Re: “Library funding needs context,” May 19 editorial.
A strong library system is strategically imperative for any great city’s economic and community development. The Denver Public Library changes lives: creating jobs through small business development; bridging the “digital divide” by empowering our workforce for the rigorous demands of today’s knowledge-based economy; enabling patrons to harness sophisticated technologies; and building communities across the city — all while investing in our future through child and adult literacy programs.
Several years of deep budget cuts have weakened our award-winning library, and the latest city shortfall will impose unacceptable cuts on the library system. The library could be forced to choose between closing up to 12 branches or slashing hours across the system until our already part-time branches are only open one or two days a week, reducing them to being libraries in name only.
Dedicated funding must be secured for our library. There are more than 50 library districts in Colorado. Contrary to The Denver Post’s editorial, library advocates have been diligently working with the city’s Structural Financial Task Force, the mayoral candidates and the City Council to be part of the overall solution to the budget deficit. With another $100 million in cuts looming, a library district mill levy of $56 a year on a $200,000 home would raise $38 million, making a significant down payment on the budget deficit and alleviating otherwise draconian cuts to other vital city services, such as safety and fire.
Our great city deserves better than part-time libraries, police and fire departments. Please join us for upcoming Library’s Community Budget meetings () to learn more.
Michael King is president of the board of trustees for the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation.
