Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Garfield County Public Library District (also known as the Garfield County Libraries) contribute to the quality of life in Garfield County?

The Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) has branches located in all 6 of the county's communities and their surrounding areas: Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Parachute, Rifle and Silt. These local library branches are proud to offer a wide collection of books, online resources, technology, free meeting spaces, and diverse programs to Garfield County residents.

What services do the Garfield County libraries provide?

Approximately 60% of voters self-report visiting the library at least once a month, which highlights that GCPLD libraries serve as vital community hubs that offer activities and programs for residents of all ages, alongside a wide collection of books, online resources, technology, and helpful, high-quality staff.

How many people use the library each year?

In 2025, the library had over 440,000 visits, checked out over half a million physical and digital books, hosted over 45,000 visitors to library programs, and recorded over 5,000 meeting room uses and nearly 12,000 study room uses.

Why is funding for library operations needed at this time?

The funding that Garfield County voters approved to expand, improve, and operate all six Garfield County Public Libraries in 2006 is set to expire in 2027, which may result in budget cuts that affect current operations and services.

Is it possible to provide ongoing library funding without increasing the tax rate?

Yes! This ballot measure would simply extend the current 1 mill levy to continue funding operations and maintenance of the six library buildings without increasing taxes. If the ballot measure were to pass, the mill levy rate would remain, and homeowners would continue to pay the rate of $38 per year (based on the median assessed value -- not market value -- of a home in Garfield County) to maintain the libraries and their services.

What would a mill levy extension fund?

Funding from this ballot measure could be used to:

• Keep our libraries in good repair, safe, clean and accessible

• Provide funding necessary to recruit and retain qualified staff

• Provide books, technology, and materials

• Partner with existing non-profits dealing with food insecurity, mental health issues, domestic violence, and other essential community resources

• Support other library services and programs

Could the State and County cut or take away this local funding?

No. By law, all funds from a potential measure will remain under local control and may only support the Garfield County Public Library District.

How do we know funds will be used as promised?

GCPLD has a strong record of responsible financial management, balancing the cost of taxes on constituents and ensuring adequate resources for library operation. All District funds are audited on an annual basis.

Where can I see the budget?

The Garfield County Public Library District is fully transparent with its financials and budget and encourages you to access our current budget, previous annual reports, and audits on its website: https://gcpld.org/about-us/finance.

Do seniors receive a discounted rate?

The property tax bill for seniors who apply for the Homestead Exemption will be reduced by 50% on the first $200,000 of home value. Learn more here: dpt.colorado.gov/property-tax-exemption-for-senior-citizens-in-colorado. 

What is the Garfield County Public Library District?

The Garfield County Public Library District is a self-governing library district governed by a board of seven trustees appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Garfield County. Efforts are made to have at least one trustee from each of the communities served by a Garfield County Branch Library.

When will this measure be on the ballot?

The measure will appear on the mail ballot election on November 3, 2026.

What level of support is required for the measure to be approved by voters?

To pass, the ballot measure must be approved by a simple majority of voters who cast votes on the measure (50% plus one).

How can I donate to the campaign?

Click here!

How can I learn more?

The Garfield County Public Library District posts its plans for the future on its website, and during the monthly meetings of its Trustees. Meanwhile, keep checking back here!

En Espanol (Spanish language version).

Reserves

This is from a presentation by Kevin Hettler, the library's CFO, on March 5, 2026, at the regular Library Board of Trustees Meeting. It lays out the dollar amounts reserved by the library in the face of volatility in tax revenues. When oil and gas delivers higher than expected revenues, the library banks them against capital projects, not regular operations. This prudent approach prevents the kind of sudden drops in revenue that have, in the past, resulted in staff layoffs and branch closures. (Apologies for formatting on mobile devices.)

Fund balance Reserve Allocation (draft)

Total Fund Balance Reserve 2025 $24,277,748

Library Reserve Policy (100% prior year exps) 2025 (12,353,174)

Required by law: 3% TABOR emergency reserve 2025 (420,000)

Audit requirement: Non-spendable fund balance 2025 (144,187)

Silt & Rifle branch refresh (2,200,000)

Glenwood branch refresh - 2027 (1,000,000)

Carbondale branch remodel / expansion - 2027 (3,000,000) could go higher

1.0 mill levy sunset - Building operations and repairs 2028 (1,007,876)

1.0 mill levy sunset - Building operations and repairs 2029 (1,007,876)

Fiscal sustainability around oil and gas revenue volatility (3,144,635)

Unallocated

Committee to Maintain Our Garfield County Libraries 

PO Box 812, New Castle CO 81647

Donate here!