About the Foundation

Since 1986, the Carbon County Library Foundation has provided a steady backbone of support for libraries across Carbon County, investing in programs, technology, collections, 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 from the county in 2025-2026, 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.

Foundation Support over the Decades

For 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, including a 53% cut to the Carbon County Library System, the Foundation has stepped in to support even more of the essential costs that help sustain library services across Carbon County. 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.

Working with Library Partners

The Carbon County Library Foundation’s role is to enhance and sustain library services across Carbon County through support for collections, technology, programs, equipment, and specific operating expenses. The Foundation does not administer the Library System or make decisions about library hours, staffing, personnel, or day-to-day operations. Those responsibilities remain with the Carbon County Library System Board and the appropriate public governing bodies.

Still, when times are tough, we are proud to step forward to ensure our libraries remain vibrant and well-resourced. 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 other essential costs.

This year, Friends groups and community members have also raised funds to support staffing and other library needs. These efforts are independent from the Foundation, and the Foundation does not direct or determine how those funds are used. We are grateful for the commitment shown across the county and for the many different ways people are working to strengthen their libraries.

If you’d like to directly support staffing, donations may be made to the Carbon County Library System at www.carbonlibraries.org or at any local branch. Donations to the Saratoga, Encampment, or LSRV Friends groups may also be made through local libraries. If you’d like to support collections, digital media, technology, programs, and other needs funded by the Carbon County Library Foundation, gifts may be made to the Foundation. Both lanes of support matter, and both help sustain strong library services across Carbon County.

2026 Library Foundation Sponsorship Program

To support the Foundation's efforts, we offer a tax-deductible sponsorship program for businesses throughout Wyoming. In appreciation for your investment, your business will be recognized throughout 2026 at Library and Foundation events and in Carbon County Libraries. Recognition begins after your sponsorship is received.

The Library System and Foundation have unique sponsorship opportunities for those wishing to contribute more than $2,500 annually. To find out more about these opportunities, to make an in-kind donation, or for any other questions please contact us at 307-321-4296.

All sponsors at $150+ receive:

Name on Library Website Homepage,
Name on Foundation Facebook Page Cover,
Vinyl for Your Business

Best Seller ($150+) also receive:

Spotlight Our Sponsors: Poster featuring your business in all 7 Carbon County Libraries - One Month
Recognition on Grouped Facebook Post - One Post
Logo on Selected Event Poster - One Event

Classic ($300+) also receive:

Name on Patron Book Tote
Spotlight Our Sponsors: Poster featuring your business in all 7 Carbon County Libraries - Three Months
Recognition on Grouped Facebook Post - Two Posts
Logo on Selected Events Poster - Two Events

First Edition ($750+) also receive:

Name on Patron Book Tote
Spotlight Our Sponsors: Poster featuring your business in all 7 Carbon County Libraries - Six Months
Recognition on Grouped Facebook Post - Three Posts
Logo on Selected Events Poster - Two Events

Rare Book ($2,500+) also receive:

Name on Patron Book Tote
Spotlight Our Sponsors: Poster featuring your business in all 7 Carbon County Libraries - All Year
Recognition on Grouped Facebook Post - Three Posts
Logo on Selected Events Poster - Two Events

Support Library Programming, Public Computers, Collections, and More Through the Foundation

2026 Library Foundation Sponsorship Opportunities