Supporting Our Libraries, Together

For nearly 40 years, the Carbon County Library Foundation (CCLF) has partnered with the Carbon County Library System (CCLS) to strengthen library services across our communities. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we’ve been able to provide the things that make a library a library, including:

Thousands of new books, audiobooks, and eBooks to keep our collections vibrant
Public computers that ensure equal access to information in the digital age
Comfortable furniture and essential equipment for our libraries to be functional and welcoming
Professional growth opportunities and staff appreciation as a small thank you to our librarians
Programs for children, teens, and adults in all Carbon County Libraries that bring people together

In the past decade alone, we’ve invested more than $800,000 into Carbon County libraries.

Rising to Meet Today’s Challenges

With recent budget cuts affecting county services, including a 53% cut to the Carbon County Library System, the Foundation has stepped in to support even more of the essentials that keep library doors open and services available. In addition to enhancements like programs and digital resources, CCLF is now covering:

Business and processing supplies
Vehicle expenses
Phone, internet, and telecom costs
Accounting services
Liability insurance
State library consortium fees
Staff and public technology

Together, these contributions totaled more than $125,000 this year.

It’s important to note that the Foundation’s role is to enhance and sustain libraries—not to replace public funding or make decisions about library hours, staffing, or operations. Those responsibilities remain with the CCLS Board and Carbon County government. Still, when times are tough, we are proud to step forward to ensure our libraries remain vibrant and well-resourced.

Community Partnership at Work

We’re not alone in this effort. For years, granting agencies and municipalities have contributed to the operation of the libraries, including funding for utilities, books and more.

This year, Friends groups, especially in Saratoga and Encampment, as well as the CCLS Board itself, have taken on the challenge of raising funds to directly support staffing. We applaud these grassroots efforts—because no one wants to see our libraries diminished or doors closed. We understand that community support raised over $120,000 for staffing this year, and with continued generosity, we can meet and build on that level again in the year ahead.

If you’d like to help keep libraries staffed, you may donate directly to the Carbon County Library System at www.carbonlibraries.org or at any local library. You can also donate to the Saratoga Friends, Encampment Friends, or LSRV Friends at any local library. If you’d like to enhance what the library system can offer—programs, technology, books, and more—you can donate to the Carbon County Library Foundation. Both kinds of support matter, and together they ensure that our libraries remain the lifeline of learning, connection, and opportunity that Carbon County deserves.

Why Libraries Matter

Libraries are more than shelves of books. They are safe, welcoming spaces where:

Parents and children build connections
Adults and teens discover new skills and activities
Anyone can access the internet and technology for free
Job seekers, learners, and neighbors find trusted information

Libraries are cornerstones of freedom and opportunity in our democracy. They thrive only when the community comes together to support them.

Join Us

Since 1986, the Carbon County Library Foundation has provided a steady backbone of support ensuring that libraries across Carbon County have reliable funding for programs, technology, and resources year after year. This long-term commitment means that even in difficult times—like this year’s challenging budget cuts—libraries can count on a stable base of support. At the same time, we celebrate the new energy of community partnerships—Friends groups and the Library Board raising funds for staffing—showing how Carbon County comes together to protect the services we all value. Together, the Foundation’s steady hand and the community’s fresh momentum are keeping our libraries strong.

In the face of a 53% budget cut, every effort counts. Whether you choose to give directly to the Library System or to the Library Foundation, your gift helps ensure that Carbon County libraries continue to serve as essential, vibrant community spaces.

Come to the 2025 Pumpkin Run & Family Fest to support the Foundation and learn more at www.carbonlibraries.org

Pumpkin Run and Family Fest 2025

Run, Race, Sprint, and Squash the Competition!