Summit County Library Foundation

Mission
Established April 17, 1990, the Summit County Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided funds to the Library for various needs where County funding was unavailable. The Foundation’s mission is to serve as an advocate for the Summit County Library System and to provide financial support beyond the Library’s normal operating expenditures, when unanticipated needs arise, and for capital projects.

Supporting Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age

Thank you for supporting the Summit County Library Foundation during Colorado Gives 2026. Your generosity helps ensure that everyone in our community has access to the resources, opportunities, and lifelong learning experiences our libraries provide.

One of the Foundation's highest priorities is supporting the library's growing digital collection. Every day, Summit County residents rely on Libby and Hoopla to borrow eBooks and audiobooks, stream movies and music, and access educational content from anywhere. These services are especially valuable for busy families, seniors, seasonal workers, and residents who may not be able to visit a library branch in person.

What many people don't realize is that digital materials are often more expensive for libraries than print books. Unlike a printed book that can be purchased once and loaned repeatedly, digital titles require ongoing licensing fees. A single eBook can cost a library three to five times more than a consumer pays, and many licenses expire after a set number of checkouts or after a few years.

Hoopla operates on a pay-per-use model, meaning the library pays every time an item is borrowed. Each audiobook or eBook checkout can cost several dollars, and those costs add up quickly as usage grows. Libby works differently, requiring libraries to purchase licenses for digital titles, often at prices far higher than retail costs. Popular eBooks and audiobooks can cost libraries $50, $100, or more for a single license, and those licenses frequently expire and must be repurchased.

Your gift also supports the Student One Card program, which allows every Summit School District student to use their school ID as a library card. Through this program, students have direct access to digital books, audiobooks, homework resources, and educational materials both at school and at home. For many students, these digital resources provide critical access to reading and learning opportunities outside the classroom.

As demand continues to grow, maintaining these services requires ongoing community support. Your Colorado Gives donation helps us:

  • Expand digital collections and add new titles
  • Reduce wait times for popular books and audiobooks
  • Support student access through the Student One Card program
  • Provide equitable access to information across Summit County
  • Keep library resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Beyond digital resources,  Foundation support helps the library remain a welcoming place for discovery, connection, and lifelong learning. From children's literacy initiatives and educational programming to innovative community spaces and future library enhancements, your generosity helps ensure our libraries continue to thrive.

Colorado Gives Day is December 8, 2026. Colorado's largest 24-hour giving event. It's a day when Coloradans unite with the common goal of strengthening our community by supporting nonprofits. Please consider becoming a donor for Colorado Gives Day this year. 

We understand that these are challenging times, and any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Your support is vital to our success, and we are truly grateful for your consideration. We thank you for your continued commitment to enriching lives through access to knowledge. Together, we can ensure that the Summit County Library remains a vital resource for all.