History
The Garfield County Libraries first started in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project at New Castle, Colorado. Mrs. Harriett Stewart was the first librarian and was very efficient in organizing the library. The library served the entire county, as well as all of the school districts. The collection was augmented by loans from the Colorado State Library. When WPA was discontinued, the Garfield County Commissioners agreed to take over and finance it from the general fund. The Carbondale City Library became the first branch of the county system in 1964. In 1968, the New Castle Branch was erected as the main library of the system. The Glenwood Springs City Library became a branch in 1969, followed by Rifle in 1976, and Silt in 1980. In 2006, Garfield County voters approved a one mill levy for construction and improvements to all 6 library buildings. The voters also approved the creation of the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) which is separate from Garfield County.
Specialties
We welcome all to visit our beautiful facility in downtown Rifle, Colorado. We offer free Wi-Fi, restrooms, public computers with Internet access, activities for all ages, and more! We also offer printing, copying, faxing, and scanning, as well as meeting and study rooms.