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Pines and Plains Libraries report revenue gains, plan Elizabeth library renovation for 2027
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Summary
The Pines and Plains Libraries reported 2025 revenues of $1,901,889, reserves rising to $3,384,547 (a 23% increase), expanded programming and partnerships, and preliminary design work toward a 2027 renovation of the Elizabeth branch (a remodel within the existing footprint).
A representative of the Pines and Plains Libraries presented the library district’s 2025 annual report to the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25, outlining revenue, expenses and expansion of services.
"An average Elbert County family of four pays $65.22 per year in property taxes to the library district," the presenter said, and noted an estimated return on investment of roughly $61.45 in services for each dollar paid. The district reported $1,665,991 in property tax revenue and $235,898 in specific ownership tax for total 2025 revenues of $1,901,889. Expenses totaled $1,471,809, leaving reserves of $3,384,547—an increase of $632,866 (about 23%) from the prior year.
The presenter described growing use of branches and programs: a 6.8% increase in visits from 2024 to 2025, a "Touch-a-Truck" summer program that drew about 550 participants, expanded partnerships offering legal help appointments, job help through the Colorado Workforce Center and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) appointments, mental-health first-aid training for county leaders, and library services such as 24-hour parking-lot internet access and state park pass checkouts.
The libraries received a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and worked with the University of Colorado Denver School of Architecture and Design, whose students provided three preliminary designs to aid fundraising and planning. The presenter said the plan is to renovate the Elizabeth library within the existing building footprint and add a new level, with a target for groundbreaking in 2027; the presenter clarified this is a renovation rather than expansion of the site footprint.
Commissioners thanked library staff for staying within budget and increasing reserves and noted interest in a follow-up visit and public presentation of the final designs.
What’s next: the library will present final designs at a public meeting in March and continue grant and fundraising work toward the 2027 renovation timeline.
