Sarah L. Stewart
April 16, 2008

Lori Barnes talks about the Vail library with satisfaction in her voice.

From people napping in front of the stone fireplace to teenagers tapping away at computer keyboards, the airy building on West Meadow Drive is what Town Librarian Barnes desires it to be: a cozy place that opens its doors to all people, residents and visitors alike.

“We really don’t turn people away,” Barnes says. “We want people to know this is an open, welcoming environment.”

After a 12-year stint on the East Coast, where she worked at another small library in New Jersey, the pull of family brought Barnes back to her home state of Colorado last May.

Barnes has since shepherded the Vail library, which turns 25 this summer, through changes from hiring six new staff members to participating in interlibrary loan, a book-sharing program that the county libraries use.

She’s also been wearing a familiar path back and forth to Colorado Springs, where three of her four daughters and all five of her grandchildren live.

“Spending time with family, it’s something I have to do,” Barnes says.

How does it feel to be back in Colorado?
There were neat things about the East. I used to love the trees. There was so much greenery. ... I had really good experiences there, so I can look back with happy thoughts. But it’s good to be back home.

What is different about being a librarian in Vail versus other towns?
You’ve got people coming in here from all over the world. When you see a person come up to the desk, you don’t know, at a glance, where they come from. They could be from anywhere in the world. ... Resort communities are unique in that way.

Does that present other challenges for you?
Even though we’re a resort community, we still are a public library. We’ve got such a variety of patrons here, it’s not just people who happen to live in Vail. ... It’s just really fascinating to see these faces coming through the door. We’re just trying to do the best we can to serve them.

What are some of your favorite books?
It’s difficult to find time to just read for pleasure. I like listening to books on CD (while driving to Colorado Springs to visit family). I listened to the “Harry Potter” series on CDs. And “Angela’s Ashes.”