Library Neighborhood Association

Durango, Colorado

Welcome!

Welcome to the Library Neighborhood Association (LNA) of Durango website, which provides information and connections for residents in the blocks surrounding the Durango Public Library.  The LNA Steering Committee intends for this website to help residents, both homeowners and renters, share and communicate more effectively about issues affecting our neighborhood and our lives. While anyone can visit our website at any time, we strongly urge residents to subscribe to receive notifications about new information.  The website will evolve as we receive input from residents, so check back often.

First LNA Picnic Attracts 40 Neighbors

Thanks to everyone who showed up on Sunday, June 7 for the first LNA picnic. We gained 26 new members and another dozen or so subscribers to our newsletter and emails. We are stronger together. Thank you!

LNA Members Share Their Views on Tract F

Following our lovely neighborhood picnic on June 7th—where we welcomed 23 new members—the Library Neighborhood Association conducted a land-use consensus survey regarding the future of Tract F at 2019 E. Third Ave. The survey achieved an incredible 95% response rate. An overwhelming 91% of respondents designated a community preschool or childcare center as their top choice, while an equal 91% resoundingly rejected high-density market-rate housing as unacceptable. Neighbors expressed deep care for preserving our mature tree canopy, protecting the safety of our neighborhood "child corridor," and maintaining the unique civic and educational character of our historic neighborhood. We have sent these results to City Council to continue advocating for partnership with the city in the stewardship of this unique public land. 

Logo featuring mountains with snow, a winding river in the foreground, a large tree at the center, and the text 'Library Neighborhood Association' beneath the tree.

Join the Library Neighborhood Association!

Whether you want to lead the charge or simply stay in the loop, we have a place for you. Our association thrives on participation, and we offer two distinct ways to get involved:

1. Become a Voting Member ($25 per person annually)

Your membership dues are the engine that keeps our association running. They cover essential costs like website hosting, meeting supplies, and neighborhood advocacy efforts.

  • The Perk: You gain official voting rights, allowing you to influence decisions that shape our community directly.

  • The Impact: Your contribution ensures our neighborhood has a strong, unified voice when communicating with the City of Durango.

How to Join as a Member:

  • Venmo:Coming soon

  • Check: Please make checks payable to Library Neighborhood Association and mail to: Library Neighborhood Association, P.O. Box 442, Durango, Co  81302.

  • In-Person: Drop off your check at our Neighborhood Picnic, 4 pm on June 7, at Claire Viles Park (across from St. Columba). We’d love to see you there!  Learn more about the picnic.

2. Become a Subscriber (Free)

We believe information should be accessible to everyone. If you aren't ready to become a full member, you are still warmly encouraged to join us as a subscriber.

  • The Perk: You will receive all of our news updates, meeting alerts, and community emails at no cost.

  • The Note: While subscribers do not have voting rights, you will always be "in the know" regarding neighborhood happenings.  You are also welcome to provide input via email or in person.

How to Join as a Subscriber:

Enter your email below.

More to come:

A Steering Committee is currently applying for 501(c)(4) status with the state, developing bylaws, formulating membership details, and seeking directors and officers for the governing board.  Please subscribe to stay abreast of these developments as they unfold.  By subscribing, you will be notified of significant developments, issues impacting our neighborhood, and quality-of-life issues.

We define the LNA boundaries as Junction Creek to the north, North Main to the west, and the Animas River to the east and southeast.

About the LNA and Its Origins

The Library Neighborhood Association (LNA) formed in response to a city proposal to develop Tract C, a parking area at 20th and East Third Avenue. The selected plan by Reynolds & Ash, in partnership with Tri-County Head Start, proposed building a new Head Start school—addressing longstanding needs for improved childcare facilities. A competing proposal for a community garden was not selected.

Concerns arose when the plan also included 22 housing units on nearby Tract F. Neighbors questioned the affordability, density, and potential impacts on traffic, parking, noise, and trees. Some also felt the housing component exceeded the original project scope and needed more public input.

Following community feedback and City Council discussions, Reynolds & Ash withdrew the housing portion. As of early 2026, no new proposals for Tract F have been issued. Development decisions remain guided by the Mercy Medical Center Planned Development Agreement. Go here to view that document.

More Than a Single-Issue Organization

Although formed around the Tract C and F developments, LNA aims to be a broader neighborhood group. Its goal is to foster community connection, share information, and address local concerns collaboratively. While differing opinions are expected, LNA seeks open dialogue and consensus whenever possible.

Latest News

durango colorado

Reference Documents

  • LNA Potluck Picnic, June 7

    Meet thy neighbor, learn more about the LNA

  • Council Study Session for Tract F

    Council discusses dispostion of Tract F

  • Tract F History and Opportunity

    Presentation by Michael French, city Prosperity Office, to City Council on April 7.

  • Page from a document titled 'Second Amended and Restated Mercy Medical Center of Durango Planned Development Agreement' with legal and contractual text about property ownership and development agreements.

    Mercy PD Agreement

  • Letter from the Library Neighborhood Association discussing community development, childcare, and housing in Durango.

    March 26 Letter to Council

Current Steering Committee

  • Carrie Allen

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Beth Crane

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Martha Evers

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Emmy Finley

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Bill LeMaire

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Annette LeMaire

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Eve Presler

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

  • Mary Kay Stewart

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

*In the next few months, the Steering Committee will elect an original board of directors.  Subsequent director openings will be voted upon by LNA members.