Around 200 attendees rallied at the Grant County Fairgrounds in support of keeping the library open due to impending budget cuts. Library director Chris Ostberg expressed gratitude for the significant turnout. Advocates proposed measures for a special tax district to secure future funding, citing the library as a vital community hub for resources such as internet access, educational programs, and a safe environment for children. Concerns were raised about the broader societal impact of closing the library, with speakers highlighting its role in community cohesion and regional growth.
Chris Ostberg, director of the library, was "very happy" with the turnout. "That is pretty doggone big for around here and at night," she said.
"It's a place to go and research and learn and do continuing education and a place for people to go and focus," Prophet Harms said.
"The library did that for me," said Debbi Clark, a resident of Prairie City. "Other than the city parks, there's not a lot of places for our kids to go," she said.
Closing the library would accelerate Grant County's demographic and economic decline, as expressed by several community members during the hearing.
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