Public access: Progress is being made at Central Library

Re: “Denver spent $60 million on its library – and it still closes every Friday,” July 10 commentary

Thank you for raising awareness about the Central Library’s hours. We understand why some community members feel disappointed, especially after voters supported the 2017 and 2021 bonds and the 2022 2i initiative with the hope of expanded access.

The good news is that progress is underway. As of July 6, the Central Library is now open six days a week, including long-requested Saturday hours, with curbside pickup available on Fridays. While the ultimate goal remains a seven-day schedule with evening hours, this recent expansion reflects a thoughtful approach: responding to community needs while carefully stewarding public resources.

Expanded hours were made possible not through new funding, but through the creativity and collaboration of library staff, who adjusted schedules and found solutions despite a citywide hiring freeze and a looming budget decrease.

Denver’s libraries continue to be among our city’s most trusted and valued institutions, serving millions of people each year. The Central Library’s reopening after a major renovation is not the end of the story; it’s a meaningful step forward, with more chapters to come.

At the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation, we’re proud to support this essential work and remain committed to advocating for the resources needed to fulfill the library’s vision of access for all.

On behalf of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation,

Katy Anderson, Denver

Editor’s note: Anderson is executive director of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation

A simple question for Russia’s leader

Re: “Trump suggests he’ll know if Putin wants peace deal with Ukraine,” Aug. 12 news story

Whether at a “summit” in Alaska or on one of his telephone chats, President Donald Trump would be well-advised to ask Vladimir Putin one simple question: “Do you really want never-ending war?”

Putin must know that, even if Russia controls Ukraine and installs a puppet government, the Ukrainians would carry on a constant campaign of resistance, including bombing, assassination, and other forms of retaliatory “terror.” His war would never end.

From this perspective, Putin seems foolhardy in the extreme.

Allan Ferguson, Denver

With funding cutbacks, food banks will be relied upon even more

As the forthcoming federal support cutbacks for food subsidies become more evident, low-income and middle-class families will face many more challenges. In addition to challenging families, communities will be challenged as well. The ramifications will be felt throughout all of society, one way or another.

This is why I am asking businesses and individuals to adopt and support their local food bank. If not with money or food, then with volunteering. Caring can be done in many ways. Caring in action is healing and connects all of us.

Robert Morales, Centennial

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