05/30/2026
Dear Communitites,
The board of the Carbon County Library System would like the share what is happening with funding and the future of our libraries. Although we all wish that we could go back and change the path that we are currently on, the reality is that with reduced funding comes reduced services. You can help us bring those services back!
But first, let’s look at the numbers.
If the system receives approximately $140,000 from the County as expected the Board will make the following changes:
● Main library in Rawlins only open 20 hours a week.
● Branch libraries closed unless communities are able to support them financially.
● Reduced staff to purchase and process materials, less time for grants and projects, and less support for technology, marketing and programming county-wide.
Please visualize these impacts with us:
In 2015, the library system received over $600,000 from the County. In FY 2026-2027, we expect 77% less.
In other words, if the budget passes as presented, the system will be operating on less than one quarter of the funds it had a decade ago—and if we adjust for inflation, it’s closer to
six percent (6%).
With just an additional $100,000 for the Library System, these impacts would be softened greatly, and we could avoid painful effects on our valuable staff. Unfortunately, they will bear the brunt of these impacts, and their communities will suffer accordingly.
This isn't the whole financial picture, however. There are many other generous organizations, such as library nonprofits and towns, that have maintained or increased their financial support to the library over the last fiscal year. These angels plus spending down our savings are what kept our libraries open in 2025 and 2026.
To read all about the library's budget, please visit www.carbonlibraries.org or visit your local branch for a copy of
"Carbon County Libraries: Tax Dollars, Partners, and You!"
As we prepare for a likely shortfall, we are asking everyone to help us SAVE the libraries!
Here is how you can help:
(S)upport your local library by donating funds to the library system, friends of your local library group, or the library foundation. A little girl in Elk Mountain recently asked her mother for more chores to earn money. "Why", asked the mother, thinking she wanted to purchase a new toy or bike. She wanted to give the money to the library, and did so. Donate today at any library or at www.carbonlibraries.org!
(A)dvocate for libraries with county commissioners, your fellow voters, and the state legislature by calling, emailing or speaking at meetings to help ensure that decision makers understand how important these services are to our communities.
(V)ote to keep important funding sources for local government including property and sales taxes. Make your voice heard with state and local officials, and at the ballot box. This is particularly important as we approach the election, because there WILL be a statewide ballot measure to reduce property taxes be an additional 50%. If the measure passes, the County will likely have no choice but to further reduce the library system’s allocation. Remember, the County is only required by statute to fund one library in the county seat—but not to any specific dollar amount.
(E)ngage with local nonprofits that support the library. Encampment, LSRV, and Saratoga all have active
Friends of the Libraries groups who raise funds to support their community branch library. Other
organizations are also hosting fundraisers. The Carbon County Library Foundation enhances what
libraries can offer by providing for programs, collections, technology, and opportunities that go beyond basic
Explore the Carbon County Library System for resources, events, and programs at your local public library. Join us for reading and learning!
