A generation of children in Durango are growing up thinking libraries are closed on Sundays. They might be surprised to find that other libraries of our size in Colorado are open on Sundays.

Closing of the Durango Public Library was one of many sacrifices made in the wake of the economic crunch of 2009, ironically just after our then-new, award-winning library opened. Most departments have since recaptured their pre-recession staffing; not the library.

This signature accomplishment of Durango’s citizenry, its salute to and investment in reading, research, literacy and community, sits idle on one important leisure day of the week – not a good return on investment.

In 2018, the Library Advisory Board, consisting of three city and two county appointees, which I chair, made a special point of conducting interviews with patrons. Those conversations consistently pointed to an important need – that the library be available on Sundays.

Let us make this very plain. While provision for Sunday openings was incorporated into the proposed and balanced 2020 budget, Sunday openings will not happen if citizens do not communicate with City Council that this provision should remain in the budget.

Opening on Sunday requires no new tax and is affordable but we, as citizens, must make it clear it is a priority.

The Recreation Center is open on Sundays because weekends are a heavy use time. It’s time to reopen our library on Sundays as well. We can afford it and we need it.

Bill LeMaire

Durango