Jefferson County libraries install EV charging stations

Two libraries in Jefferson County now have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with three free hours of charging.

Charging stations are currently available at Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood, and Evergreen Library, 5000 County Highway 73 in Evergreen and will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to a news release from Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL).

JCPL chose the stations based on places of community need and ease of access to maximize charging station use, according to Elise Penington, a spokesperson for JCPL.

The funds for the charging stations at Belmar Library come from Charge Ahead Colorado grant funds, and an Xcel Energy reimbursement program funded the stations in Evergreen, Penington said.

After three free hours of charging, a $2 fee every 15 minutes will apply, with a maximum charge of a $40, according to JCPL’s website.

Those who wish to use the charging stations will need to download the Chargepoint app for the Belmar location and EV Connect app for the Evergreen location, and they should also be aware of JCPL’s library grounds policy, which prohibits overnight parking on library property.

In addition to these two EV charging stations, JCPL plans to add additional stations at Columbine, Lakewood, and Standley Lake Libraries, according to Penington.

“Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) has an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being, and we continue to prioritize the journey toward carbon neutrality within our facilities and services, said Penington.