About Us

The Garfield County Public Library Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) in 1997 to “promote and foster the provision of public library services to residents and citizens of Garfield County, Colorado, and to provide financial support for the Garfield County Public Library.” (from the Articles of Incorporation of Garfield County Public Library Foundation, Inc.)

Each branch of the Garfield County Public Library District has its own Friends of the Library group. Friends support their local branches through volunteering, outreach, and fundraisers. Each branch has an ongoing Friends book sale; the Gordon Cooper, Glenwood Springs, and Parachute Branches also have larger, annual or semi-annual sales. Learn more on the Book Sales tab of our News & Events page.

The Garfield County Public Library District is governed by a board of seven trustees appointed by the Board of County 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.

Board meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. Meeting location changes monthly; check our board meeting schedule to see where the next meeting will be held. Regular board meetings begin at 6:00 pm and are free and open to the public.

Volunteers provide much-needed services at all of our Branch Libraries. These services vary by the volunteer’s personal interest and each branch library’s needs. Volunteer opportunities may involve:

Shelving materials;

Delivering library resources to homebound community members;

Helping with special events such as book sales or children's programs;

Helping to prepare storytime materials;

And much more!

The Garfield County Libraries' budget has two parts: the general fund, which is used to run the libraries, and the capital improvement fund, which is used to build and remodel the buildings. A portion of your Garfield County sales taxes support the general fund (so shop local and support your libraries at the same time!), while the capital improvement fund is supported by a one mill of Garfield County property taxes.

The current strategic plan was written by library staff and borad members in 2011-2012. This plan sets additional goals for the library district as construction of new libraries is completed.  Click here for the 2012-2014 Strategic Goals and Objectives.

The Garfield County Public Library District seeks to create, promote, and provide an environment of literacy, education, information, and entertainment for everyone in our communities.