News

High Plains Library District Awarded for Financial Excellence

(Greeley – January 2019) –The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to High Plains Library District (HPLD) by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

HPLD Finance Manager, Natalie Wertz, accepted this award as the designated authority and responsible party for the District’s financial reporting. “Natalie’s financial acumen and extensive knowledge of HPLD processes ensure that taxpayer dollars are in good hands,” said Dr. Matthew Hortt, Executive Director of HPLD.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

THE GFOA is a major professional association that provides best practices, professional development, resources and practical research to over 20,500 members and committees they serve. The association is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Washington, D.C.

New Board Members Appointed to High Plains Library District Board of Trustees

(Greeley– December, 2019) – Effective January, 2020, the High Plains Library District will welcome one new trustee and reappoint a trustee to the Board.

The High Plains Library District Board is a governing board which determines the policies of the library in relation to community needs, oversees the Executive Director, and ensures proper industry standards be maintained. The Board also oversees annual budget requirements and ensures adequate financing for the library operations.

Kenneth Poncelow will remain on the Board representing Region 3: Berthoud, Johnstown, Mead, Milliken, Platteville. Poncelow will serve on the Board through December 2023.

Jana Caldwell joins the Board and will assume the At-Large. Caldwell will also serve on the Board through December 2023.

The new Trustee will join six other representatives on the Board who each represent a different region within the High Plains Library District’s service area.

“We are excited to bring on Mrs. Caldwell and retain Mr. Poncelow,” said Dr. Matt Hortt, Executive Director for HPLD. “Both representatives bring unique perspective and willingness to ensure High Plains is a leading library system.”

The Board typically meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 or 6pm. Meeting locations rotate among all of the libraries in the District. For meeting details and more information about the Board please visit www.mylibrary.us/board

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The High Plains Library District connects communities to information, inspiration and entertainment for life. HPLD includes libraries in Greeley, Evans, Firestone, Erie, Kersey, Ault, Eaton, Johnstown, Platteville, Hudson, Fort Lupton and Gilcrest.

Tribune Building Purchased by High Plains Library District

The High Plains Library District (HPLD) Board has approved the purchase of the Greeley Tribune Building located at 501 8^th Avenue in Greeley, CO. The transaction was finalized October 30.

“We are honored to move into a building with such a rich history and proud to uphold the tradition of sharing information, which has been a staple of the Greeley Tribune. The Tribune has had and will continue to have an immense impact on our community in its new location. The High Plains Library District will continue to partner with the Greeley Tribune to ensure that the community remains informed. A free press and the dissemination of information is vital to the future of our community,” said Dr. Matthew Hortt, Executive Director of HPLD.

This purchase reflects a wider effort to expand services throughout the District. HPLD is in the process of evaluating and undergoing projects in Kersey, Mead, Grover, and an expansion at Erie Community Library. These projects will highlight the commitment High Plains Library District has to serving communities across the District.

“Throughout our strategic planning process, it was apparent we were in need of a robust downtown library in Greeley. Moving forward, we will continue to rely heavily on input from the community in developing this library,” Dr. Hortt said.

HPLD hopes to be operating at least partially from this building within the next year.

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The High Plains Library District connects communities to information, inspiration and entertainment for life. HPLD includes libraries in Greeley, Firestone, Erie, Kersey, Ault, Eaton, Evans, Johnstown, Platteville, Hudson, Gilcrest and Fort Lupton.

High Plains Library District to Become Debt Free in December

October 23rd, 2019

The High Plains Library District (HPLD) is set to be debt free in December and lower its Mill Levy in January. This change is a culmination of a promise made to the communities, that make up the High Plains service area, back in 1999. A Mill Levy Override was approved by voters in 1999 which allowed for an annual increase in funding of $2,577,980 beginning in the year 2000. These funds were used for upgrades to Centennial Park Library, Lincoln Park Library, and member libraries across the District.

After voters approved the Mill Levy Override in 1999, the District secured Certificates of Participation (COPs) totaling $11,930,000 in April 2001. Those COPs were refinanced in 2010 reducing the debt to $9,580,000. At the time the override was approved, The HPLD Board of Trustees promised the community that the District would lower the Mill Levy by $1,000,000 once the COPs were paid off.

“We are proud to deliver on the promise that was made in 1999. On December 15, 2019, the District will be debt free. In January we will be lowering our Mill Levy from 3.249 to 3.177,” said Dr. Matthew Hortt, Executive Director of HPLD. “This was a promise that our Board felt very strongly about keeping and we are happy to do so.”

Notice As To Proposed Budget

Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the High Plains Library District Board of Trustees for the ensuing year of 2020. That a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Executive Director 2650 W. 29^th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 where same is open for public inspection. That such proposed budget was considered and accepted at a regular meeting of the High Plains Library District Board of Trustees held at the District Support Services Building, 2650 W. 29^th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 on October 7, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Any interested elector within such High Plains Library District may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget scheduled for Monday December 9, 2019 at the regular meeting of the High Plains Library District Board of Trustees.

Dated: October 11, 2019

By: Dr. Matthew Hortt
Executive Director

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Colorado Association of Libraries Awards Go to Deserving Community Members Lanny Clary and Brenda Carns

(Greeley– September 2019) – The Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) awarded Brenda Carns, Director of Eaton Public Library, the Jean Maio Award for Adult Literacy, and Lanny Clary of Northern Plains Public Library a posthumous Outstanding Trustee of the Year Award. Carns and Clary were recognized during the Association’s annual conference in Loveland last week.

“Lanny Clary led a life of service and fought passionately for the library and its’ people. We are so thankful his work and accomplishments were recognized and honored by CAL. From being pivotal in the building of Northern Plains Public Library in 2001 to serving as Board President as long as he was capable, Lanny’s legacy will live on long after his passing,” said Matthew Hortt, Executive Director of High Plains Library District.

“Brenda Carns exemplifies the importance of librarians and how impactful one can be in the community they serve. Her commitment to the belief that libraries transform lives is seen in her establishment of two jail libraries, expanding services to our Spanish-speaking populations, and countless other actions in her 45 years of library service,” Dr. Hortt said. “We at High Plains Library District are truly honored and humbled by the work of Lanny and Brenda.”

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Fall Food Drive

(Greeley – September, 2019) The High Plains Library District is once again hosting its Fall Food Drive in libraries across the District.

Several northern Colorado libraries have partnered with local Food Banks to help stock food bank shelves in preparation for the holiday season.

Participating libraries throughout the High Plains Library District will be offering limited fine/fee forgiveness in conjunction with a food drive to benefit the Weld Food Bank, Erie Community Food Bank, Carbon Valley Help Center, Triangle Cross Ranch (Eaton), Ault Food Bank, Nunn Sharehouse, Pierce Food Bank, and Milliken Community Food Pantry.

Libraries in Ault, Eaton, Erie, Evans, Firestone, Gilcrest, Greeley, Hudson, Johnstown, Kersey, Platteville as well as the Bookmobile will be offering fine forgiveness October 6-19. One can is equal to $1 off fines/fees with the maximum forgiveness set at $70.

“Our Fall Food Drive is a terrific way to reach our underserved communities who need a little help this time of the year,” said James Melena, Community Relations and Marketing Manager for HPLD. “We are proud our libraries can help give back to the community and help those in need.”

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High Plains Library District Board Seeks New Trustees

The High Plains Library District Board is accepting applications to fill two open positions on the Library Board of Trustees. The application deadline is October 11, 2019 with interviews to be held October 25, 2019. Both terms begin January 1, 2020, and end December 31, 2023.

This is a governing board which determines the policies of the library in relation to community needs, requires proper standards be maintained, provides adequate financing for the library operation and provides necessary buildings and equipment for activities of the library.

The Board of Trustees consists of seven (7) members, all of whom must reside within the boundaries of the District’s legal service area. The areas needing representation are:

Region 3. Mead, Johnstown, Milliken, Berthoud, Platteville, N-CR52, S-C66, E-US85, W-County Line

And one (1) At-Large Trustee

The Board typically meets at least one Monday a month, in the evenings. Meeting locations rotate among the libraries in the District. Though attendance at board meetings is a first concern, a trustee must also assume a sense of personal involvement and be willing to give extra time and effort to special library projects and committee meetings.

Applications are available online here and at www.mylibrary.us/board. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., October 11, 2019.

Google Brings Economic Opportunity Initiative, ‘Grow With Google,’ To Colorado

Today, Google announced that it is coming to cities throughout Colorado as part of the tech company’s ‘Grow with Google’ initiative. The initiative aims to help create economic opportunity in communities across the United States by training Americans on free Google tools and resources designed to help them find the jobs they want, advance their careers, and grow their businesses. Google will kickstart this work locally by hosting free, one-day events in three libraries to help job seekers, small business owners, students, educators and entrepreneurs improve their digital skills.

Colorado tour dates, cities and locations include:

August 19, 2019: High Plains Library District – Farr Regional Library
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
1939 61st Ave, Greeley, CO 80634

August 21, 2019: Boulder Public Library
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
1001 Arapahoe Ave Boulder, CO

August 23, 2019: Pueblo City-County Library District, Robert Hoag Rawlings Public Library
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
100 Abriendo Ave. Pueblo, CO

“Colorado is ranked as one of the top 10 states for starting a business, and industries such as healthcare, IT and energy are growing their Colorado workforce exponentially. We’re happy to bring ‘Grow with Google’ to Colorado, one of our home states, and to continue helping to develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the state’s growing economy, while ensuring Colorado remains a great place for entrepreneurs,” said Lauren Lambert, Google’s Head of External Affairs for the Southwest U.S.

In recognition that libraries have become centers for digital skills learning, ‘Grow with Google’ plans to visit libraries in every state, partnering with them to deliver digital skills trainings directly to community jobseekers and small businesses. According to the American Library Association, nearly three-quarters of public libraries assist their patrons with job applications and interviewing skills, 90% help their patrons learn basic digital skills, and just under half provide access and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own.

“Boulder Public Library supports adult education and digital literacy to transform lives and strengthen our community. BPL is a destination for human connection, life-long learning, civic engagement, and creative exploration. We’re pleased to partner with Grow with Google to support small businesses and job seekers with 1:1 mentor and workshop opportunities to expand online access and enhance digital skills,” said David Farnan, Library and Arts Director at Boulder Public Library.

“We are thrilled to team up with Google in bringing their world-class digital literacy expertise in-person to our community. Strong digital skills have never been more important and our local library is well poised to support Grow with Google in Pueblo. We welcome Google to Pueblo and are grateful for their help in advancing our local workforce and small businesses,” said Jon Walker, Executive Director of Pueblo City-County Library District.

“In today’s technology driven age, it is vital that everyone, from jobseekers to entrepreneurs, develop and expand upon their virtual skills. The High Plains Library District is invested in helping the Greeley community increase digital literacy,” said Executive Director, Dr. Matthew Hortt. “Partnering to bring Grow with Google to our community is an amazing opportunity to do this. We are excited to host the event and help our patrons grow their skills.”

Throughout the day Google staff will teach a variety of hands-on workshops aimed to provide local businesses and residents with tools and resources to find the jobs they want, advance their careers and grow their businesses. Local nonprofits – libraries, government agencies, educational institutions and more – will also be invited to join the ‘Grow with Google’ partner program and receive training on the initiatives, free tools and curriculum so that they can continue to share resources with their patrons and customers. Attendees are welcome to drop in for a few sessions or stay all day and, outside of the specific workshops, can sign up for one-on-one 20 minute training sessions with Google staff.

Google is partnering with community organizations to spread the word about the events. Following the Grow with Google event, Google will explore ongoing partnership opportunities with area organizations to help with job training and developing digital skills.

Specifically, Grow with Google aims to help address the skills gap by preparing Americans for middle-skill jobs, positions that require some skills but not four year degrees. According to the National Middle Skills Initiative, middle skills jobs account to 50% of the Colorado labor force. A recent study by Burning Glass and Capital One found that more than 8 in 10 middle-skill jobs (82%) require digital skills. Overall, middle-skill jobs average $20 per hour.

In their 2018 Economic Impact Report, Google announced that 39,000 businesses in Colorado generated

$4.77 billion in economic activity by using Google’s search and advertising tools. The full report details Google’s economic impact state-by-state, and features the stories of businesses fueling that growth, creating job opportunities, and transforming their communities.

To learn more about the free event and to register, visit g.co/growcolorado. Space will be limited; so please register in advance.

About ‘Grow with Google’

‘Grow with Google’ is a new initiative to help create economic opportunities for Americans. The program draws on Google’s 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow. Through this initiative, we aim to help everyone across America – those who make up the workforce of today and those who will drive the workforce of tomorrow – access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers, and businesses. For more information, please visit google.com/grow.

About The High Plains Library District

Carbon Valley Regional Library • Centennial Park Library • Eaton Public Library • Erie Community Library • Farr Regional Library • Fort Lupton Public & School Library • Glenn A. Jones, M.D. Memorial Library • Hudson Public Library • Kersey Library • Lincoln Park Library • Nantes Library • Northern Plains Public Library • Outreach • Platteville Public Library •Riverside Library and Cultural Center (Evans)

1-888-861-READ (7323) • www.MyLibrary.us

Garth Stein of ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ Chosen as 2019 Signature Author Series Speaker

(Greeley – July, 2019) — The High Plains Library District (HPLD) has announced its author for the 2019 Signature Author Series event taking place this fall. HPLD’s Signature Author Series is the premier event for the library District, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors regionally and nationwide each year.

On Sunday, November 10, Garth Stein will speak at the University of Northern Colorado University Center Ballroom in Greeley, Colorado on the topics of grief and empowerment in relation to his book ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’, soon to be a movie released nationwide. This bestselling, award-winning book follows a dog’s journey and observations through life, offering insight into his human and into humanity.

“We are so excited to welcome Garth Stein as this year’s Signature Author. Our Signature Author event is meant to engage our community on a deeper level to affect positive change and bring awareness to important community topics, and this event will typify that community conversation,” said James Melena, Community Relations and Marketing Manager at HPLD.

Tickets for this event will go on sale August 23. Up to date information can be found at: www.mylibrary.us/racingintherain

1-888-861-READ (7323) • www.MyLibrary.us