With the onset of library trustee appointments being vetted through the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) rather than the Garfield County Public Library District board of trustees — as has been customary prior to this year — things are shaking up on the panel.
The libraries, as of late, have been scrutinized by members of the public and BOCC. The latter has exercised unprecedented oversight over the district, namely through the appointment of trustees. Myrna Fletchall was the first trustee to be appointed since the commissioners took over that process. Out of 10 applicants, Fletchall was one of three recommended by the library board to represent Rifle.
She grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico until moving to Tijuana at the age of 10. Today, she is a proud resident of Rifle.
“I moved here with my family in 2015. Both of my sons are graduates of Rifle High School,” she told The Sopris Sun. “We moved to the Western Slope so I could pursue an opportunity with Mountain Family Health Centers. I will always be grateful to them for that.”
During her early life in Chihuahua, access to libraries and other resources was limited, so she wouldn’t have considered herself an avid reader at that time. “I will say, my first real library experience was when I moved to Tijuana,” she continued. “It was a place we went to study, hang out with friends for homework and find resources.”
She attended school in Tijuana through what would be the equivalent of eighth grade in the states. When she arrived in the U.S. she took advantage of the resources available, initially through Harrison High School in Colorado Springs. “They had an alternative program
designed for parents learning English as a second language with a pathway to a GED,” Fletchall shared. “I graduated with a GED as Valedictorian.” Later, she earned certifications in medical billing and coding.
She added that she started reading “for fun” once she came to the U.S. and began studying English. Her favorite book is “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek.
Having first immersed herself in the libraries in Tijuana, she considers the institution essential. Asked why she chose to apply for a library trustee position, she stated, “I love the libraries and want to serve my community.
“As the interview process was announced I became more aware of the controversy surrounding the appointment,” Fletchall acknowledged. “My appointment involved both boards in the process,” she continued. “I feel boards should avoid oversizing their own appointees to maintain an efficient decision-making process and prevent diluting accountability.”
Indeed, division has, yet again, been roused with little gray area. While both ends of the spectrum may claim their arguments are not political, a casual observer might disagree.
During Fletchall’s first meeting as a board member in June, Trish O’Grady, a western Garfield County resident who has spearheaded public action against the library board, congratulated Fletchall on the appointment and stated, “You were my number one pick.”
In September, Fletchall made a motion that the library board say the Pledge of Allegiance before meetings. O’Grady was present for that meeting and vocalized her support. Board President Adrian Rippy-Sheehy said she wondered whether Fletchall was “bringing someone else’s agenda to the district.” That motion was denied by a majority vote.
When it comes to restricting access to certain books based on age, Fletchall said she doesn’t consider that to be any different than restricting access to mature films or video games. She added that some of the books in question have a parental advisory warning on the cover and that she agrees with the publisher’s discretion. “I don’t feel library staff should be judging if a minor is mature enough for content labeled as such,” she stated.
As reported in this week’s GarCo Report (page 14), the library board recently reappointed two incumbents, Jocelyn Durrance (Carbondale) and Susan Use (Glenwood Springs), whose terms were set to expire. Despite the trustees’ decision, the BOCC is still advertising for those two seats as well as the New Castle seat, which is vacant.
“We’ll accept those two nominations from the library board as candidates,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky during Tuesday’s BOCC meeting.
“They’re in the running, they’re in the running,” chimed Commissioner Mike Samson. Applications are open through Nov. 27 and interviews will be held in front of the BOCC on Dec. 5.
“‘We can agree to disagree’ is a phrase often used to acknowledge a difference in opinion while maintaining respect for the other person’s perspective. It’s a way of recognizing that, despite differing views, there’s no need for conflict or animosity. After all, it’s often our differences that drive innovation and growth, and they don’t always need to lead to division,” concluded Fletchall.
Fletchall: ‘We can agree to disagree’
