Dear Editor,

I recently received the heartbreaking news that our charming Gilpin County Library may be closing! My first thought was because of the financial impact that Covid-19 had on our casinos. But that isn’t even why! Interestingly, the library was informed about this a year and a half ago. The county just can’t support this little treasure with our fantastic ‘lowest taxes in the state.’ As a parent, grandparent, and retired teacher, I’d like to address this concerned to the people of Gilpin County. 

Have you ever watched the sparkling eyes of the three year olds as they listened to a children’s librarian magically breathe life into a book?! Our librarian adds so much more with her singing and art and crafts and social interactions that further engage these smiling children. Educators will tell you that this is a vital first step to early literacy. Reading doesn’t start with ABCs in preschool. It starts with wonder and joy that comes from looking at and listening to books. 

That joy needs to start as early as possible. All my grandchildren, delighted in looking at board books in infancy. Taking your toddler to the library is the next step. My granddaughter could go find Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen, on the shelf in the library and take it to my husband to read to her at the age of 18 months. At 8 years old, owls are still her favorite animals, because of that early life impression. 

The library also provides cultural passes for our children and their families. For the delightful cost of zero dollars, a pass to the Denver Zoo, or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, or Dinosaur Ridge can give a family a day of memories. There are many more cultural passes available for check out with your library card. Even we Nanas and Papas get to check them out to take our grandkids. Now, think of the cost of admission to those places. Checking out one pass a year, would more than cover the tax increase they are asking to keep this treasure running. In the end, we will still have the ‘lowest taxes in the state.’

More importantly, the first impression of literature will influence our children forever. Please, join me, and all the concerned people of Gilpin County, and vote YES on the ballot to SAVE OUR LIBRARY.

On behalf of our children,

Thank you,

Marian Slama Shetley
Peak to Peak