Site Search
We encourage your feedback and questions.
The Basalt Regional Library is proud to offer a wide collection of books, online resources, technology, group meeting spaces, and more to residents.
Serving 12,000+ residents in the Roaring Fork Valley, the library is one of the most visited and valued community resources
in-person visits by local residents
books & physical materials checked out
online/digital materials & resources accessed
participants enjoying programs & activities
To keep the library clean, well-maintained, and continue services WITHOUT INCREASING THE CURRENT TAX RATE, the Basalt Regional Library District (BRLD) Board of Trustees is considering placing a 1.08 mill levy extension measure on the ballot for a November 2025 special election.
This potential measure would continue the existing homeowner cost of approximately $67 annually per $1 million of home value to fund our library services.
Funding from this potential ballot measure could be used to:
Provide ongoing maintenance to keep the library in good physical condition
Pay competitive wages to retain qualified librarians and staff
Maintain and expand the collection – new books, online/digital resources, media/movies, videos, eBooks, music, and audiobooks and more
Maintain community meeting space for local groups and private study/work spaces in the library
The Basalt Regional Library District has a history of being a responsible steward of taxpayer funding.
BRLD receives no funds from State, County, or other government agencies, and no funds from this measure may be taken by them
By law, all funds remain under local control and may only support the Basalt Regional Library
BRLD will retire the building construction bonds in 2025 by paying off its debt one year earlier than originally planned, providing taxpayer cost relief
How does the Basalt Regional Library contribute to quality of life in the Roaring Fork Valley?
The Basalt Regional Library proudly offers a wide range of in-person and online/digital books, services, programs, resources, and community meeting/work space to residents across the Roaring Fork Valley. We’re committed to maintaining a safe, clean, community-centered library and we’re planning ahead to ensure we protect it for future generations.
What services does the Basalt Regional Library District provide?
Our Library plays an active role in the community, serving thousands of residents each year.
Annual Services Provided:
Is it possible to provide ongoing library funding without increasing the tax rate?
Yes. To keep the library clean, well-maintained, and continue services without increasing the tax rate, the Basalt Regional Library District (BRLD) Board of Trustees is considering placing a 1.08 mill levy extension measure on the ballot for a November 2025 special election.
This measure would NOT raise the tax rate. In 2006, local voters approved a ballot measure to fund the construction of the Basalt Regional Library. The library district is set to pay off the bond this year, a year ahead of schedule, and the associated mill levy will expire in 2025. This potential measure would continue the existing homeowner cost of approximately $67 annually per $1 million of home value to fund our library services.
What would a mill levy extension fund?
Will this potential measure support expanded programs for residents?
Yes, extended funding would allow for the continuation and expansion of afterschool homework assistance and summer reading programs for school-age children, a dedicated children’s area for story time and other programs, art and literacy programs for all ages, programs for older adults, job training & resources, and space for recreational programs, workshops/classes, public meetings and community gatherings, and more.
How do we know funds will be used as promised?
The Basalt Regional Library District has a history of being a responsible steward of taxpayer funding, balancing the cost of taxes on constituents and ensuring adequate resources to maintain library services.
What are the library’s historical tax rates, and how does this mill levy compare?
This measure would keep the overall tax rate at 3.69 mills, slightly below 2025 rates. This is a significantly lower mill rate than in recent years (e.g., 5.94 mills in 2021). Two key factors for this reduced rate:
Where can I see the budget?
The Basalt Regional Library District is fully transparent with our financials and budget and encourage you to read through our recent budget letters on our website: basaltlibrary.org/board
Could the State and Counties cut or take away this potential local funding?
No. By law, revenue from the measure could not be taken by the State or either County. All funding must be used for the Basalt Regional Library District.
Have we passed local library funding measures before?
Yes, twice. In 2006, local voters approved a ballot measure to fund construction of the Basalt Regional Library. The library district is set to pay off the bond this year, a year ahead of schedule, and the associated mill levy will expire in 2025. This potential ballot measure would extend that mill levy for ongoing library operations and maintenance. In 2016, local voters also passed a Supplemental Funding Measure to support library operations and maintenance. That measure and funding expired at the end of 2023 and was not submitted to voters for renewal or extension.
What is the Basalt Regional Library District?
Basalt Library is a self-governing Special District with an appointed Board of Trustees, serving the Town of Basalt and nearby communities in Eagle and Pitkin Counties.
When will this potential measure be on the ballot?
The potential mill levy ballot measure would be set for a November 2025 all-mail ballot special election.
What level of support is required for the potential measure to be approved by voters?
To pass, the ballot measure must be approved by a simple majority of voters who cast votes on the measure (50% plus one).
How can I learn more?
As the Basalt Regional Library District plans for the future and explores ways to support staff salaries, ongoing building maintenance, and the library collection, services, and programs, we encourage your input. For more information about the potential mill levy ballot measure, please contact Amy Shipley at ashipley@basaltlibrary.org
©2025 Basalt Regional Library. All rights reserved. Website design by Align Multimedia.
English 
Spanish