LTE: Libraries Under Right Wing Political Takeover
A call to protect our libraries from political takeover
In response to the library article in the Post Independent, by Jaymin Kanzer. The journalist missed the point about the hullabaloo at the library meetings. It was never about the placement of certain books on library shelves. It was never about pornography in the library—there is none. It was never about “save our children.”
It was all a decoy by a minority religious right to rile up the public. Using hysteria and misinformation, this group scared people from using and enjoying the library.
After attending many meetings and listening to comments, it is clear this minority voice has a decisive plan. The real intent of this group is to control the library board, vilify the library system, and sully the reputations of those trying to keep our libraries nonpartisan.
It is about denying the LGBTQ community a safe space in our county. It is about denying that the transgender community exists. It is about defunding library programs. It is about defunding our library system. It is about pushing their religious political agenda. Ultimately, it is about firing the executive director of Garfield Libraries because he believes in free speech.
I encourage Jaymin Kanzer to delve deeper to uncover the real story. The real story is the assault on our libraries and why. This group has given every indication they want the library to reflect their groupthink. Their goal is written out in Project 2025.
Hope is not lost. You can use your voice to protect GarCo Libraries by keeping abreast of the happenings with the county commissioners, speaking up at library board meetings, and writing letters to the editor. When we unite, we can protect our GarCo Libraries.
Susan Use, Glenwood Springs