Director's Cut

SEPTEMBER 18, 2007

Library district formation process continues

The work of the Library District Steering Committee -- appointed by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners last December -- is in its final phases. While the original schedule called for formation of the new district on Jan. 1, 2008, it now looks like the process may take a few more months to finalize all the details.

Members of the Library Board of Trustees are fully committed to moving the process forward with the knowledge that becoming a district is in the best interest of Jefferson County residents.

When Library and Jefferson County staff began this process 10 months ago, we knew that the timetable was tight; however, we were not in uncharted waters. We relied on a proven and clearly defined process used by 49 other public libraries in Colorado that have formed districts over the years.

So what does this likely delay mean for library patrons? Nothing. Library district formation has not and will not affect Library service. The same helpful staff and high-quality services you’ve become accustomed to will not be affected during the review process or once we become a district. And as I’ve shared earlier, forming the new Jefferson County Library District will not increase taxes.

As you may remember from my previous blog postings, a public hearing must be held before the Commissioners can authorize formation of a library district. As soon as we know the date and time of the public hearing, we will let you know.

Thank you for your continued support of Jefferson County Public Library. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.

Bill

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(2 comments)

posted by County Librarian

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Comments

Chris said, on Nov. 26 at 3:56PM
What does becoming a district mean for all involved? The staff, the patrons, the community? In other words, why is it being done?

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Bill said, on Dec. 4 at 3:15PM
I am responding to a question from Chris, who asks what becoming a library district means for staff, the community and patrons and why it is being done.

The Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees approved formation of a library district. After spending about a year talking to Trustees and directors of other library districts in Colorado, they determined that becoming a library district was best for Jefferson County residents and the Library.

Trustees and directors of the 49 public library districts shared the following advantages:

Library districts are able to focus solely on their mission -- providing library service to patrons.
Trustees of library districts have greater flexibility to respond more quickly as the needs of library patrons’ change.
Library districts are more efficient and less expensive to operate.
Library districts control their own destiny. They are not affected by competing county or municipal priorities, and
Library Trustees have greater capacity for independent action that they determine to be in the best interest of their stakeholders, which includes county residents, taxpayers and staff.

Bill