(COLORADO SPRINGS) — In less than a month, on Sunday, Dec. 1, the Rockrimmon Library on the Northwest side of Colorado Springs will close. On Saturday, Nov. 16, the “Save the Rockrimmon Library Group” and a local workers union gathered to discuss the future of libraries across the Pikes Peak Region.

On Saturday, the Pikes Peak Library Workers United hosted an event highlighting the library’s internal problems. According to the organization, one of the key issues they discussed was the “irresponsible use of funding” and a lack of transparency and communication from the board of trustees.

“I’ve seen too many tears over this. It’s a real impact on the community,” said Jacob Ward, president of Pikes Peak Library Workers United.

“We’re trying to raise awareness of that and connect our union with the Save the Rockrimmon Library Group and Concerned Community members so that we can do what we can about Rockrimmon as well as try to prevent any other library in town from closing,” said Ward.

Members of the library group say it’s been a rough few years due to irresponsible use of funds, a lack of transparency and communication, and conflicting issues from the board of trustees.

“Books are a big part of libraries,” said Ward. “But the fact that it’s an institution that supports the First Amendment and freedom of speech, freedom of thought, intellectual freedom, the ability to check out the most controversial book you could ever think of,… and learn as well as keeping that confidential.”

Former Colorado congressional candidate River Gassen also attended, rallying the community to save libraries in Southern Colorado.

“Having access to community spaces that you don’t have to pay for to rent. Having access to an environment where you could host events,” said Gassen. “You know, the things that a library provides for the community is all great for the community, and it’s a good use of our tax dollars ultimately.”

She said the best solution to prevent more library closures is to increase funding.

“I think this is going to have a really tremendous impact on children, especially, and working parents who want to have their kids in a safe environment where they can know they don’t have to stress about what their kids are doing,” said Gassen.

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