Perhaps you’ve had the opportunity to meet Shelley Read, author of “Go As a River,” earlier this year or one of the “One Grand Book” events held at Pioneer Village, Cozen’s Ranch, Rocky Mountain Folk School or the Headwaters Center. Maybe you’ve joined the Grand County Community of Writers to take part in craft talks, writing critique sessions or author events.

These are just some of the recent projects provided through funds from the Grand County Library Foundation.

Initially created to sustain the viability of Grand County Library District now and into the future, the foundation ensures our libraries’ long-term future with local funding, as funding in our resort and agricultural rural community is unpredictable, as well as provide educational and cultural enrichment.

“I marvel at the generosity of people who truly love and appreciate the libraries in Grand County,” states Darcy Schlichting, a foundation director since 2021.

The Grand County Library Foundation builds an endowment with your private donation to ensure the long-term financial health of Grand County’s five public libraries. The foundation’s five-person board of directors, appointed by the Grand County Library District Board of Trustees, oversees the private donations and investments of donated funds.

The foundation helped fundraise for the Mountain Libraries Campaign, which raised money to build Granby and Juniper libraries. The library district was at the forefront of public computer access in Colorado, due in part to funds provided through the foundation. As a nonprofit, the foundation can obtain grants to support programs like the Grand County Community of Writers.

Donations to the foundation come from a variety of sources. Bequests, memorials, honorariums, qualified charitable donations and stocks all help build the endowment.

“The Foundation was honored with memorials in recognition of people who love our libraries and want libraries to continue beyond their own life. We recently have received memorial donations in honor of Annie Douden, Jim Sloan, and Jim Herring,” Foundation Director Sally Leclair stated. “Additionally, we have received donations celebrating a co-worker’s effort or noting the help of an individual. A way for people to give thanks by giving to an organization that the celebrant or donor supports.”

Currently, the foundation is aiding Grand County Library District in raising funds for a new Kremmling library. With a building program plan identifying the need in place, land and funds to move the plan into fruition are the next steps.

If you are interested in serving as a director on the foundation or want to set up a memorial, recurring gift or donation, please visit GCLFoundation.org.