The Library District serves a diverse and varied population covering the rural areas of Byers and Deer Trail, the cities of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine, Glendale, Greenwood Village and Sheridan, and the unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County. The Library District is also a major resource for elementary and high school students of the Littleton, Cherry Creek, Sheridan, Byers and Deer Trail School Districts, as well as for those receiving private and home schooling, and students attending local colleges and universities.

Funding is provided through a 4.9 property tax mill levy. Any increase in the mill levy must be approved by a vote of the people. A non-profit Arapahoe Library Friends Foundation was established in 1990 to raise additional money from the private sector and to serve as an advocacy group for the Library District. The Foundation and its partner, the Friends of the Arapahoe Library District, which was established in 1995, support a variety of Library District programs and services.

The Library District's Board of Trustees is appointed by the Arapahoe County Commissioners and the Board of the Deer Trail School District. Other than the appointment of the Library Trustees, the District has full autonomy over its operational and financial administration.