Residents press commissioners over Rockrimmon Library closure, call for transparent library-board appointments

Several residents used the meeting’s public-comment period on Jan. 28 to urge the Board of County Commissioners to review the Pikes Peak Library District’s decision to close the Rockrimmon Library and to insist on a more transparent trustee-selection process.

“I do not want to be here. I want to go back to trusting that my elected officials are acting in the best interests of the county,” said Carl Leavers, who identified himself as a Colorado Springs resident of more than 25 years. Leavers criticized the library board’s selection process and asked commissioners to “support a selection process that is transparent” and that “prioritizes financial and library experience.”

Other speakers — including Chris Matini, Brooke Graves and Joe Pilka — urged the board to review the trustees’ decision and asked commissioners to consider appointees who will keep neighborhood library branches open and scrutinize district finances. Joe Pilka said the group has tracked roughly 51 applicants for a current opening on the library board and asked commissioners to consider candidates “that know finances and will look past the fluff.”

Brooke Graves, speaking for a local group that identifies as COSReads (formerly Save Rockrimmon Library), said residents offered assistance to the district and have been “stonewalled” and called for the county to intervene or insist on clearer public processes for appointments to boards that affect county residents.

Commissioners did not take formal action during the meeting on the library matter; public comment was recorded for the public record. Several commissioners indicated they heard the concerns, and the speakers said they would follow up with the board.