This casual, nay, deadly serious talk about shuttering a couple of the last vibrant community centers in our rural areas is insensitive and counter-productive. After all, these facilities are used for much more than checking out books as the story pointed out. La Plata’s rural communities have a right to continue relying on their long-standing local libraries. We aren’t asking for tens of thousands to be spent on art work and grand spaces to impress. All we want is for our tax dollars to continue funding these two modest, functional, much-used and loved libraries – two libraries that work in wonderful coordination with Durango School District 9-R, which provides the facilities and some personnel. Talk about a sound continuing investment – try matching that deal. Keep up your end of the bargain, La Plata County commissioners.

Peter Miesler

Hesperus