Library witch hunts | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Re "Management shake-up at SLC Library" (Tribune, Dec. 30):

During my two years on the board of directors of the Salt Lake City Public Library, I have found Beth Elder to be a wise, passionate leader. I have great respect for her and everyone (past and present) who works there.

It has been disheartening to see some of the mean-spirited comments and character assassination directed at Elder. The library is the crowning jewel of our city, and Beth has been doing everything right. Over the past year, she has tirelessly worked through problems with determination. She has weathered budget shortfalls and management reorganization without letting anyone go, an uncommon feat in any business restructuring.

Elder deserves our support, and I hope everyone can refocus on the mission of the library, a magical place where a millionaire and a homeless person have the same access. It is the living room of our community, where great literature is at your fingertips, where you can travel the world without stepping onto an airplane.

The future is bright at the City Library. Let's remember that witch hunts are an ugly thing of the past.

Heather Simonsen

Salt Lake City