Welcome to the Southwest La Plata Library District’s website. As your board, we pledge to provide resources, services, and expertise that will inspire all to read, explore, ask, and discover. It is our goal for these spaces to continually encourage reading, supplement learning and inspire ideas while providing access to technology.

We are grateful to the many dedicated citizens who are devoted to funding these two libraries in an effort to build community and promote lifelong learning in La Plata County’s rural areas. Our mission is to use these fiscal resources wisely. We are thankful to work in collaboration with Durango’s 9-R School District “an innovative educational system committed to excellence.”

We are striving for increased local participation in our community-owned Sunnyside and Fort Lewis Mesa Libraries. Please explore our pages and contact either Library Manager, Cheryl or Chris, with your questions, comments and ideas.

Your SWLPLD promises to enrich the educational, social, and cultural opportunities in Southwest La Plata County.
Check out the calendar page to see what we’re up to.

Southwest La Plata Library District
PO Box 62
Marvel, CO 81329
Email link

For information regarding Southwest La Plata Library District Board meetings – Please link to the official meeting announcement page.

Welcome to the SWLP Library District where we believe libraries are important because they:

  • Provide internet access to patrons without reliable home internet access
  • Provide educational, cultural, & social meeting places for all ages
  • Provide resources for preschoolers to senior citizens, homeschoolers to English language learners
  • Offer a variety of books, audio & visual media, activities & programs for free
  • Maintain collections of local history & stories
  • Build strong & positive connections within our communities
  • Are affordable, accessible, vital centers of our rural communities

WHAT’S TO LOVE IN OUR LIBRARIES?

  • Books
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Internet
  • Rural Connections
  • Interactive Programs
  • Games
  • Local History
  • Public Meeting Places
  • FUN!
Early in August of 2019, 9R School District came out as an early supporter of our community effort to save Sunnyside Public Library and Fort Lewis Mesa Public Library by forming our own Southwest La Plata Library District. We will strive to fulfill the trust they placed in our effort.
Ballot Measure #6D succeeded Nov. 2019