Do not put libraries into hands of unelected board

It is unfortunate that proponents of the Library District are categorizing those opposed to their proposal as library haters. This attitude inhibits discussion of the proposal itself, which I believe is flawed and leaves many questions unanswered.

Libraries are like my second home, and I am so grateful for Boulder’s crown jewels. In North Boulder, we have been eagerly awaiting the construction of our neighborhood library.

The ballot proposal, however, while listing the creation of a new Gunbarrel library, makes no mention of the North Boulder Library.

The Library District proposal would take decisions about Boulder’s libraries out of the hands of its citizens and community and place them in the hands of an unelected board chosen by the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners. This unelected board might make decisions that are good for the communities outside Boulder but not necessarily for Boulder itself.

While some people consider the property tax increase this bill would levy a trifle, many long-time Boulder residents and seniors who wish to remain in their homes are troubled that their property tax bills — which have risen exponentially in the last few years and are expected to continue to rise — would increase even more. Yes, it is true our libraries have taken a hit during this pandemic, but the new City Council budget shows a healthy increase for our libraries.

The citizens of Boulder have always stood by their libraries and will continue to do so. We don’t need an unelected board taking that decision-making process away from us.

—Ellen Stark, Boulder