For a long time, scientists believed two things about the brain.

The first was the idea that you're born with a set number of neurons -- "brain cells." Then, you lose them all your life.

The second idea was that there are "hardwired" parts of the brain. Various experiments showed that one region was involved in visual processing, another in movement (controlling the arms or legs, for instance). If you went blind, the part of the brain set up to handle information from the eye just sat there, dark and quiet.

Both of these ideas, we now know, were wrong. And that's very good news.

Douglas County Library Foundation and Highlands Ranch Library are proud to present an evening with award-winning author Chris Bohjalian. The February 13 event will include a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. discussion. Bohjalian is the author of 12 novels including the New York Times bestsellers Skeletons at the Feast, The Double Bind, Before You Know Kindness, The Law of Similars, and Midwives. He will discuss his newest book, Secrets of Eden, a story of shattered faith, intimate secrets, and the delicate nature of sacrifice.

The Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 18 at Lone Tree Library.  Click here for more information and minutes from past meetings.

There may still be snow on the ground, but it’s already time to start thinking about spring and the things in your yard that may need a little love to look their best this year.

We've joined forces once again with Castle Rock Gift & Garden to bring you Our Garden Series, a collection of informational gardening classes customized to Douglas County’s water, weather and soil.

In February, for the budget and health conscious, there’s Vegetable Gardening 101. Xeric Gardening will appeal to those who want to be more water wise. March programs will focus on ornamental grasses and trees. Join us and let's get growing!