Election Information
With 2 propositions for our library’s future
Proudly serving residents at our main library in Cheyenne and our branches in Burns and Pine Bluffs, as well as our mobile library, and this website – our 24/7 virtual branch.
Since 1886, our libraries have been a staple in the community, supporting the needs of diverse populations.
Understanding the 5th Penny
The 5th Penny is Laramie County’s 1% General Purpose Excise Tax. First approved by Laramie County voters in 1977, the current tax expires on December 31, 2026. Voters will decide in the November 3 General Election whether to renew it.
The 5th Penny provides general operating revenue for services throughout Laramie County.
How is this different from the 6th Penny?
While both are 1% sales and use taxes, they fund different things.
The 6th Penny Specific Purpose Optional Tax (SPOT) funds specific projects approved by voters. The 6th Penny funding approved in August is designated for one-time capital improvement projects at library facilities, including infrastructure repair and maintenance as well as community-requested improvements. Those funds can only be used for the purposes approved by voters.
The 5th Penny, by comparison, supports ongoing operations and services rather than designated on-time capital projects.
What Does the 5th Penny Fund?
5th Penny collections support services and operations throughout Laramie County, including Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, fire district equipment, health and welfare organizations, recreation, conservation and development organizations, general government, and Laramie County Library System.
LCLS receives 10% of 5th Penny collections.
What the 5th Penny Means for Your Library
The 5th Penny is an essential source of funding for Laramie County Library System. Although the amount fluctuates from year to year, LCLS receives approximately $1.4 million annually in 5th Penny funding to support patron-centered services, resources, and the infrastructure needed to provide them.
That funding provides:
- Print and digital collections in all formats
- Access to statewide databases and interlibrary loan through our Wyoming library consortium
- The system used to manage patron accounts and library materials
- Public computers
- Internet access
Some of these resources are easy to see, like a book on the shelf or a computer available for public use. Others work behind the scenes.
When you check out a book, place a hold, download an audiobook, search for an item, access a statewide database, request a book from another library, use a public computer, or connect to library internet, you are using resources and systems supported by 5th Penny funding.
Together, they provide much of the essential infrastructure that connects our community to information, technology, and resources of all kinds.
