Dear Editor,

I’ve lived in Gilpin County for 30 years. Until 2000 I worked in Boulder and utilized their library – there wasn’t one up here until 1995, I think.

When I started working up here, I began using the Gilpin Library. I am so grateful for it. I’m someone who MUST have something to read at all times. I’ve always lived in small towns and there has always been a library. It’s unimaginable to me to be without one. Books are quite expensive, and it makes so much sense to borrow rather than buy them. 

When Michael Carlson became the director of the Gilpin County Public Library, things got even better as far as the selection of books and the availability of new books. For me, the library is all about books and reading.

The library offers much more. We have taken advantage of the notary public a few times – much appreciated and so convenient. I’ve attended a couple of Deb’s story hours – she’s great and what a wonderful way to introduce children to reading and literacy. There is free internet, wifi access, printing, faxing and scanning. There are E-books, too! I didn’t even know about the cultural passes program until a friend mentioned them last year. They include passes to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Natural Science, the Butterfly Pavilion and more. 

The library has comfortable space to relax and a very good sized meeting room. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. 

To me it would be a huge shame for our community (or any community) to be without a library.

Kathleen Singer
Gilpin County