PUBLIC INFORMATION
Your library and the state's funding limit.
In 2019, Pueblo County voters approved money for their libraries. A new state law now puts a limit on how much of that money the library can collect.
On November 3, 2026, Pueblo County voters will decide what happens next. This page explains the facts. It does not tell you how to vote.
PLEASE NOTE
This page is here to explain, not to persuade. Pueblo City-County Library District does not support or oppose any candidate or ballot measure.
THE SHORT VERSION
Three things to know
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Pueblo voted for this funding
In 2019, people in Pueblo County voted “yes” to pay for their libraries. That support keeps branches open and pays for books, computers, staff, programs and building work.
A new state law limits it
This new state law limits what Pueblo voters already approved.
Voters decide in November
A question on the November 3, 2026 ballot asks Pueblo County voters to lift the state-imposed tax limit.
WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM
How your library is funded
The library is primarily funded by property taxes paid by Pueblo County homeowners and businesses.
That funding supports all eight locations, staff, hours of operation, library materials and the neighborhood renovations that voters were promised.
A library card and all basic services are free.
ABOUT THE LIMIT
What the state's funding limit could affect
Without removing this funding limit, the Library District faces a state-imposed cap that would create ongoing budget uncertainty, potentially affecting hours of operation, staffing, library materials and the facility improvements voters were promised. If the library's funding level is capped, it would force difficult decisions about how the library continues to serve the people of Pueblo County.
Hours of operation
Location hours, including evenings and weekends, are dependent on available staffing resources. A reduced budget would likely result in fewer hours of public access across the District.
Programs and classes
Programs and services such as the Summer Reading, story time, tech help and adult literacy classes are all supported by the same budget.
Items you can borrow
New books, ebooks, movies, laptops, hotspots, tools, seeds and park passes are bought new by the library district each year.
Planned building renovations
The 2019 vote included funding for remodels at some of our locations such as Lamb and Pueblo West. Those remodels have yet to happen and might not with limited funding.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What people in Pueblo say
“Losing the library isn’t just about books. It’s what they can give kids and adults… It’s a necessity to our community.”
“I want our community to understand that if the library funding is cut, we will lose all the benefits and resources from the library. We will lose the community connection.”
“I grew up going to the Pueblo West Library. Now, I bring my own kids here.”
“Now, as a mother, the library brings happiness. It was always a safe space for me, and I want my son to feel that safe space in the library.”
“If the library funding did get cut, it’s crucial for people to know how the library helps kids understand themselves, and it helps them understand what’s going on in the world.”
Calendar
Key dates
NOVEMBER 5, 2019
Pueblo County voters approved library funding
Voters said yes to money for library services and for building projects at several branches.
OCTOBER 13, 2026
Ballots are mailed to voters
Every registered voter in Pueblo County is mailed a ballot starting this week.
November 3, 2026
Election Day
The last day to return a ballot in Pueblo County.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a new tax?
No. The question on the ballot is about money voters already approved in 2019.
Who made the decision to limit the Pueblo Library funding?
Despite Pueblo voters already approving this funding, a new state law has limited the amount our library district can collect.
Who decides what the library spends money on?
A board of trustees. Their meetings are open to the public, and the budget is published every year.
What does the ballot question say?
SHALL THE PUEBLO CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT WAIVE THE 5.25% PROPERTY TAX LIMIT
FOR ALL FUTURE PROPERTY TAX YEARS, WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES, AS SUCH PROPERTY
TAX LIMIT IS CREATED BY HOUSE BILL 24B-1001 AND SET FORTH IN SECTION 29-1-1702, C.R.S.,
TO ALLOW THE DISTRICT TO REALIZE THE FULL BENEFIT OF ITS CURRENT VOTER AUTHORIZED
PROPERTY TAX RATE AND SHALL ALL DISTRICT REVENUES BE COLLECTED, RETAINED, AND
SPENT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REVENUE LIMITS PROVIDED BY LAW?
Go to the source
Where to find official information
Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder
Official ballot wording, voter registration, drop box locations and election results.
Library board
Who the trustees are and when their public meetings are held.
Library budget
The published plan showing what the library takes in and spends each year.
Still have a question?
Contact us and we'll be in touch.
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