2025 STAR SERVICE AWARD WINNER
Founded in 1951 as a tribute to a young girl, the Hudson Library had humble beginnings in a donated shed and roots tied to the memory of a 12-year-old girl who lost her life after falling from a horse.
The library moved into a new facility in 2005 and continues to evolve, offering an impressive array of free programs and services. Get creative in the CreateHQ Makerspace or connect with other community members through one of their programs. Choose from early literacy story times, cooking classes for adults and kids, game nights, exercise sessions and many more! Creative community engagement even extends to the restrooms, where their monthly activities are highlighted in the cleverly named “Stall Street Journal”, a newsletter listing monthly events, found in the restroom stalls. This approach adds a touch of fun to public communication and sure makes for more interesting reading than Facebook when you’re taking care of business! Their “Experience Pass” program provides free or discounted admission to museums, gardens, and cultural sites across the region. The library’s digital services are equally robust, offering access to encyclopedias, medical databases, business tools, and more—resources that go far beyond what’s available through a typical online search.
What sets this library apart isn’t just the building or the programs and services offered—it’s the people! Led by a Director and a dedicated Board, the library staff operates as a true team and their commitment goes far beyond their job descriptions. Every staff member is viewed as a leader, and their collaborative approach recently shaped a forward-thinking strategic plan for 2024–2026. Rather than relying solely on top-down leadership, the library invited input from staff and the community, ensuring the plan reflects shared goals and diverse perspectives.
It sometimes seems that we’re on a remote island out here in Southeast Weld County! You ask most Coloradans where Hudson, Keenesburg, and Lochbuie are located, and they’ll have to consult a map. The services provided by the library are vital to maintaining our sense of community connection, making them the perfectly logical recipient of the Star Service Award.
Check back next month as we shine a light on ANNA SMITH, owner of JACKRABBIT FLORAL AND DESIGN, winner of our 2025 NEXT GEN AWARD.
