The Rockrimmon Library in Colorado Springs has functioned as many do; a resource for reading and learning, a safe place for children to be outside of home and school, a place for families with young children to explore literature and play, and so much more. 

The facility hosts clubs for all different ages, classes for kids and adults alike, resources on parenting, toddler time for children under 5, yoga and art workshops, as well as assisting host virtual events that serve the community. 

On October 16th 2024, the Pike's Peak Library District Board of Directors voted 5-2 to close the Rockrimmon branch. By closing this branch the northwest end of Colorado Springs stands to lose an integral institution that provides community services and family forward spaces and programs. 

"The PPLD says they hired a consultant agency to evaluate their facilities and budget and conduct a Master Building Plan for the first time in several years.

The district says that a third party has suggested three different routes, each based on the amount of funding that the district can garner in the coming years.

The first option, consisting of the district's budget remaining unchanged from what it currently us, suggests that the PPLD close two locations, the Rockrimmon and Ruth Holley libraries, which are leased properties.

The second option is to ask for a raise in tax revenue of around $27 dollars per taxpayer, which would help turn the Rockrimmon location into an owned property, instead of a leased property. The district also says that money could also contribute to renovations, or upgrades at other library locations.

The third option is a $51 increase to taxpayers, which would accomplish the same upgrades and improvements as the second option, but accomplish even more." -KDRO News July, 2024

For the board not to reach out to the public during this election cycle and allow the community a say if taxpayers would be willing to assist in funding and to ignore the public offer from the current landlord for a rent reduction of 30k and the opportunity to purchase the building and place it solely in the district's control, it seems clear that in district of fifteen branches serving El Paso county, the concern with funding is a convenient excuse being leaned on to restrict access by shutting the fourth most popular branch with no apparent attempts to hear the voice of the local communities who have vocally called against these closures.

The second branch likely to be affected by these moves to close facilities is Ruth Holly. Both branches serve 100k+ patrons in their respective areas a year. 

The closure of Rockrimmon Library will be a severe blow to El Paso county and only give credence for the library board of directors to continue making these community altering decisions without consulting or by flagrantly ignoring the will of said community. 

For updates on the cause please visit:

https://saverockrimmonlibrary.com/

For more information, please consult the following articles:

https://krdo.com/news/2024/07/08/pikes-peak-library-district-could-consider-closing-two-locations-in-light-of-future-budget-concerns/

https://www.kktv.com/2024/07/07/pikes-peak-library-district-weigh-possibility-closing-two-locations-or-finding-more-funding-through-taxpayers/