by David Hemphill, Board Treasurer, Estes Valley Public Library District

            The Estes Valley Library District governing board voted to adopt the library’s final budget for 2022 as part of last Monday’s monthly meeting of the Library Trustees. The budget is prepared by library staff with a commitment to honor the public’s priorities and to utilize their experience in the prudent use of public funds. Both the Budget and the accompanying Budget Message are available online. We encourage you to review them at estesvalleylibrary.org.

            Budget planning is also guided by a 10-year strategic funding plan. This plan helps better assure continuity of services within year-to-year revenue fluctuations. Surplus revenues are held in the Long-Term Operating Reserve to help meet future operating expenses. In addition, a minimum Capital Replacement Reserve has been designated for facility maintenance and improvement expenditures.

            By adopting the 2022 budget, the Estes Valley Library District Board of Trustees will provide for the accountability of the library’s operations and ensure that the budget priorities are aligned with the library’s Strategic Plan adopted in 2018. The 2022 budget includes funds to engage the public in a Community Needs Assessment to update the strategic plan and set future priorities. The library feels this is crucial as it adapts to the changing needs of library patrons and the community in response to the challenging environment of recent times.  

            The library is fortunate to have the outstanding support of the Estes Valley Library Friends & Foundation. Their fundraising includes the successful Cliffhanger Used Books located next to the post office. Their efforts will result in providing 13% of the Library District’s total projected revenue for 2022 ensuring vital support for the library’s strategic goals:

• Focus on Early Literacy
• Enable Lifelong Learning
• Enable a Greater Sense of Community
• Deliver Materials on a Personalized Basis
• Grow Internally to Succeed Externally 

The Estes Valley Library strives to remain flexible to meet the community’s evolving needs by providing professional service, planning for future sustainability and being compliant with changing requirements of health regulations. The library is a cornerstone of the community’s intellectual freedom and a great place to learn, meet and explore, in person or virtually. It is an honor to support and donate to the Estes Valley Library. Contact the Library or the Friends & Foundation for questions or to learn how you can contribute.