July 2010 Building Update: Libraries Build Community

If you've been in Rifle lately, you've probably noticed the big brick building going up next to City Hall. That's the new Rifle Branch Library and it will be opening in mid-November. Along with a greatly expanded library, the building will also host two community meeting rooms and the Library District's Administrative offices. Where did we get the money to build in these tough times?

As part of the ballot measure that allowed us to become a District in 2006, we received 1 mill of property tax for 20 years starting in 2007. Those funds, along with some reserves, are being used to finance this project as well as the expansion and remodel of the Parachute Branch Library. Both facilities will offer computers and wi-fi as well as meeting and study space, more books and other materials, and advanced systems for check-out and materials handling.

What's going on in the rest of the District? We have begun the process to select a design build team for the New Castle Branch Library's remodel and should have a team on board by Sept. 1. The District is working with the Roaring Fork School District #1 to purchase property in Carbondale for a new library on the corner of Sopris Avenue and 3rd Street. We are also making progress with plans to expand in Silt and Glenwood Springs, including being a partner in a request for qualifications for a design for the layout of a library and a parking structure in the downtown area.

I invite you to join us for the Grand Opening of the Parachute Branch Library at 244 Grand Valley Way on September 11th from 10am to 2pm. We will be showing off our "new" library as well as the many new systems we've added to make the library easier to use. The building also features 10 kwh of photovoltaic power on the roof paid for through a grant from the Governor's Energy Office and the Department of Local Affairs.

-Amelia Shelley, Executive Director