A recent letter to the editor (Herald, Aug. 14) questioning the handling of library funds has caused concern in the community.
The building fund was established to augment the bond issue. Funds were donated to support the new library through the Friends of the Durango Public Library, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and earmarked strictly for technology, furniture and landscaping with the expenditures controlled by the Library Advisory Board, subject to approval by the Friend’s Board.
The building fund is not replenishable. The goal was to raise $750,000. Citizens raised $1.25 million, of which $1 million was spent before the new library was opened leaving a balance of $250,000.
This residual has been spent on assets like 40 e-readers, the book drop cover, the coffee shop operated by Durango School District 9-R training youths with special needs, digitization of Durango newspapers, a contribution to the Durango Botanical Society for library grounds projects and so on.
Yes, there is a balance of $98,846.62, but given that joint sales tax revenues that fund the library are down, and that the building fund is not replenishable, is it wise to spend this money unnecessarily?
Separately, the Friends’ funds are raised through the work of over 100 volunteers and the generosity of book donations. The Friends annually accrue approximately $30,000 from book sales and the bookstore. The Friends spend approximately $40,000 yearly on activities such as Library programs, the Literary Festival and children’s room upgrades.
Joint sales tax revenues are down, keeping the library from adding needed staff, opening on Sundays and limiting the library budget. The Friends board decided to keep a financial cushion in case needs arise that cannot be funded through the library budget. We must be prepared for the future, and access to literacy and technology must be kept open for all our residents.
Rest assured the Friends of the Library understand their fiduciary responsibility and have been good stewards with the funds entrusted to them!
Maile Kane and Steve Redding
Durango
Editor’s note: Maile Kane is president of Friends of the Durango Public Library; Steve Redding is vice president of Friends of the Durango Public Library and chair emeritus of the Durango Public Library Advisory Board.
