Behind the sounds of congas and the exotic aroma of spicy Cuban food was a group of friends, who, in between dancing the cha-cha, were passionate about the quietest place in town the New Castle Library.Taste of the Caribbean, a fund-raiser hosted by the Friends of the New Castle Library, was held Friday, April 30, at the New Castle Community Center.Like many other important organizations, the library is trying to survive in a fast-paced, interactive world with a role thats remarkably different from the traditional one it has played in the past.It is the perfect example of some of the repercussions of our instantaneous, ever-changing culture.The library has to be transformed to the modern age, said Jock Jacober. Libraries must adapt their space and resources to reflect and compete in a sophisticated, technological world. They now must buy pricey CD-ROMs, and computer and Internet networks to accommodate the wealth of available information and serve the demands of a technically educated public.The library board has to be visionary to make a library system that is pertinent to this day and age while its vulnerable to budget cuts, said Lynette OKane, who sits on the Garfield County Library Board of Trustees.This is a challenge and it is the reason fund-raisers are not only commonplace, but necessary.Friends of the Library is extremely important, said OKane. We need to broaden the constituency that is willing to keep this value and support it. The library forms a center, a focal point for community interest; its the heart of a community, a shelter.No matter how fast the world speeds by on the information highway, the library remains a quiet cultural retreat for the written word and a cultural icon that will continue as long as it has help from its closest friends.

From left, Shira Mailes, 11, of Silt, attends the Waldorf School, Zoe Yost, 11, Sage LePanto, 11, and Briana OKane, 11, all of Glenwood, attend Glenwood Springs Middle School.

Mindy Kittay, left, of Rifle is business manager at Garfield County Public Library and an Independent Voices columnist at the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, and Lynette OKane of Glenwood is on the Board of Trustees at the Garfield County Library.

Sandy Sanchez of New Castle works for the town of New Castle and Daniel Sanchez is an accountant at the Hot Springs Lodge & Pool.

Cheryl Currier, left, of Rifle teaches Latin at the Garden School, Paul Currier is a water engineer and Mary Lou Haflinger of New Castle is aparalegal.

Kathryn Senor Elementary students from left, Eileen Klomhaus, 9, Annie Wentzel, 9, and Kayla Anthony, 9, all of New Castle.

Jean and Paul Pristas of New Castle are retired.

Dr. Cliff Cappelli of Rifle is a dentist and his wife, Monica, is a full-time mom.