Library Board Members Still Urging All to Donate

JULY 17, 2025 |

Photo – Carbon County Library main branch – Bigfoot99 file photo

Representatives from the Carbon County Library System are urging everyone to support their local branches amid ongoing county budget cuts.

During Tuesday’s Saratoga Town Council meeting, Carbon County Library System Board of Directors member Adelaide Myers addressed the governing body. Myers explained that the Board of Carbon County Commissioners has cut the library’s budget by more than half, resulting in a loss of approximately $164,000.

State-wide property tax relief measures have reduced the budgets of every county, all of which rely on the tax dollars to fund services, such as road maintenance, senior centers, and libraries. Speaking at Tuesday’s Saratoga Town Council meeting, Library Board member Myers noted that Fremont County residents are opposing a smaller reduction to their library system’s budget, which receives significantly more funding than the Carbon County Library System.

Myers added that in the 2013 through 2014 fiscal year, the Carbon County Library System received over $700,000. County funding has steadily decreased over the years, and the library system is now receiving its lowest level of funding in decades.

Myers said Library System Director Maria Wenzel approached the Carbon County Library Foundation for additional funding. While the Foundation agreed to increase its financial contribution, the money cannot be used for the day-to-day operations of the county’s seven library branches.

To help save money, Myers said the Library System is lowering the salaries of its 14 employees and reducing hours of operation countywide. Additionally, funds from the library’s reserve accounts will be used to supplement the reduced budget. However, Myers said this measure will not support the Library System beyond the current fiscal year.

Myers explained that the Library System’s budget shortfall is the result of property tax relief bills recently passed by the Wyoming State Legislature. The Library Board member said the Board is asking everyone to contribute more to their local libraries to help offset the lost tax revenue.

Myers added that she will be donating the $1,000 she saved on her property taxes to the Library System.

The Library Board member said municipalities were impacted less than the county by the property tax cuts. Because of that, the Library Board is requesting towns to contribute additional funding toward their local branches.

Myers said the Saratoga Library is the second most visited location in the county, adding that the Friends of the Saratoga Library have agreed to cover postage costs in addition to a previously pledged $1,000 donation.

Myers asked the governing body to provide additional financial assistance to the Saratoga Library, such as paying salaries for the two staff members. While the town’s library is unlikely to close, the Library Board member said it is not immune to the consequences of the budget cuts.

Myers said that not all branches can remain open under the current budget. Even with the increased donations, Myers said the Library System will run out of money before the next fiscal year.

While nothing has been decided yet, Myers said to expect reduced hours at every library in the county.

Earlier in the month it was revealed that the Town of Saratoga was negotiating with the county to take ownership of its library building. At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Library Board member Adelaide Myers explained that the deal would mainly benefit the county, as it would not affect the library’s day-to-day expenses.

Saratoga Mayor Chuck Davis said the town has pledged $1,000 from its current budget to support the local library branch, adding that it is the maximum allowable contribution.

The Carbon County Library System has launched its ‘Save Our Libraries’ initiative, encouraging public donations. Contributions can be made online at www.carboncountylibraries.org or in person at your local branch.