About the State Library and Executive Director
State
Library
Our purpose and key activities are defined in the
Library Law portion of state statutes and further
refined by goals and strategies set forth in the
statewide strategic plan for libraries, and the
five-year
Library Services and technology plan.
The State Library is arranged by unit according to activities and library needs. The Talking Book Library offers free library services for blind, low-vision, physically and learning-disabled residents. Library Development provides leadership and support for public, school, and institutional libraries, plus continuing education and consultation. Networking and Resource Sharing oversees the Colorado Virtual Library along with several technology-based services for libraries and the public, including the 24/7 virtual reference service, AskColorado. The State Publications unit provides Colorado residents with permanent public access to information produced by state government. The Library Research Service maintains the library jobline and collects and analyzes data on library use to help inform libraries and their users on the current status of services. Additional staff help track and distribute state and federal funds to implement new projects.
The State Library strives for cooperation and collaboration among the state’s libraries and library-related organizations. Please share your ideas, comments, or questions about the state’s library services with the Executive Director, or staff.
Executive
Director 
Eugene (Gene) Hainer was appointed in May 2005 by the Commissioner of Education to head the State Library. He graduated from CU Boulder in 1980 with music education degree, and obtained the MLIS from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989.
His background includes several years as a teacher and band director in central Texas, followed by five years as a media specialist in the Poudre school district, prior to accepting a position with the State Library in 1995 as the school libraries sr. consultant. He served for five years as director of library development prior to appointment to the current position.
He was born in Denver and grew up in Colorado, graduating from Fort Morgan HS in 1976. His three children, Cory, Eric, and Meghan live and work in Fort Collins. Wife Brenda is Executive Director of BCR, a library consortium based in Aurora. Parents Galen and Kaye live in Lamar and help with numerous community-related events, including the public library board.
For additional information contact Gene Hainer, 303-866-6900.