About Us

About Us

LINC library

Hello from Dr. Hortt

Hello from
Dr. Hortt

dr. matthew hortt

Welcome to the High Plains Library District. You will find our libraries to be inviting, comfortable, innovative and friendly. I encourage you to step back and experience your library in a new way by exploring all that we have to offer from programs to e-books to the latest technology.

-Dr. Matthew Hortt, Executive Director of the High Plains Library District

HPLD History

HPLD History

historic postcard of greeley library
1985 to 1986
historic library interior

In late 1985, The Weld Library District, a special taxing district, is established under the authority of Colorado Library Law C.R.S. 24-90-101 to improve library service to residents through the sharing of books, staff, and tax revenue. The District finalizes details, selects board members, and creates agreements with Member libraries so that operations can begin in early 1986. The taxing authority includes all of Weld County except the areas covered by the Windsor-Severance Library District and the City of Dacono. In some areas, High Plains Library District expands into other counties.

2007
Erie Community Library

The Town of Erie’s Boulder County residents vote to become part of High Plains Library District. The major source of revenue for High Plains Library District is derived from a 3.249 mill levy applied to the assessed value of portions of Weld and Boulder County properties. The District serves over 245,959 residents of Weld County and parts of neighboring counties, and covers a geographic area of almost 4,000 square miles.

2008
square hpld logo

As part of a re-branding project, the Library Board of Trustees approved the recommendation to rename the Library District High Plains Library District.

2019

HPLD pays off Certificates of Participation, meaning HPLD was debt-free. When the mill levy was approved in 1999, HPLD promised to reduce the mill levy after all debts were paid, and in December 2019 the Board of Trustees fulfilled that promise.

Today

High Plains Library District is comprised of seven branch libraries, bookmobile services and six autonomous member libraries governed by their own separate boards of trustees.

Governance

Governance

meeting room

The High Plains Library District Board of Trustees serves as a governing board for the branch library system. Learn more here. 

Mission, Vision, Values

Mission, Vision, Values

Our Mission
Helping build Community

Our Vision
High Plains Library District gives access to answers for every question.

 

Our Values

These values help clarify the principles that guide the High Plains Library District. As trustees, administration, and staff of the High Plains Library District, we are committed to fulfilling our mission and vision while upholding the following values:

Our Customers

•are treated with dignity, respect, and consideration.
•receive an exceptional level of personal customer service.
are provided with a variety of library materials that reflect the communities’ interests and values.
have access to up-to-date technology and receive assistance in using that technology.
enjoy a variety of quality programming for all ages.
have a positive library experience every time they visit.

Our Facilities

•are modern, clean, and well maintained.
•provide and utilize up-to-date technology.
are open and available to all people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical limitations.
are inviting, comfortable and friendly.
serve as a local gathering place.

Our Staff

•uphold the principles of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America — the freedom to read, view, speak and hear.
•are committed to instilling a love of reading.
are professional and reliable information catalysts.
will make every effort to be available to you whenever and wherever you need us.
seeks solutions to problems in a positive, productive manner.
works as a team to provide an exceptional level of service to all customers.
continues to learn and grow professionally in an effort to better serve you by taking advantage of classes, workshops, and seminars offered by the High Plains Library District, State/National Library Associations, and other agencies.
sees High Plains Library District as an employer of choice; one that provides fair compensation, competitive benefits, and a flexible schedule that leads to a healthy work / life balance.

Our Community

•benefits from partnerships between High Plains Library District and other local agencies that support reading, education and literacy.
•enjoys the talents, abilities and contributions of High Plains Library District staff at community-related activities.
is aware of and appreciates the programs and services offered by High Plains Library District.
supports High Plains Library District by contributing to its Foundation.
feels enriched by the presence of High Plains Library District.

Administration and Staff

Administration
and Staff

dr. matthew hortt

Matthew Hortt,
Executive Director

(970) 506-8563

marjorie elwood

Marjorie Elwood,
Associate Director of Public Services

(970) 506-8650

James Melena, Community Relations & Marketing Manager
(970) 506-8559

Natalie Wertz, Finance Manager
(970) 506-8566

Eric Ewing, Associate Director of Human Resources
(970) 506-8562

Susan Staples, Information Technology and Innovation Manager
(970) 506-8561

Image Citations

Greeley City Hall and PUblic Library: Greeley History Museum. (1999). Greeley City Hall and Public Library [Photograph]. Weld County Images Collection. https://cdm16720.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16720coll1/id/5513/rec/50

1986 Image: Savig, R. S. (1981). The circulation desk and ramp leading to the adult section at the Weld County Library [Photograph]. Weld County Images Collection. https://cdm16720.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16720coll1/id/1684/rec/52