More than 1,000 people walk through the double doors into the concrete lobby of the Brighton Anythink Library each day. And new Library Manager Todd Cordrey wants to be sure that every single one of them leaves with the feeling that they’ve had an exceptional experience.

    “It’s our desire to not just serve our patrons, but to provide them with an experience that will impact their lives and transform them to help them be more successful and happy,” he said. “We’re here to serve them and give them the best experience possible.”

    Cordrey, a prominent member of the Brighton community since he and his wife, Margo, moved here more than 10 years ago, took over the position Jan. 22. An advocate for public policy and community partnership, Cordrey served on the boards of Almost Home, Inc.; School District 27J; and the Rangeview Library Friends Foundation board, which he has since resigned upon accepting the manager position in Brighton.

    “This opportunity comes from part of a plan that has its roots from being on the Almost Home board and the Board of Education and from those experiences,” he said.

    In December 1997, Cordrey founded American Dream Home Realty in Brighton, which will now be taken over by his wife. Cordrey will finish his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver this year after the completion of two final courses. Their children are now ages 11, 7 and 5.

    “It’s been a great place to live, work and raise a family,” he said.

    When he saw the opening for the library manager position at Anythink, Cordrey said he was thrilled at the opportunity to apply.  

    “I was spending a lot of time here as a patron studying,” he said. “What makes me a really nice fit is my desire as my practice of being a lifelong learner. As I’ve grown older, I’ve appreciated education more and more and enjoy bringing that to other people as well.”

    Cordrey said his business background would also be an asset to the library, especially his knowledge of budgets.

    “I also want to make sure we’re functioning as efficiently and as effectively as possible,” he said. “I’m giving the highest level of scrutiny to make sure every dollar is invested well.”

    So, what does ‘Anythink’ mean to Cordrey?

    “The philosophy of ‘Anythink’ is that anything is possible,” he said. “Brighton Anythink is the traditional library, plus a whole lot more.”  

    Brighton Anythink offers a large variety of books, videos, CDs and audio books. The library has 50 computers with free internet access and Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. Cordrey said he’s excited about the programming offered by Anythink, and that there’s something for everyone: children, teens, adults and seniors. He credits the library’s experienced staff for the excellence in programming.

    “We have a staff of 20 here,” he said “They’ve been with the library system for a while. They’re wonderfully talented. I couldn’t be in a better situation. It’s been nice to come into a situation where they do a wonderful job, so it gives me the opportunity to focus on what I can do.”

    What you won’t see in Brighton Anythink – Fines. No fines are issued when library materials aren’t turned in on time, but if patrons choose to keep library materials, they must pay for them, Cordrey said.

    Another thing you won’t see at Anythink Staff huddled behind a huge circulation desk. There is a small desk near the library’s entrance, but most of the staff are on the floor, assisting patrons and shelving books.

    “We don’t want to be behind a desk,” he said. “We want to be out there with our patrons, out there on the floor to help them find books they may not otherwise find.”

    Cordrey said Brighton Anythink is continuing to work with its patrons to provide the best library experience possible. Some of the improvements that are planned for the near future include better signage, both outside and inside the building, and more education on the technology within the building.

    “The other thing, which is near to my heart and my passions, is doing what I can to support the schools in Brighton,” he said. “Brighton Anythink is a perfect match to help serve them and educate those kids, especially in the summer.”

    Cordrey said additional plans are to continue to work with programming to be sure that all parts of the community are served.

    “It is my goal and ambition to bring in new parts of the community that have yet to experience the Brighton Anythink Library,” he said.

    “I’d like to extend an invitation to the community to come in and see their Brighton Anythink library,” he added. “This is their library. There’s something here for everybody and that’s what this library is all about. We want them to have a transformational experience that inspires them.”

Library info

The Brighton Anythink Library is open Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 303-659-2572 or visit www.anythinklibraries.org.