Loveland Public Library Seeks Community Members and Students for Advisory Board Positions
The Loveland Public Library is accepting applications through November 13 for three adult advisory board positions and one youth member position as the library continues its mission to serve an informed and inspired community across Northern Colorado.
The advisory board, which meets monthly on the third Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., plays a key role in recommending policies, programs, and long-term planning to the Library Director and Loveland City Council. Residents interested in serving can apply through the city's CivicWeb Portal by 5 p.m. on November 13.
Board members provide guidance on library services and operations for the facility at 300 North Adams Avenue, which marked 120 years of community service earlier this year when it celebrated becoming an official city service in 1905.
Advisory Role Shapes Library Policy
Under Colorado law, municipal library boards typically serve in an advisory capacity rather than as governing bodies, according to the Colorado State Library. The Loveland Library Board makes recommendations on policy and planning while the city council retains final authority over budgets, contracts, and major decisions.
Current board member Beth describes the experience as "a wonderful way to get more involved in your community. You gain a deeper understanding of what's happening in the city and have a voice in shaping how the library serves people of all ages and interests."
Board member Bob emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives, noting that "having community members with a diverse set of skills provides a great way to support the work of the library both in operations and planning for the future."
The library operates on an annual budget of approximately $4 million with about 33 full-time equivalent staff members serving Loveland's population of roughly 78,000 residents. The system's collection includes around 160,000 physical items with annual circulation reaching approximately 725,000 items.
Youth Member Brings Student Perspective
The board's youth member position, established during the 2017-2018 school year, offers local high school students a leadership opportunity to represent young people's perspectives on library programs and services. The position carries a one-year term aligned with the school year.
Youth members participate fully in discussions and contribute to board projects but serve in an advisory capacity without formal voting privileges on official board decisions, according to board bylaws. Students aged 14 to 18 who are Loveland residents or enrolled in local schools are eligible to apply.
Board Responsibilities Include Events and Planning
Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, prepare for discussions, participate in library events, and engage with library staff and the public.
"It's important to understand that the work includes the actual monthly meeting, preparing for that meeting, participating in library events, and enjoying meeting the staff," Bob said.
Recent board activities have included collaborating on staff appreciation events and supporting the library's role in community initiatives. The library has hosted public meetings on regional issues including the Larimer County housing needs assessment.
Beth highlighted the holiday party as a favorite activity: "helping prepare the library staff's holiday party and celebrating all the hard work they do."
The library provides digital collections, study rooms, meeting spaces, and programs including a Digital Navigator Program that helps residents build technology skills. The facility also serves as a community hub for diverse programs ranging from teen activities to veteran support services.
Application Process Through November
Applications for both adult and youth positions must be submitted exclusively through the CivicWeb Portal at lovgov.org by November 13. The recruitment is part of Loveland's broader fall board and commission application period that includes 14 advisory bodies across city government.
Applicants must be Loveland residents, with adult positions requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old. Youth members must be enrolled students typically between 14 and 18 years of age.
Final appointments are made by Loveland City Council after review by city staff and the current board. Most positions carry three-year terms for adult members.
The library serves as a resource for residents seeking information on city services and community programs. For additional information about board service or library operations, visit lovelandpubliclibrary.org or call 970-962-2665.