"Highlands Ranch Library" no longer exists - the name, that is.

The library, at 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., is being renamed the James H. LaRue Branch, after Jamie LaRue, who is retiring. His last day is Jan. 17, after almost 23 years of service as library director.

The Douglas County Libraries' board of trustees passed a resolution to honor him that way - and LaRue, upon hearing about the name change, was reportedly touched, according to a news release from Amber DeBerry, the libraries associate director of community relations.

LaRue said recently he's pretty sure he doesn't deserve the honor, "but I accept it on behalf of the many, many people who also played a big role in the establishment of the Highlands Ranch Branch," according to the news release.

LaRue told staff he grew up in an age of mistrust of public institutions and that "it has been his great pleasure to work with a board and staff who have built an institution the community can be proud of, one whose leadership is recognized worldwide."