(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs community members have opened a new library to try and fill a gap left by the Rockrimmon Library’s closure. The new library is completely separate from the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and is operated by a non-profit called COS Reads.

The interim library in Rockrimmon opened at the start of April and has a grand opening party scheduled for May 10th. All of their books are donated, and it’s run by volunteers out of the Christ the King Lutheran Church. Their hours are limited.

With a new library in town, the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is concerned about confusion. They released a letter they sent to COS Reads from their attorney, as well as a message for community members. You can read both in full by clicking here.

In a written statement to FOX21 News, a PPLD spokesperson said, “The letter from our attorney speaks for itself regarding the concerns we have raised about some actions by COS Reads. We want to be clear that PPLD fully supports efforts that promote literacy, community engagement, and access to information. Our intent is not to discourage new library initiatives, but PPLD has a responsibility to ensure that the public is not confused as to the source of those library services. We remain committed to serving the Rockrimmon community and continue to explore opportunities to provide sustainable library services there.”

COS Reads says they are shocked by the public attack on their library by the PPLD. Their director, Karla Powers, says the statements that were made in the PPLD’s letters are disparaging and inaccurate. She added that their volunteers have gone through background checks, their “toddler time” instructor has extensive experience and credentials, and their “paws to read” team is the same team that the PPLD uses.

“Once the library closed, it’s like they wrenched the heart out of our neighborhood,” said Powers, “there are no community centers in the whole Northwest part of Colorado Springs. So, with a whole bunch of volunteers, a whole bunch of experts, we’ve created this very rustic interim location here.”