Project Details | Donate | Photos | Timeline
About the Clifton Branch Library
The services provided by Mesa County Libraries are critical for area residents, providing access to information, internet connection, public computers, English language learner education, GED instruction, early literacy activities, art and cultural events, technology education, public spaces, and community resources.
The Clifton Branch is the second busiest library location in Mesa County, offering materials and programs for the 20,000 residents living in the branch’s service area. In the new Clifton Branch Library, which is more than three times the size of the previous location, these services can expand with community meeting rooms, quiet study rooms, and dedicated learning areas for children, teens, and adults.
Securing a permanent library location with adequate space for the growing population of Clifton was identified by Mesa County Libraries Trustees as a priority over five years ago and they began setting aside funds. Between the money saved by the library for this project and the support of generous individuals and community partners, this project did not require a tax increase or a construction loan.
Thanks to Lightbulb Media for producing this video in 2022.
Clifton Branch Library Project Details:
- 17,800 square foot, fully accessible, multi-use facility on three acres anchoring the south end of the Clifton Community Campus on D 1/2 Road
- A library space filled with natural light, showcasing views of the Grand Mesa and the Book Cliffs
- Adult Learning Center with three small study rooms, a computer lab, and two classrooms dedicated for GED, English Language, and citizenship classes
- Community Living Room for reading and relaxation
- Children’s Services with dedicated space, customized collections, interactive activities, and technology
- Teen Services with dedicated space, age-appropriate collection and computer stations
- Public computing including desktop computers, Chromebooks for in-library use, and seating areas for wireless users
- Community Meeting space including a large multi-purpose room dividable into two smaller spaces, and six public study rooms
- Friends of the Library book sale area
Click or tap on image to enlarge.
Thank you for helping to write a new chapter for Clifton!
Since 1901 generous investments from the community have helped Mesa County Libraries thrive and grow. Public libraries don't belong to anyone, they belong to all of us! Thank you for helping the Mesa County Libraries Foundation build opportunity in the East Valley area.
In 2024, as Mesa County Libraries finish paying for expenses connected to the new Clifton Branch, donations of $250 or more designated for Capital Projects are eligible for Enterprise Zone state tax credit in addition to the regular IRS charitable contribution deduction.
Donate
Our online donation form makes it easy to contribute. Simply fill out the information and choose "Clifton Capital Project" when asked where you would like your donation to go.
Donate by Mail
To mail your tax-deductible gift, please print this form (pdf) and send to:
Mesa County Libraries Foundation
443 North 6th Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Clifton Branch Project Timeline:
- Fall 2023: The new Clifton Branch opened to the public on August 29, 2023. A Grand Opening celebration was held October 7, 2023.
- January 2023: Foundation of the library completed; beam signing at Rocky Mountain Elementary School
- August 2022: Groundbreaking and beginning of construction
- 2022: Finalized location; Mesa County Libraries Foundation kicked off their Capital Campaign to raise funds for the Clifton Branch
- 2021: Hired architect, owner's representative, and contractor for the project; hosted a Community Open House
- October 2020 - January 2021: Sought community feedback on the conceptual design
- January 2020: Conceptual design work began
- December 2019: Branch name selected; library board set tentative square footage and project scope
- 2017: Mesa County Libraries started saving to build the new Clifton Branch
The Clifton Branch is part of Mesa County’s new Clifton Community Campus, to the south of the Clifton Community Hall and the Early Childhood Education Center (opening in the spring of 2024).
Testimonials
"The library is a place of resource and refuge for the entire community. It is a safe place for creativity and expression, something this valley needs."
"The library benefits our community in lots of ways! Book borrowing first and foremost of course. I love the digital borrowing as well, I use that more often than anything else. I also love the fact that we just have a space to grow our community, in whatever ways."
"Mesa County Libraries provides a variety of tools that are extremely valuable at no cost so that any resident, regardless of their socio-economic background, can access resources to further their education or interests."
“The library is an incredible asset to this community. Increasing literacy, assisting the community with technology, making technology available to those who otherwise do not have access and socialization for small children, adolescents and the elderly population. There are so many things we would not have without our local library!”