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Poudre Libraries reports record use and plans Southeast Community Center; Larimer commissioners proclaim National Library Week
Summary
At the April 14 meeting the board received Poudre River Public Library District’s 2025 report — including 24,000 new cards, more than 3 million checkouts and 52,000 program attendees — and unanimously approved a proclamation declaring April 19–25 National Library Week. Directors from multiple county libraries attended and highlighted partnerships, outreach and upcoming projects.
Diane LaPierre, executive director of the Poudre River Public Library District, presented the district’s 2025 report to the Larimer County Board on April 14, telling commissioners that the library system issued 24,000 new library cards last year, logged more than 3 million print and digital checkouts and drew about 52,000 attendees to programs — an 18% increase over 2024.
LaPierre highlighted the library’s digital navigator work (313 appointments, 42 drop-ins and roughly 1,600 hours of service), partnerships with local social-service organizations, expansion of world-language collections, and youth-development programs such as the Adelante Youth Fellowship. She said the district has launched a new strategic plan with six community-driven themes and announced a partnership as one of two Colorado libraries taking part in the TED Democracy project.
LaPierre also updated the board on the Southeast Community Center project, which has cleared the city development-review process and is expected to break ground in summer 2026 with construction visible later that year. The co-located facility will include a library presence, recreation and aquatics spaces and expanded community rooms.
Commissioners asked about transit access, drop-box locations and continued services to unincorporated areas; LaPierre and staff said the district works across its branches and with partners to maintain outreach (including mobile services and partnerships with food-security programs).
Following the presentation, the board moved to proclaim April 19–25, 2026, as National Library Week. Directors and representatives from Loveland, Berthoud, Red Feather Lakes, Estes Park, Wellington and other libraries spoke about local programs — from author visits and literacy festivals to food and veteran services — and the board approved the proclamation unanimously (3-0).
