Library criticism misses the facts

Pruett’s letter (7/10/26) repeats a host of previously examined and dismissed charges.

Transparency. The library publishes its finances every month, freely available from its website. This includes every check paid and every dollar available. While the library board has not yet voted to put the mill levy extension on the ballot, failure to do so would cost the library $1,000,000 in revenue per year. Oil and gas volatility can result in huge swings of library finance, such as this year’s loss of over $800,000. The library has repeatedly explained how and why it has built up reserves, and how it has earmarked much of it for capital improvements. Library trustees are called upon to be thoughtful stewards of public funds — not to live off savings until the next inevitable crisis.

Responsibility for children. Pruett calls for “open and respectful public discussion” of the books she thinks the library should prevent children from reading. In the first place, that discussion has taken place in many forums around the county over the past several years. She’s not asking for discussion, nor, based on her previous public statements, is she likely to be respectful. She’s asking for censorship, the imposition of private values on the general public.

In the second place, there is no evidence that children are in fact looking for or at the materials she objects to, only that they might. This ignores the presence of an alert staff working hard and successfully to provide a host of age-appropriate materials and programs. It also conveniently excludes the responsibility of the parent. Can’t they talk to their own children?

The bottom line is that a small group of sex-obsessed people wants to impose their fears on the larger community. Their idea of liberty is to rein in yours.

The Garfield County Public Library District is by any measure a successful and effective organization with a firm grasp on its mission and finances.

Jamie LaRue, Glenwood Springs