Our Mission

We are the voice of Garfield County (Colorado) residence, committed to defending our public libraries from political and ideological interference. Our goal is to protect intellectual freedom, insure access to diverse information and provide open access for all.

About Us

Protect Our Garfield County Libraries is committed to delivering precise information and valuable resources concerning censorship challenges in Garfield County. The organization seeks to promote informed community conversations by sharing factual insights on contested library materials and championing intellectual freedom. By advocating for unrestricted access to diverse perspectives and resisting unwarranted limitations on library content, Protect Our Garfield County Libraries strives to uphold the public’s fundamental right to read and engage with a wide array of ideas, ensuring these freedoms are preserved for every resident.

  • Ellen Dole

    Before retiring to Glenwood Springs in 2016, I was an attorney with the US Department of Housing & Urban Development for 37 years.  Free access to books of all types are essential for personal growth and a successful society.  I am committed to ensuring that our libraries continue to foster a love of reading and unfettered access to books and knowledge.

  • Jamie LaRue

    I have been Director of Garfield County Public Library District since May 2022. From January 2016 to November 2018, I was Director of The American Library Association for Intellectual Freedom. From 1990-2014, I ran the Douglas County Public Library District. I am the author of two books on censorship and I believe wholeheartedly in the freedom to read.

  • Carole O'Brien

    As a 30 year resident of Garfield County and almost 70 year resident of Colorado, I am and have been a lot of things: great grandma. bookseller ,counselor, lawyer and unfailingly always an avid reader. The printed word has carried me to every corner of the Earth and beyond, into the vastness of the universe. I am dedicated to preserving our libraries as fundamental institutions of democracy, providing access to information and the joy of reading to everyone.

  • Jocelyn Durrance

    I am a career librarian with 30 years as Assistant Director at the Pitkin County Library in Aspen. After retirement I served one term as a trustee for the Garfield County Public Library District.  I was up for reappointment.  The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners asked that I reapply, reinterview and chose not to reappoint me.  When something I value is taken away from me, I react.  POGL has become my vehicle to voice my concerns about the current state and future public existence of public libraries in Garfield County.

  • Mae Grey

    I'm a passionate community advocate, vintage curator, and fierce defender of free expression. As a resident of Garfield County and a vocal supporter of our public libraries, I’ve been on the front lines of the fight against censorship and Christian nationalism in Colorado. Whether I’m organizing protests, attending board meetings, or building allyship programs for immigrants and LGBTQ+ folks, I bring heart, humor, and a relentless drive to protect everyone’s right to read, learn, and belong.

  • Susan Use

    My working career was spent as a school teacher. Along the way I picked up a masters in Education and Library Science. The role as library trustee merged my experience and education beautifully until it did not. After a term on the Library board of trustees, I was not reappointed … it was political. This jolt in life brought out an individual who is action oriented and committed to assuring our libraries are free of religious agendas and sneaky politics. Library boards and policies should remain non partisan.