operate on an honor system—no book is required to take one, but sharing is encouraged
- Only donate books in good, readable condition
- Please do not include textbooks, DIY materials, or religious content
- For maintenance needs or questions, contact pacs@steamboatsprings.net
- Users of the Little Free Library app are encouraged to check in and leave comments
The addition of these libraries enhances the Yampa River Core Trail experience and supports the city’s commitment to community connection, literacy, and accessible recreation opportunities.
Dos nuevas «Little Free Libraries» aportan un nuevo capítulo a la ciudad
Las «Little Free Libraries» fomentan los lazos comunitarios a lo largo del Core Trail
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO, 1 de abril de 2026. El Departamento de Parques y Ocio de Steamboat Springs invita a la comunidad a celebrar la instalación de dos nuevas Little Free Libraries con un acto de inauguración el miércoles 8 de abril, de 16:30 a 17:00, a lo largo del Core Trail del río Yampa, en la ubicación de la biblioteca de Howelsen Hill.
«Este proyecto va más allá de los libros: se trata de crear vínculos, explorar y generar pequeños momentos de descubrimiento en toda nuestra comunidad», afirmó la coordinadora de Recreación, Rachel Jackson. «Las Little Free Libraries animan a la gente a salir al aire libre, explorar nuestros senderos y compartir la alegría de la lectura con los demás».
El breve acto, apto para toda la familia, incluirá unas palabras del personal de Parques y Recreación, un corte de cinta oficial y un tiempo para que los asistentes echen un vistazo a los libros e intercambien ejemplares. Se ofrecerán refrescos ligeros, como agua con gas, limonada y zumos en brick.
Las dos nuevas Little Free Libraries se encuentran:
- Cerca del túnel de Howelsen, donde el Core Trail se une con el aparcamiento, con un diseño inspirado en Howelsen Hill
- Detrás de Emerald Park, cerca de la entrada del río del Parque Botánico, con una temática centrada en el río y la naturaleza
El proyecto fue un esfuerzo colaborativo dentro del Departamento de Parques y Recreación, que reunió a personal de las áreas de recreación, espacios abiertos y senderos, y parques. Las bibliotecas se adquirieron con fondos del programa de fin de año y fueron pintadas a mano por Erica Renner, miembro del personal de P&R, con temas de inspiración local para reflejar su entorno.
Se anima a los miembros de la comunidad a participar en el espíritu del lema de Little Free Library, «coge un libro, comparte un libro», trayendo un libro en buen estado para intercambiar durante el evento. Se recogerán donaciones adicionales que se utilizarán para ayudar a mantener las bibliotecas abastecidas en el futuro.
Normas de Little Free Library:
- Funciona según el sistema del honor: no es necesario dejar un libro para coger uno, pero se anima a compartir
- Solo se deben donar libros en buen estado y legibles
- Por favor, no incluyas libros de texto, materiales de bricolaje ni contenido religioso
- Para cuestiones de mantenimiento o consultas, ponte en contacto con pacs@steamboatsprings.net
- Se anima a los usuarios de la aplicación Little Free Library a registrarse y dejar comentarios
La incorporación de estas bibliotecas mejora la experiencia del Yampa River Core Trail y respalda el compromiso de la ciudad con la conexión comunitaria, la alfabetización y las oportunidades de ocio accesibles.