
Mission
Create opportunities and build connections to strengthen our community.
Vision
To be a vibrant and essential center for learning, inspiration, and engagement.
Values

Collaboration
We foster networks and relationships to strengthen the entire community.

Curiosity
We explore new ideas and knowledge to connect and engage with our customers.

Innovation
We dream big. We embrace change and find ways to make a difference in people's lives. We strive to serve the community with integrity and excellence.

Inclusion
We create opportunities for people to belong, where they are able to learn and grow. We celebrate and reflect the diversity of our community. We are dedicated to free and equal access for all.

Intellectual Freedom
We champion the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction.

Accountability
We honor our commitments to the community and to each other. We are stewards of the community trust and tax-funded resources. We maintain high standards in our work within a culture of transparency.
Diane Lapierre
Executive Director
Ken Draves
Deputy Director
Kristen Draper
Old Town Library Manager
Currie Meyer
Council Tree Library Manager
Molly Thompson
Harmony Library Manager
Monique Ramos
Community Outreach Manager
Tova Aragon
Collections Manager
Xochil Arellano
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Manager
Katie Auman
Communications & Development Director
Mark Huber
IT & Facilities Manager
Angela Kettle
Programming & Events Manager
Sabrina Leslie
Human Resources Director
Amy Lyons
Finance Manager
Selena Paulsen
Development Officer
Cynthia Langren
Executive Administrative Assistant
Brief History
The award-winning Poudre River Public Library District was officially approved by voters in 2006 in response to the expanding community’s need for library services at a time when ongoing city budget cuts were enacted.
In November 2006, a citizens’ initiative group called “Libraries-Yes!” succeeded in placing a question on Larimer County’s general election ballot for the formation of a regional library district. Residents overwhelmingly voted to support the establishment and funding of the Poudre River Public Library District, which began operating as a District in 2007. A stable source of funding, which continues today, was created to improve and expand library service to the growing community. The major source of revenue for the Library District is derived from a 3 mill levy.
The Library District serves a large regional area within Larimer County, Colorado. The District’s boundaries are essentially the same as those of the Poudre School District, covering more than 1,800 square miles. The service area is home to more than 204,000 residents.

More About Us
Awards & Recognition
2024
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Colorado District Director’s Diamond Award, for the T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined collaboration between the Library and Larimer SBDC
2022
- Old Town Library book bike team receives the 2022 Community Impact Award from the Association of Bookmobiles and Outreach Services for their community programs and services.
- Anne Million was awarded the Jean Maio Award for Adult Literacy by the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) for her work with ESL learners as they strive to achieve their life goals.
2021
- Anne Million received the Human Relations Award for Public Service Personnel for her work fostering social and educations opportunities for newcomers and English language learners in the community.
- PR Xchange Awards for projects completed in 2021.
- A Winter Tale – print submission – Reading Programs category
- Next Chapter Re-engagement Campaign – print submission – Materials Promoting Collections, Services, Resources category
- Día de Muertos Website – electronic submission – Virtual Exhibits category
2020
- Library District named 3-Star Library for exceptional service in Library Journal’s 2020 Index
- PR Xchange Awards Competition for projects completed in 2019
2019
- 2019 CAFR Certificate of Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association
- Nonprofit Resources Librarian Sarah Scobey named Colorado Librarian of the Year
Past Awards and Grants
2018
- PR Xchange Awards Competition, projects completed in 2017
- FoCo Comic Con 2017, Special Programs & Exhibits – print category
2017
- American Library Association PR Xchange Award for the 2016 Fort Collins Book Festival, “Brewin’ Up Books”
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
- ClimateWise Platinum Partner
- Library Journal Marketer of the Year Award, Honorable Mention, Fort Collins Book Fest, Brewin’ Up Books
2016
- ALA PR Xchange Award for Annual Report and Summer Reading Graphic graphic design
- Volunteers of America RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) award. Anita and Paco Martinez won the Volunteer Team of the Year award for their ongoing support with Storytime at Council Tree Library
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
- Awarded the ALA Great Stories Club Grant. Award included books to be used in a monthly book club setting for underserved teens
- ClimateWise Platinum Partner
2015
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
- ClimateWise Platinum Partner
2014
- ClimateWise 2013 Platinum Partner Level achieved
- Institute of Museum and Library Services grant for STREAM LAB at Northside Aztlan Community Center
- United Way grant for Spanish language early literacy programs
- Target grant for expansion of Rincon de Cuentos
- Cool Off @ Your Library grant from Poudre Heritage Alliance
2013
Poudre River Public Library District Recognized as a Top Innovator by Urban Libraries Council
A panel of expert judges selected the Library’s entry on its leadership in response to the 2012 High Park Fire from more than 140 applications in the fourth annual ULC Innovations Initiative. The Poudre River Public Library District worked hand-in-hand with first responder agencies during the High Park Fire by providing up-to-date and reliable information throughout the crisis and establishing a presence at the evacuation center including a laptop lab and story times, books and programs for children of displaced families.
2012
Volunteer Award-Colorado State University Cesar Chavez Community Celebration
Three of our volunteers were selected for individual awards and recognized as outstanding high school students.
Colorado Association of Libraries Julie J. Boucher Award for Intellectual Freedom
Given to the Library District for the outreach efforts during the High Park Fire.
PR Awards!
Poudre River Public Library District won “Best in Show” Awards for the 2010 Web-based Annual Report and the video made for the Rafael Lopez Community Mural. These awards are presented by the American Library Association/PR and Marketing Division.
Program Awards
Board of the National Book Foundation awarded its fourth annual Innovations in Reading Prizes to five individuals and organizations that demonstrated passion, creativity, dedication, and leadership in the service of creating and sustaining a lifelong love of reading. The Library District was one of the five national winners for Bookends: A Television Program for Teens Who Like to Read. The IRS Bookends shows, hosted and presented by teens along with Poudre School District Channel 10 staff, allow teens to share reviews of favorite books and interview local young adult authors.
ALA RUSA BRASS Morningstar Award
Anne Macdonald was the 2012 recipient of the American Libraries Association RUSA BRASS Morningstar Public Librarian Support Award – the award is given to outstanding business reference librarians. She was awarded an American Libraries Association annual conference travel grant.
Winning Entry – Lucky Joe’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
A team of library staff participated in the 2012 parade and won first place.
2011
Imaginantes Bilingual Youth Workshop and Rafael Lopez Community Mural – Grants from Colorado Humanities, Lilla B. Morgan Memorial Fund, CSU AdmissionsLE
The Imaginantes Workshop engaged low income youth in a week-long experience that exposed them to real life stories of struggle and success, and well known authors and illustrators. The Lopez Community Mural project engaged hundreds of volunteers in a collaborative effort to create a valuable piece of art to be enjoyed freely by many for years to come.
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Grant
The Library District received federal monies to establish mobile computer labs and conduct computer training outside the Library. The grant also includes two ADA work stations to be used inside the libraries.
Outstanding Volunteer Award – Colorado Association of Libraries
Terri Sullivan was honored by the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) for her outstanding contributions to the library community.
History Comes Alive – Fort Fund Grant
A popular monthly program featuring nationally known presenters who portray historical figures and bring history to life.
Victorian Fest – Fort Fund Grant
A popular day-long festival featuring a step back in time to the Victorian Days in Fort Collins.
2010
National Endowment for the Humanities Grant
Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women. Public programming in association with this grant will be in 2011.
National Library Week Grant
Sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing and administered by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Awareness Committee, for the best public awareness campaign in support of National Library Week.
History Comes Alive – Fort Fund Grant
A popular monthly program featuring nationally known presenters who portray historical figures and bring history to life.
Victorian Fest – Fort Fund Grant
A popular day-long festival featuring a step back in time to the Victorian Days in Fort Collins.
2009
LEED Platinum Certification
Given by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) for the Council Tree Library commercial interiors design.
Top Teen List Committee – Young Adult Library Services Association
Local teens from the Library District Interesting Reader Society have been selected as one of 15 teen groups in the nation to be nominators for a “teen choice” booklist.
History Comes Alive – FortFund Grant
A popular monthly program featuring nationally known presenters who portray historical figures and bring history to life.
Colorado Association of Libraries – Partnership Award
Given to Austin’s Grill for their support of Children’s Storytime programming.
2008
Services to Diverse Populations Award – Colorado Association of Libraries
A committment to leadership by providing services and outreach to ethnically diverse populations.
Top Teen List Committee – Young Adult Library Services Association
Teens from the Interesting Reader Society have been selected as one of 15 teen groups in the nation to be nominators for a “teen choice” booklist.
History Comes Alive – FortFund Grant
BookExpress for Kids – Library Services and Technology Act Grant
A books-by-mail project for the kids living in the northwest corner of the district.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant
Computers and software for public use.
2007
Project of the Year – Colorado Association of Libraries
Formation of the Poudre River Public Library District
2006
First Place Summer Reading Program – Colorado Association of Libraries
Outstanding Library Technology Project – Colorado Association of Libraries
Summer Reading Online Registration Web Application
Outstanding Achievement Award – Colorado State Library
Public Library Awareness Campaign through “READ @ Your Library” posters which are distributed to businesses, colleges and other community gathering places.
2004
Colorado Division of Child Care Grant
Early childhood education materials
2002
Be Innovative! Most Innovative WebOpac – Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
Web design and innovations in the library catalog.
2001
First Place Summer Reading Program – Colorado Association of Libraries
Hometown Video Festival Winner
Summer Reading Program Read On! Children
Finalist Telly Awards
Summer Reading Program Read On! Children Promotional Video
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant
Computers and software for a computer lab for the public in the Old Town Library.
1999
First Place Summer Reading Program – Colorado Association of Libraries
1998
Library Services and Construction Act Grant – Colorado State Library
Creation of a Local History Archive digitization project.
1996
First Place Summer Reading Program – Colorado Association of Libraries
1993
Adult Literacy Services Grant – U.S. Department of Education
1992
Adult Literacy Services Grant – U.S. Department of Education
1986
First Place Summer Reading Program – Colorado Association of Libraries
1982
Library Benefactor Award – Colorado Association of Libraries
Friends of the Fort Collins Public Library, Inc.
1976
Project of the Year – Colorado Association of Libraries
National Children’s Book Week