We have filed a lawsuit: Integrity Matters v. Pikes Peak Library District

Read the details of the lawsuit here.

Facts + Frequently Asked Questions

Save Rockrimmon Library is a dedicated community action group made up of citizens from El Paso County, Colorado. This grassroots movement has brought to light significant concerns about PPLD’s data transparency, budget priorities, and the future of public library access, as the PPLD Board warns of potential additional library closures.

The campaign has evolved to include COS Reads, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. COS Reads serves as the parent organization, providing a platform for current and future campaigns, such as Save Rockrimmon Library. While the Save Rockrimmon Library campaign remains focused on advocating for the Northwest Colorado Springs community, COS Reads is committed to broader goals, including creating vibrant community spaces, maintaining access to library resources, and ensuring accountability and transparency within PPLD.

After the closure of Rockrimmon Library, COS Reads was established to continue the fight for transparency, accountability, and equitable access to public libraries. The mission of COS Reads is to advocate for systemic reforms, mobilize volunteers and resources, and work toward establishing a thriving community center that serves as a hub for connection and learning.

Thank you for your continued support as we transition into this exciting new chapter, amplifying our impact and advocating for library access and community connections across the region!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: COS READS

FACTS

What is COS Reads?

COS Reads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the parent organization for grassroots campaigns like Save Rockrimmon Library. Born out of the efforts to preserve the Rockrimmon Library, COS Reads is dedicated to advocating for community spaces and equitable library access, both in Northwest Colorado Springs and beyond.

Our mission is twofold:

(1) Short-Term Goals: Establishing an interim community library to serve as a gathering space, offer traditional library services, and maintain a sense of community connection while advocating for systemic change within the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).

(2) Long-Term Goals: Promoting greater transparency, accountability, and oversight within PPLD, including advocating for a balanced and skilled Board of Trustees. Our ultimate goal is to support systemic reforms and work toward the reopening of a library in Northwest Colorado Springs.

COS Reads provides a platform for current and future campaigns, ensuring our efforts can adapt and grow to meet community needs. Through volunteer mobilization, donations, and legal action, we are building a stronger, more connected community while ensuring public libraries remain accessible for everyone.

What will the interim community library look like?

The interim community library will serve as a gathering space for Northwest Colorado Springs residents, providing traditional library services and fostering community connection. Our goal is to create a volunteer-led space where patrons can access books, participate in educational and social programs, and host community meetings.

This interim library will also preserve the spirit of Rockrimmon Library while we continue to advocate for long-term solutions. Specific features will depend on available resources, but our vision includes:

• A lending library with a curated selection of books for all ages.

• Dedicated areas for children, students, and seniors.

• A community meeting room for local groups and events.

• Programs and workshops led by volunteers and local experts.

Stay tuned for updates as we finalize our plans and work toward making this vision a reality!

How can I support COS Reads?

Your support is essential to achieving our goals. Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate: Every dollar helps! Contributions support our interim community library, legal efforts, and long-term advocacy for systemic reforms at PPLD. Donate by check or online—visit saverockrimmonlibrary.com for details.

2. Volunteer: We need passionate community members to help with everything from organizing events to distributing flyers. Let us know how you’d like to get involved!

3. Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, family, and neighbors. Encourage them to join our email list and follow us on social media for updates.

4. Advocate: Contact city officials and PPLD leadership to express your support for library access and accountability. Personalized letters and emails make a big impact.

5. Attend Meetings: Show up at public meetings to demonstrate our community’s commitment to libraries and community spaces.

Together, we can create a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for standing with COS Reads!

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes! COS Reads is an approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our Tax ID (EIN) is 33-2257385. A receipt will be emailed or mailed to you for your records. Thank you for supporting our mission to create a stronger, more connected community!

FACTS

The decision to close Rockrimmon Library lacks a solid foundation. Our analysis of PPLD’s budget, data, and stakeholder processes reveals significant flaws in their reasoning. From Rockrimmon’s high usage efficiency and cost-effectiveness to the lack of community engagement and inadequate alternatives for patrons, the data and process simply don’t support this closure. Below, we’ve outlined the key talking points, data, and sources that demonstrate why this decision doesn’t make sense and how it threatens equitable access and vital community services.

Key Talking Points

1. Data Does Not Support Closure: Save Rockrimmon Library has researched the PPLD’s budget documents and Master Facilities Plan and found that the PPLD’s data does not justify closing the Rockrimmon Library. Based on PPLD’s Master Facilities Plan, Rockrimmon Library has the 2nd highest circulation and 2nd highest usage efficiency out of all 15 PPLD libraries. This independent review of PPLD’s data shows the library’s overall cost and usage are not a reason for closure, but rather for expansion.

2. Inadequate Stakeholder Process: Until the October 16th vote, PPLD staff repeatedly assured the Northwest Colorado Springs community that Rockrimmon Library was not in danger of closing. The Board of Trustees misled City Council members, community leaders, and patrons, stating no closures would be considered until 2025. There were no Northwest community meetings to discuss either the PPLD Master Facilities Plan or the impending closure. While this group has reached out to the Board, the Board refuses to engage in a productive dialogue.

3. Unjust Financial Priorities: Rockrimmon Library is one of the most cost-efficient PPLD libraries. It operates at a lower cost per citizen than many other facilities. The area contributes approximately $1.2 million annually in PPLD mill levy taxes, but the Rockrimmon Library costs approximately half as much to operate each year.

4. Community Hub at Risk: This library is essential for Northwest Colorado Springs. It serves as a gathering space for community meetings, senior programs, student resources, and more. There are no other community centers in the Northwest area. The city funds four community centers in other areas of the city, paying an average of $707,000 each ($2.8 million total) every year. If the PPLD Board of Trustees does not fund this library, it is in the city’s best interest to keep this community center open.

5. Concerns Over Equitable Access: Other PPLD libraries cannot absorb Rockrimmon's patron base without causing significant inconvenience. Many residents specifically moved to the area for easy library access, and many patrons, including seniors and youth, rely on Rockrimmon Library for its accessibility. There is no bus service to this area, meaning residents without cars will lose access to libraries.

6. Call Upon City Council for Accountability: On November 19, the group called upon the City Council without success to hold the PPLD Board accountable and to ensure all other budgetary solutions are fully explored before libraries are closed. Closing libraries is not a sign of a healthy community and should be the last option considered.

Key Documents

- - PPLD Annual Reports

- - PPLD Bylaws

- - PPLD Establishment Doc

- - PPLD Facilities Master Plan

- - CO Library Law

- - CO State Library

- - CO Yearly Stats

Financial Facts

• PPLD Financial Analysis

• How much does the Rockrimmon Area pay in taxes to PPLD?

Average Home value in the 80919 zip code. $500,000

Residential access value rate. 6.765%

Assessed value for the home. $33,825 ( $500,000 x .06765)

Mill levy. 3.061 mills

Library Property Tax: $103.54 ($33,825 x 3.061/1,000).

There are roughly 12,485 households in the 80919 zip code area.

This means that our area pays roughly 1.3 million in library district taxes.

Use + Efficiency Facts

• Analysis based on 2024 Facilities Master Plan shows Rockrimmon is one of the most cost-efficient Libraries in the PPLD System.

• Rockrimmon Library had the 4th highest circulation of the 15 libraries in 2022 (even higher than Penrose’s circulation), and 2nd highest circulation of the 12 Community Libraries. (Highlighted chart here.)
Source: (1) Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, PPLD, Year ending December 31, 2022, Exhibit I-19, page 151. Downloaded 11/2/2024, https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/about/cafr2022.pdf.

• Rockrimmon Library has the 2nd highest usage efficiency (weighted activities per open hour per square foot) of all 15 PPLD Libraries. (Highlighted chart here.)

Source: Facilities Master Plan, Pikes Peak Library District, Final Submittal, 10/20/2024, HB&A-ReThinking Libraries-Farnsworth Group, page 30. Downloaded from https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/bot/2024_Facilities_Master_Plan.pdf, 11/2/2024.

• 10-year deferred maintenance costs estimates by independent consultants for the 3 largest PPLD facilities exceeds $15M. (Highlighted chart here.)

Source: Facilities Master Plan, Pikes Peak Library District, Final Submittal, 10/20/2024, HB&A-ReThinking Libraries-Farnsworth Group, page 39, downloaded 11/2/2024, https://ppl d.org/sites/default/files/bot/2024_Facilities_Master_Plan.pdf

• Rockrimmon is the 4th most cost efficient of all the libraries (budgeted operational cost per circulated item, 2022 data), and the 3rd most cost efficient of all libraries with deferred maintenance costs. (Highlighted chart here.)

Sources: (1) : Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Pikes Peak Library District, Year ending December 31, 2022, Exhibit I-19, page 151. Downloaded 11/2/2024, https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/about/cafr2022.pdf, (2) Budget data from PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT 2022 BUDGET PROPOSAL, https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/bot/2022%20BUDGET%20BOOK%2010142021%20vVersion%2011%20%20-Final%20Preliminary.pdf, pages 96 (North), 83 (Southeast), 72 (West), page 108 Facilities. (3) Facilities Master Plan, Pikes Peak Library District, Final Submittal, 10/20/2024, HB&A-ReThinking Libraries-Farnsworth Group, page 30. Downloaded 11/2/2024, https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/bot/2024_Facilities_Master_Plan.pdf, and https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/about/cafr2023.pdf

Facility Facts

• Page 61 of the 2024 Facilities Master Plan includes details related to Rockrimmon Library. (Page screenshot here.)

• “Busyness index” is comparing metrics other than how many people use the library. This needs to be redone. Based on efficiency numbers in the Rockrimmon Library Use and Efficiency Facts, Rockrimmon Library is a highly utilized library.

• Under Library Services Overview, Key Programmatic Issues are all small issues:

- - ADA entrance means a button needs to be added. Entrance is already level and wide enough, and accessible parking is much closer than other libraries.

- - There is a break area for staff.

- - According to page 30 of the PPLD 2024 Adopted Budget, flooding remediation cost $17,433 during the wettest June on record.

- - Parking is not an issue.

- - Space too small for usage is a reason to expand, not close.

• Under Library Services Overview, Key Condition Issues are all small issues.

- - Lifecycle: Replacing restroom fixtures – everything works now, and this is a minor expense.

- - Deficiency: Minor drywall repair and carpet replacement are nothing compared to structural issues at other libraries.

- - Maintenance: Rockrimmon Library has the 12th highest (5th lowest) 10-year maintenance projection out of 16 facilities.

• Program Site Findings do not support closure.

- - Retaining wall flooding was not included in the Facility Condition Assessment because it isn’t a real issue of concern. Flooding occurred during the wettest month ever in Colorado Springs (June 2023) and does not represent a major recurring issue. According to page 30 of the PPLD 2024 Adopted Budget, flooding remediation cost $17,433. This is insignificant when taken in context of the larger budget.

Source (rainfall): https://www.weather.gov/pub/climate2023JuneReviewJulyPreview#:~:text=The%209.62%20inches%20recorded%20in,inches%20of%20rain%20was%20recorded.

Source (flood mediation cost).

- - Highest operational cost per square foot is extremely misleading. Rockrimmon is the 3rd most cost efficient and has the 2nd highest usage efficiency based on the Facilities Master Plan, which will be shown in a later presentation.

- - Other libraries are neither nearby nor easily accessible.

Service Area

• 10-minute drive time analysis polygons shown here.

• Closer version, where you can see significant overlap of service areas in the Southern part of the City.

• Area losing access to a library within a 10-minute drive, including 6 public schools.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Save Rockrimmon Library

We’ve done our best to answer these FAQs accurately. If you spot any errors, have additional insights or questions, let us know. You can email us at [email protected]

We are using the acronym PPLD for Pikes Peak Library District below located in Colorado Springs and El Paso County.

Is it too late to save the Rockrimmon Library?

Technically, the PPLD Board voted not to renew the lease for Rockrimmon Library, rather than officially closing it. While the Board has suggested they might consider reopening the library in the future, the majority of its members currently seem resistant to prioritizing library services for the Northwest community. We remain committed to advocating for a PPLD location in Northwest Colorado Springs and will continue to fight for equitable library access for our community.

Why does PPPLD want to close the Rockrimmon Library?

PPLD’s consideration to close the Rockrimmon Library is primarily due to financial and operational challenges. According to the Facilities Master Plan, key reasons include (1) Lease Costs, (2) Facility Size and Condition, and (3) Budget Constraints.

(2024 PPLD budget and PPLD Annual Report) You can read their full explanation: https://ppld.org/rockrimmon-library-lease-decision

Some feel that PPLD may not be acting in the public's best interest due to several concerns:

Lack of Transparency: Some residents feel that decisions, such as closing Rockrimmon Library, have been made without sufficient community input or clear communication.

Focus on Financial Cuts Over Community Needs: PPLD’s cost-cutting measures, like closing leased branches, appear to prioritize budget constraints over community needs. Additionally, PPLD has not pursued a ballot measure to increase funding, which is a missed opportunity to involve the community in securing sustainable support for all library branches.

Dismissal of Community Efforts: Many feel the board has not fully considered alternative solutions to keep Rockrimmon Library open. The board dismissed the Rockrimmon Library owner's offer to lower rent and take care of all maintenance issues. This unwillingness to collaborate on creative solutions contributes to skepticism about PPLD’s commitment to serving community interests.

What has PPLD done to try to keep the library open?

The June 2024 Facilities Master Plan states that increased funding could help keep branches, including Rockrimmon, open. However, PPLD has not pursued additional funding sources, nor sought support from the Friends of PPLD. They also dismissed a lease reduction offer from the property owner and did not consider residents’ pledges to help fundraise for the branch.

Is the problem the Rockrimmon Library building owner?

The people organizing this effort have not been privy to conversations between PPLD and the building owner.

The building owner has attended several community meetings and has offered solutions to address maintenance issues, including a reduced lease and covering flooding or sinkhole repair costs. The Master Facilities Plan states, “This leased facility is in excellent condition with no deferred maintenance required to meet the FCI target of 0.10"

The primary issue appears to be PPLD’s budget constraints and decisions around allocating resources, rather than the building owner’s actions.

Is the Rockrimmon branch not frequently used?

Rockrimmon is tied with Cheyenne Mountain Library as the second busiest library out of 15 locations and the mobile library. The Facilities Master Plan notes that the Rockrimmon branch is actually undersized for its level of patronage.

What services does the library provide Rockrimmon?

The Rockrimmon Library provides a variety of essential services to the community, including:

Meeting Space: Available for community gatherings, events, and study groups.

Children’s Programs: Storytimes, reading programs, and educational activities.

Safe Spaces for Youth: A welcoming, secure environment where kids and teens can spend time after school. Many Eagleview Middle Schoolers go here after school and late start mornings.

Senior and adult programs: Art classes, yoga classes, and book clubs.

Access to Books and Reading: Extensive collections across genres to encourage reading and lifelong learning.

Who voted to close Rockrimmon Library?

The PPLD Board of Trustees voted to not renew the lease for the Rockrimmon Library on 10/16, which passed 5-2.

Board of Trustees Members - - Vote on Library Closure (YES to Close / NO to Keep Open)

Dora Gonzales, President - - YES (1st term ends 12/31/2024)

Erin Bents, Secretary/Treasurer - - YES (1st term ends 12/31/2026)

Aaron Salt - - YES (1st term ends 12/31/2026)

Julie Smyth - - YES (1st term ends 12/31/2027)

Angela Dougan - - YES (1st term ends 12/31/2028)

Scott Taylor, Vice President - - NO (2nd term ends 12/31/2027)

Debbie English - - NO (2nd term ends 12/31/2025)

Note: PPLD Board of Trustees members are appointed for 5 years – and may be reappointed once (for a total of 10 years). Both Scott Taylor and Debbie English are on their second terms.

How are PPLD Board of Trustees members selected?

Members of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Board of Trustees are appointed through a collaborative process involving the Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Board of Commissioners. Both groups appoint two PPLD liaisons each.

When a vacancy arises, the Office of the Chief Librarian at PPLD collects applications, which are then reviewed by the four liaisons. They recommend which applicant(s) they feel are best and both the City Council and the Commissioners vote on them. Both groups must agree.

Trustees serve five-year terms and are eligible to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms, allowing for a total of up to ten years on the Board.