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Say YES on Garfield County, Colorado 6B

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The Garfield County Public Library District has been in existence since 2006, created by voters who wanted a strong and sustainable library presence in their communities.

Part of that vote was to establish a 1 mill property tax levy. It was used to build and maintain 6 branches: one in Parachute, one in Rifle, one in Silt, one in New Castle, one in Glenwood Springs, and one in Carbondale. All of them were indeed built. All of them are beautiful and busy. In recent years, the library has won awards from both the local community and the state library association.

The mill levy expires in 2027. With it would go $1 million in revenue a year, beyond the debt which will also be paid off in 2027.

In early 2026, The library hired a scientific survey, conducted by Magellan Strategies. The findings were pretty clear. 80% of the respondents approved of the direction of the library; just 6% did not. The majority wanted the library to continue providing the services it already provides. The ongoing cost of the mill levy was about $38 a year for the median household. 

So that's the pitch: pay what you already pay and get what you already get. There is no tax increase, just a continuance of what's already in place. The alternative is to chip away at public funding and see library services diminish.

My take: what a bargain! At a time of deliberate misinformation the library remains a place where anyone can investigate the world around them from the safety of those beautiful buildings and with the guidance of an extraordinary staff. Residents can gather with their neighbors to explore not only books but their hobbies and civic issues. Libraries build knowledge, community, and an informed citizenry.

I urge everyone in our community to vote YES on 6B. It's the last item on the ballot, but first in my heart.

For more information, see the campaign website at www.maintaingarcolibraries.org. See also the grassroots website protectgarcolibraries.org for additional background and media coverage.

Be informed. Participate in our democracy. Support your local library. 

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