Library corner: Grand County Library District is a local government

Grand County Library District is a specific type of governmental entity designed to provide library services to a defined geographic area. Serving the people of Grand County, the formation of Grand County Library District involved a formal process, including approval by voters within the proposed district boundaries.

Being a library district has several important implications. First, it allows for dedicated property tax revenues to fund library operations, allowing a stable and predictable source of income, which is crucial for long-term planning and sustainability. Voters within the district must approve any new or increased taxes, ensuring that the community has a direct say in the funding and support of their library. Additionally, it is operated by a governing board appointed by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners.

In 1994, Grand County voters supported funding the library district with a 2.41 mill levy. Later, in 1997, the library district de-Bruced, meaning it could retain and expend all revenue collected. In 2016, voters supported a temporary mill levy of .95 for 10 years. This temporary mill levy paid off the Granby and Juniper libraries and continues to meet community needs with capital projects and increased services. Nearly 90% of the district’s revenues comes from local taxes. Unfortunately, with recent changes to property tax law at the state level, the stability and predictability of the library district’s revenue is gone.

Fortunately, some additional funding comes from the Friends of Grand County Library, Grand County Library Foundation, local and state grants, and donations. These diverse funding streams help provide some economic stability and sustainability.

The Grand County Library District Board of Trustees is responsible for the financial stewardship and vision of the library and to meet the needs of our community. The governance structure of our library district provides a level of accountability and transparency that helps build public trust and support.

“More than ever libraries are key to ensuring freedom to read, providing internet access and engaging the community with high-quality programming in Grand County,” commented Sally Leclair, retiring library board trustee. “I have been on the board for nine years and have found it more than rewarding. I’ve been part of a collaboration community, building with other Grand County citizens the library’s role and importance. “

The library district needs your help. Two trustees are retiring at the end of 2024.

“Serving on the library board was an incredible opportunity to learn, from the inside, how a high functioning public organization delivers a wide array of valuable services (not just books!) to Grand County residents, to contribute to the library’s persistent pursuit of new and creative ways to deliver library resources to everyone who lives in this beautiful corner of Colorado — and by working shoulder-to-shoulder with them on library business — to get to better know my neighbors in the community,” stated Mike Johnson, who will complete his term of service Dec. 31.

If you are interested in learning more about the funding of Grand County Library District or are interested in joining the board of trustees, please join us for our Tuesday, Oct. 15, meeting at Granby Library at 5:30 p.m. The 2025 draft budget will be presented.

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