(Lakewood, Colo. – Nov. 5, 2015) The Board of Trustees of Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) announced today that, based on unofficial election results, Jefferson County voters have approved a mill levy increase for the Library. The one-mill increase will enable JCPL to expand open hours and restore library services to pre-recession levels.
“We’re delighted that so many residents have affirmed the value of library services, and we are grateful for their support,” said Brian DeLaet, interim chair, JCPL Board of Trustees. “This will give us much more financial flexibility and stability going forward and allow us to deliver the library services our residents want and deserve.”
The one-mill increase is expected to bring in $8 million of additional library revenues, beginning in 2016. It will enable the library to restore library services to pre-recession levels, including:
- Expanding open hours at all JCPL libraries;
- Restoring the Library’s investment in books and materials;
- Updating computers, Internet access and other technology;
- Repairing and refurbishing library buildings; and;
- Stabilizing the Library’s finances.
According to Executive Director Pam Nissler, the Library’s senior management team has developed a five-year plan and ten-year forecast that will serve as a road map for restoring services.
“Our first priority is to restore hours,” Nissler noted. “We plan to launch expanded service hours at all of our libraries in early April. In addition, we’ll be adding at least $2 million to our 2016 books and materials budget so we can offer more resources to our residents. Other changes will happen over time as we work to update technology, catch up on deferred capital projects and improve library services,” she added.
“We are humbled by the community’s support, and we remain committed to effective stewardship of taxpayer resources,” DeLaet noted. “As a Board, we expect to restore library services while protecting taxpayers from excessive spending and working to provide residents with a maximum return on their investments.”
For updates on the Library’s plan to improve services, visit jeffcolibrary.org/directors-blog.
About Jefferson County Public Library
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is the third largest public library in the state of Colorado. Our mission is to help build an educated and vibrant community by providing equal access to information and opportunities. A JCPL library card is the smartest card in your wallet, giving you access to an online library that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, a network of 10 libraries, a Bookmobile, a Mobile Computer Training Classroom, and robust outreach programs, as well as books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, audio and eBooks, and computer and Internet resources. For more information contact your local library or visit jeffcolibrary.org.