After weeks of community opposition to the closing of Rockrimmon Library, the Pikes Peak Library Board of Trustees voted again Wednesday evening, affirming their decision not to renew the lease.

The library had permanently closed Dec. 1.

According to previous Gazette reporting, more than 100 people who support Save Rockrimmon Library gathered at the location the day before. Many chose to make signs, write their name and messages on large banners to participate in a “Not Saying Goodbye” rally and protest.

The closure initially came after a new facilities plan recommended closing a few of the system’s 15 branches for financial reasons, including Rockrimmon and the Ruth Holley branch. The library district’s Board of Trustees voted 5-2 at an Oct. 16 meeting not to renew the lease of the Rockrimmon Library after 35 years of being open.

The board had the option to renew the original lease agreement or enter into a new agreement Wednesday during their regular board meeting. Before voting on the lease agreement itself, the board had to vote on whether to rescind the Oct. 16 decision.

The Board of Trustees voted 5-2 to not rescind the decision, making them unable to vote on the lease agreement itself.

The revote came after pressure was put on elected city and county officials to try to force leaders of the PPLD to reverse its decision. Board members are jointly appointed by the City Council and the El Paso County Board of Commissioners.

In November, three of the council members sent a letter opposing the closing. The letter, signed by Council members Dave Donelson, Nancy Henjum and David Leinweber, was sent to the PPLD and its Board of Trustees.

Henjum spoke during the meeting, reading aloud the letter after requests from the community.

“The closure of this library would have significant negative impact on the Rockrimmon community, particularly affecting students, families and seniors who rely on its accessible location, materials and learning support,” Henjum read. “We are committed to supporting efforts to explore viable options that can address the operational challenges.”

Ismet “Matt” Sahin, the owner of the facility, spoke with The Gazette ahead of the board meeting, saying he has provided compromises , offering to make financial adjustments to keep the library open. All of his proposals were shot down.

“It’s all gone,” Sahin said. “Anything I offered was rejected.”

In addition to Sahin’s efforts, nearly $70,000 was raised by the “Save Rockrimmon Library” organization as of Nov. 27. These funds would have offset the cost of the lease planned to be paid for by PPLD if the vote went differently.

In the audience, it was a packed house Wednesday night, with standing room only by the 5 p.m. start time of the meeting. Many brought signs donning the words “Save Rockrimmon Library” or wore shirts with similar messaging.

Ahead of the vote was the public comment section. More than 40 community members, library staff and frequent library patrons spoke, many claiming the board has community support to make the library thrive.

“We want to work with you, not against you, in striving to manage a budget that meets the needs of all the communities of El Paso County,” Sarah Hoobler said. “I hope that you can see the citizens of El Paso County as an asset; you are volunteers, but so are we.”

Some children and young teens were in the audience, some of whom got up with their guardians, or by themselves, to speak to the board during the comment period.

“As a public servant, I actually understand the predicament you’re in, and I understand there’s hard decisions,” Kevin Binkley said standing hand in hand with his young daughter. “But at the end of the day, my three girls need our library.”

When the decision was finally made after 3½ hours, the crowd appeared frustrated and angry. Some even called out to board members, asking what the point of the meeting was.