POGL Updates for July
Dear Protect our GarCo Libraries (POGL) Supporters:
Thank you for your ongoing interest in our libraries.
Here's a brief update on current news:
A New Executive Director!
Abraham Korah is our new executive director! Abraham has been the Glenwood Springs Branch Manager for the past several years. Before that he was the library director at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Spring Valley. Abraham also has an impressive list of academic degrees: an undergraduate degree in finance, a master’s in business administration, a master’s in library science, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Our POGL website tracks media coverage of significant (mostly) local library news. Find out more about Abraham and his vision for the future there.
A Mill Levy Campaign?
At the August 6, 2026 meeting (2 p.m., Parachute Branch Library) the Board of Library Trustees is expected to make a decision about whether to put a question on the November 2026 ballot: shall the existing mill levy of 1 mill (an average of $38 per household per year) be continued? Originally, the mill levy was used to construct 6 libraries. If the mill levy disappears, the district would lose roughly $1 million in revenue annually. Polling found that 80% of county residents approve of the library (and only 6% do not). Respondents overwhelmingly indicated their desire to maintain library services. So a "yes" vote by the board is likely.
However, at the August 6 meeting some trustees may be out of town. Consider showing up to urge the board, during public comments, to let the voters decide. Given the strong support the poll revealed, our residents at least deserve the option to weigh in before the library gives up necessary funding.
The POGL leadership team supports this continuation of the mill levy. We have taken steps to begin organizing a campaign. If the mill levy extension is approved by the board to go on the ballot, we'll be putting out a call for your help. That help might include:
Being a local campaign leader for your town (Parachute, Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Glenwood Springs, or Carbondale)
Speaking to local groups
Writing letters of support to local media
Putting up flyers or yard signs
Donating to the campaign
Attending and/or hosting public meetings
and generally talking it up
Note that you may also attend the August 6 board meeting and make public comments in-person or via Zoom. See https://gcpld.org/about-us/leadership/board-of-trustees/ to register for comments or review the board packet.
2027 Trustees
In December of this year, there will be two library board vacancies. (Each of the terms would be for 5 years, beginning in January 2027.) The first is our award winning Board President, Adrian Rippy-Sheey, who will be termed out. She has represented the Silt area, and her replacement must also reside there. Her expertise and commitment will be missed.
The second is John Mallonee, who is an at-large representative. John is a local attorney, and has brought a thoughtful and measured tone to board proceedings. He is eligible for reappointment. But as many of you know, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), which is responsible under state law for trustee appointments, has frequently rejected sitting board members in favor of more ideologically aligned representatives. That kind of political interference with the library's mission is one of the reasons POGL was created.
If you are interested in applying to become a board member, stay tuned. In general, that consists of submitting a letter of interest to the BOCC. But that letter should also state why you would be interested, and include relevant background about your skills and experience. POGL is considering putting together a training session to help people understand just what a trustee is responsible for, how to apply and when, and perhaps get some practice being interviewed.
Our libraries serve an important role in our community: fanning the flames of literacy in young minds, supporting students in their studies, helping adults in everything from leisure reading, to offering public information programs, to coaching them through home improvement projects, to creating a business plan, and much more.
We need fearless and thoughtful civic leaders to help make our community stronger. Consider stepping up!
We’re here for you!
Have a question or concern? Email us at garcolibrarylove@gmail.com.
