Library funding assures opportunities for rural, low-income people
As an adult services librarian in northern Colorado, I’ve seen firsthand how federal funding strengthens our libraries and, through them, our communities. At my library, federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds help support digital literacy training, homebound delivery services, and access to job-seeking resources for people who might not otherwise have a place to turn.
These are not luxuries — they are lifelines, especially for rural and lower-income Coloradans. In many small towns, the public library is the only place with reliable internet access, the only place where veterans can find support services, where students can complete homework, and where older adults can learn to navigate online health care portals.
Right now, Congress must act to maintain funding for both the LSTA and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, which supports school libraries. Without federal support, our ability to meet local needs could be deeply compromised.
This year, the White House proposed eliminating federal support for libraries altogether. That’s why I’m calling on Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Colorado’s House delegation to reject that proposal and ensure that at least $232 million for LSTA and $30 million for IAL are included in the FY26 federal budget.
Libraries reflect the values and resilience of their communities — but we can’t do it alone. Federal support ensures that every Coloradan, no matter their ZIP code, can access the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
— Dania Laubach, Greeley
Photo tells a different story
Re: “Volunteers flock to courts to support migrants arrested in the hallways,” July 21 news photo
Let’s be honest and evenhanded. This man is not being “escorted.” He is being bullied and apprehended as if he were a criminal.
— Meg Johnson, Denver
More truth about all the lying
Re: “Presidential struggles with telling the truth,” July 17 letter to the editor
My primary quibble with the letter is that it doesn’t go far enough.
In a democratic republic, such as the USA, informed consent of voters is essential to its preservation. It’s why the freedoms of speech, press, religion (i.e., thought) and assembly are the first rights to be guaranteed.
Yet we have undergone six decades of leaders lying about (often) very important matters; when they don’t actually lie, they “spin” with half-truths and evasions. There’s a whole industry of people cooking up “talking points” to fool and distract us. It seems to have reached a point where many voters just assume that all politicians lie all the time.
Truth can be hard. Apart from ego damage, it can have political costs. Truth-telling requires courage, which now seems in short supply among our leaders.
But it isn’t enough to just complain about the problem; we need solutions. Let’s start by using our votes to punish those who promulgate lies and reward those who tell (even the hard) truth.
— Ralph Taylor, Centennial
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