Despite a meager turnout Wednesday as Manitou Springs discussed the pros and cons of merging its library with the Pikes Peak Library District, the debate was energetic.

Three residents met with 10 representatives from the Manitou Springs Public Library, the board for the Pikes Peak Library District and the Friends of the Library for Manitou Springs to hear about what the merger would entail.

“I’m here as info-gathering about what the options are and because I don’t want (the library) to close,” Merril Boruchin Spielman, a Manitou Springs resident, said before the meeting. “My husband went to kindergarten in that library.”

Later, she said that she had a much clearer view of the merger.

“With the information I was given tonight, I’m definitely in favor of Manitou merging with PPLD,” Spielman said.

In fact, she signed up to distribute merger information to parents and teachers at a back-to-school function.

The committee addressed concerns about whether Manitou Springs would be guaranteed representation on the board (answer: they wouldn’t but can field a candidate to apply for a position), and whether joining the PPLD guarantees that the library won’t close (answer: it doesn’t, but neither does staying on the town budget).

“My concern is that it’s not a merger, it’s joining,” said resident James Malcolm, who worried about the community losing its voice.

The Library Task Force came up with the merger idea after being tasked with making the library “sustainable” and better able to serve the community. It plans another meeting in August in hopes that more will join the discussion about the library’s future, said Laura Ettinger, media spokesperson for the task force. Some suggested using Facebook, the Friend’s website and yard signs.

In the meantime, they’re collecting the 186 required signatures to have the merger question on the November ballot.

“We’re disseminating informational handouts with the pros and cons and benefits and resources of joining the Pikes Peak Library District,” Ettinger said.

If voters approve, the merger would go into effect Jan. 1. Manitou Springs Public Library Director Margaret Morris said the benefits are numerous, including access to online databases.

Ettinger said there is support for the merger. But the three attendees Wednesday had mixed feelings about the change.

“I don’t want to say I’m against it, but it’s not something I’m voting for right now,” said Mary Snyder, who is involved with the Friends.

She said that she doesn’t use proposed perks such as databases and worries about the consequences such as longer waiting periods for books.

“I think we definitely need more questions – to get more people here to bring up more questions. I need to hear more.”

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Contact Lauren Fellers: 636-0198.

Andrew Wacker races to a first-place finish in the Catergory 2, 50-plus men’s race Wednesday during the fourth race of the Ascent Cycling Series at Palmer Park. Photo by Christian Murdock, The Gazette