The Grand County Library District

Our Mission:

Grand County Libraries: linking people to boundless opportunities.

Our Motto:

Mountain Libraries Elevate Minds

Our Purpose:

  • Curate valuable resources and services for every user to foster lifelong connections to the library
  • Make our diverse collections, expertise, and services available when, where, and how users need them
  • Be an essential service for our community

2025 Budget Message:

The Board of Trustees of the Grand County Library District (“the District”) in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Budget Law hereby submits the following budget message with the accompanying 2025 budget.

The District’s 2025 budget marks the 31 year of operation as a Special District. Our operations continue to provide the best possible library services for residents and visitors within the District’s boundaries (Grand County), consistent with available resources and the GCLD Mission Statement, Grand County Libraries: linking people to boundless opportunities. Our library services include: loaning of materials, reference information service, public computer and wireless access service, youth and adult programming, community room use, and remote catalog access—all free of charge.

Our primary source of revenue continues to be property taxes generated by the District’s voter-approved mill levy of 3.36.

The District’s 2025 budget was prepared based on the modified accrual budgetary basis of accounting. The District’s revenues are recognized when they become measurable and available as net current assets. Taxpayer-assessed income is considered “measurable” when in the hands of the intermediary collecting government and is recognized as revenue at that time.

Some of the District’s 2025 budget highlights:

  • The district’s assessed valuation increased 3% over 2024, which marks the seventh year in a row recording growth.
  • HB24-1302 made changes in revenue identification and mill levy certification requirements, additional analysis regarding compliance and any revenue restrictions were done and found GCLD does not have a current revenue limit. The entire mill levy is to be collected for 2025.
  • Revenues are budgeted $687,129 more than 2024 due to modest property value increases county wide as well as increases to in-kind contributions and grant opportunities.
  • Friends of Grand County Library District have made a budget commitment of $27,500 in support of the district’s Summer Reading Program.
  • The special revenue fund expects to see income of $69,346 and $16,985 in expenditures for operations and a capital campaign for Kremmling Library.
  • The budget allows for a 5% increase to personnel for expansion of the Senior Lunch and Learn program as well as benefit increases.
  • $11,725 in additional programming funds to continue the level of quality programming provided in 2024 and to provide for 2 Career Online High School scholarships.
  • Library collection will be expanded by digitizing local newspapers and microfiche in collaboration with the SkyHi Daily News and Grand County Historical Association.
  • Technology will be replacing projectors, DVD players, VR equipment, printers, as well as large study room equipment at the Granby Library.
  • Technology will be replacing our physical server with virtual as well as upgrading the community room audio visual equipment at the Granby Library.
  • Computer replacements are expected to be conducted at the Juniper Library and includes district iPad replacements per our 5 year schedule.
  • Technology and facilities will be working together to implement self-service access at Hot Sulphur Springs.
  • In response to new strategic framework being conducted, $130,000 has been budgeted for consultants for facility master planning, community needs assessment evaluation, and continued exploration into a new Kremmling facility.
  • Capital projects are budgeted for $274,300 covering several building projects. Included are HVAC upgrades and landscaping for Granby Library, gas fireplace and outside concrete work at Fraser Valley Library, swamp cooler replacement at Hot Sulphur Springs Library, siding restoration and new air handler unit to include swamp cooler at Juniper Library and finally, refreshing of carpet and paint for the district office.
  • All revenue increases not necessary for operating or established capital projects have been committed to the Kremmling Library by the trustees. Expectation for 2025 balance at year end to be $5,880,495 earmarked for the Kremmling Library.
  • 2025 budget has a net income of $2,146,551. Expectation at end of year is to retain $3 million in reserves to continue with sustainable library services.

Being adaptable in 2025 with regards to facility needs and technology is critical.

Overall, the Grand County Library District has a 2025 budget that is 7% greater than the 2024 adopted budget. This will enable the district to continue the expanded digital collection and enhanced services as well as provide significant opportunities for sustainable growth for future year from consultant reviews.