After a difficult county budget session followed by serious consideration and analysis by the Carbon County Library Board, the board regrets to announce the closure of the Sinclair Library Branch effective September 30, 2024. Continuing the operation of this branch is no longer sustainable without hindering the integrity of their entire Library System and remaining seven branches.
Carbon County Library Director Maria Wenzel commented, “Our librarians and the library board are shaken by the closure; however, it is our job to be financially responsible with the taxpayers’ funds we have been entrusted with. With decreased foot traffic and low circulation, we cannot financially justify spending taxpayer dollars during a budget pinch on resources that are underutilized. We believe our residents deserve quality services throughout the entire system and are committed to keeping that our top priority.”
After receiving a budget reduction in July, the Carbon County staff and board extensively reviewed the full Library System budget, as well as the visit and circulation statistics of each branch. The statistics clearly showed the least usage in Sinclair with a total of 161 visits in FY24, with a cost to the system of $75.10 per individual visit. In comparison the Medicine Bow Branch Library received 801 visits in FY24, with a cost to the system of $23.00 per individual visit. The Hanna Branch received 581 visits in FY24, with a cost of $30.61 per visit. Considering these statistics combined with the crucial times for the County and Library budget, it is financially irresponsible to continue expenditures that are not supported by patrons’ needs.
Through the Board’s review of the budget to evaluate the sustainability of expenditures, additional cuts were made to operational expenses at our other seven branches. This includes cuts to operation expenditures, reducing hours at the Medicine Bow Branch library, and more. The Carbon County Library System extends their deep appreciation to the Town of Sinclair and our gratitude to the Board of County Commissioners. They greatly value the partnership throughout the years, and are grateful for the opportunity they
had to contribute to the community. They are also very grateful to the patrons over the years who have been the purpose of this branch for your patronage, companionship, and memories.
The Carbon County Library System is committed to offering the best library services to the residents of Carbon County at our other seven branches – Elk Mountain, Encampment, Hanna, Little Snake River Valley, Medicine Bow, Saratoga, and Rawlins. They are also committed to ensuring a smooth closure and transition process, and are collaborating with the Town of Sinclair to vacate the Town’s building. The Rawlins Branch Library is excited to welcome Sinclair patrons to their new home library where we continue to offer services to all.
Find more information on the Carbon County Library System website.