🏢 Wells Fargo Building Could Become Tucson's New Downtown Library

📊 Library Survey Reveals Troubling Gaps in Community Representation - 91% of respondents white in county that's 40% Hispanic/Latino, raising equity concerns in planning

😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
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📚✨ Libraries in Pima County are making big changes to help more people access their books and services! 🙌 The special Arizona history books that were previously locked away may soon be available for checkout at any library, allowing more people to learn about local history 🏜️📖.

🏦 The library might move to a bank building across the street, sparking excitement about new possibilities! 🎉 While they face challenges like staffing shortages and building repairs 🔧, they're working hard to keep providing books, computer access 💻, and programs to the community.

🕰️ The library board is focusing on extending hours, especially on weekends, to assist those who work during the week! ⏳🤝

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🗝️ Takeaways

• 📚 The Arizona Collection will change from a restricted reference collection to a circulating one, dramatically increasing access to 13,000 local history items while keeping valuable/fragile materials protected

• 👥 Library staffing remains in crisis with a 299-hour weekly deficit, though 10 new positions coming in July will help address shortages

• 🏢 The downtown library may relocate from the Joel D. Valdez building to the Wells Fargo building across the street, moving from 90,000 to 60,000 square feet

• 📊 Community survey results show severe demographic skew: 91% white respondents, 73% women, 37% ages 60-74, and 30% reporting $100,000+ incomes

• 💸 Federal IMLS funding that provides $3.5 million to Arizona libraries is threatened by an executive order, risking programs statewide

• 🔒 Security incidents at libraries (71 in March) highlight how libraries function as de facto social service centers in a society with inadequate safety nets

• 📅 Multiple library branches face temporary closures for renovations, including Valencia (April-May), Bear Canyon (April-July), and Mission (until Spring 2026)

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Power and Pages: Inside the Pima County Library Board Meeting - April 2025

"Staff were super pumped. They really were very excited about this building." —Em DeMeester-Lane sharing staff enthusiasm for the potential Wells Fargo building relocation from the current Main Library downtown

In a packed boardroom on the fourth floor of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, the Pima County Public Library Advisory Board convened on April 3, 2025, making decisions that will reshape community access to historical resources while revealing the ongoing challenges of underfunding and understaffing in one of our county's most essential public services.

The fluorescent lights overhead cast harsh shadows across the faces of board members and library administrators as they wrestled with issues that go far beyond books and buildings—they touch on fundamental questions of access, equity, and the public's right to their own cultural heritage.

Meeting Participants: The Power Brokers of Public Knowledge

The meeting began with ritual formalities—the Pledge of Allegiance and a land acknowledgment recognizing the 22 Native nations of Arizona.

"We honor the vast and often unrecognized contributions and sacrifices of indigenous people and are conscious of the ongoing experience of inequality and political invisibility.”

Democratizing History: The Fight for Access to Cultural Heritage

Perhaps the most radical proposal of the evening came when Casey Short, Perri Pyle, and Kate DeMeester-Lane took to the podium to present their vision for transforming the Arizona Collection from a restricted archive to a circulating resource. As Short explained, this special collection of 13,000 items covering Southern Arizona history has been largely inaccessible to the public, with only about 100 in-person requests in 2024.

"This collection has been our most underutilized collection, but not for lack of interest from our community," DeMeester-Lane said, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "By removing unreasonable barriers to access, we will allow our community to finally make full use of this collection."

The presentation revealed a striking disparity: while only 100 people were able to view these materials in person, the library received approximately 240 interlibrary loan requests annually for these same materials—requests they currently cannot fulfill. This gap between desire and access falls hardest on those without the privilege of weekday availability or transportation to downtown Tucson.

With her archival work background, Pyle provided context that helped board members understand the broader landscape:

"These materials, while very valuable and culturally important, they're not necessarily rare," she explained. What makes this achievement particularly significant is that because we're the public library, because we have 27 locations, because we have weekend and evening hours, we have an opportunity here to get these materials to people who don't necessarily get to see them all the time."

The shift represents a profound philosophical realignment—prioritizing community access over institutional preservation.

DeMeester-Lane clarified the limits of this new approach: "This is not a weeding project. There is no plan to reduce the number of holdings in the Arizona Collection. Anything that is valuable and/or fragile will be held in reference."

Board member Sharon raised a critical question about items donated with restrictions, but was assured that the library typically doesn't accept donations with stipulations limiting circulation.

Staffing Crisis Exposed: The Reality Behind Library Hours

When Deputy Director Em DeMeester-Lane took the floor to discuss staffing, the veneer of optimism barely concealed a systemic crisis. His presentation revealed that despite recent improvements, the library system still faces a shortfall of 299 service hours weekly—meaning branches cannot provide the level of service the community needs and deserves.

"We still have a shortfall of 299 hours, which last summer when I was talking, we had a shortfall of over a thousand hours. So we were making like huge gains. Very, very big gains," DeMeester-Lane explained, his tone suggesting both progress and ongoing frustration with the pace of change.

The staffing crisis impacts branches throughout the county, with Kirk Bear Canyon, Golf Links, Oro Valley, Murphy, and Wilmot libraries particularly affected. Even the flagship Joel D. Valdez Main Library operates with a deficit of seven hours weekly—a stark reminder that no location has been spared the impact of chronic underfunding.

DeMeester-Lane revealed the complicated reality behind seemingly simple staffing numbers: "What's happening is because we've had to be strategic and in charge was our first priority because of some of the incident levels at locations. What's really happening is that some branches are fully staffed with librarians and not Librarian IIs, but Librarian Is."

This technical distinction has real consequences for library users. When librarians are pulled to cover service desks due to staffing shortages, they have less time for programming, outreach, and community engagement—the very services that make libraries vibrant community hubs rather than mere book warehouses.

A ray of hope emerged with news of 10 new full-time positions coming in July through a budget supplemental. "The great news is this gets us basically in the black," DeMeester-Lane noted. These positions will help resolve current deficits and potentially allow for expanded hours (Sundays) at 16 branches by late summer or fall.

The meeting included a frank discussion about weekend service—revealing the complicated calculus of balancing staff needs with community access. A staff survey showed 67% prefer working Saturdays versus just 11% for Sundays, while preliminary public feedback indicated 57% want Saturday hours versus 25% for Sundays.

DeMeester-Lane didn't shy away from addressing the problematic history of Sunday service: "When I joined PCPL in 2008, we already had widespread Sundays at that point, but it was pretty new. So somewhere around 2006-2007 we go to the county. We had a massive expansion of Sunday hours, which was really great for the community, but the expansion did not actually include any additional PCN asks."

The result was staff having to use personal time off to make up hours or work longer shifts—an unsustainable model that prioritized service expansion over worker welfare. "You can imagine that people have a lot of feelings about returning to Sundays and a lot of difficulty with that because this was the condition of Sundays and there's a lot of anxiety in our staff because of it," he added.

This candid admission reveals how public service expansion often comes at the expense of worker wellbeing—a dynamic that disproportionately impacts frontline staff who are more likely to be women, people of color, and those without economic privilege to absorb scheduling hardships.

Downtown Library Relocation: Corporate Space vs. Public Square

The most visually dramatic presentation of the evening focused on the potential relocation of the downtown library from its current home to the Wells Fargo building across the street. This proposal represents not just a change of address but a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize public space.

Library staff recently toured the Wells Fargo building and, as presented by Deputy Director DeMeester-Lane, their enthusiasm was palpable: "Staff were super pumped. They really were very excited about this building." A letter signed by numerous staff members expressed support for the move, with some even taking selfies in front of the potential new location.

The corporate aesthetic of the Wells Fargo building—with its formal banking hall, underground vaults, and executive offices—stands in stark contrast to the purpose-built public architecture of the current library. While the current building was designed specifically as a public institution, the Wells Fargo building would require extensive renovation to transition from a space of commerce to a space of commons.

Marty from Project Design and Construction displayed floor plans and photos of the Wells Fargo building, highlighting its four floors totaling approximately 60,000 square feet—about one-third smaller than the current 90,000 square foot library. Despite this reduction, he suggested that efficiencies in design could overcome much of the difference: "It's challenging, yes," he admitted when asked about bringing natural light to the lower level.

The parking garage with 280 spaces was presented as an advantage, though board member Sharon raised critical questions about security issues. County representative Holmes assured that the garage would continue generating revenue from the approximately 90 people who currently pay to park there.

One striking aspect of the presentation was how staff enthusiasm for the new building revealed deep frustrations with the current library's inadequacies. DeMeester-Lane described the excitement about potential improvements: "Some of the things that we thought about together was like what if the part that was the Arizona Historical Society was a children's library? The way it's set up is it could be open on the weekends and that would be the only section. So we limited the amount of staff that we would need during certain hours."

He continued: "We've had teams now that come and all and young adults who are hard to figure out if they are teams. We've had some very dangerous incidents because it's like it's about to open and close. The lab is closed because the computer lab used to be a more dangerous space when it was on the third floor or we moved it and changed it."

These candid admissions about security concerns and design failures in the current building spotlight how public institutions often struggle with neglected infrastructure that impacts both staff safety and public service.

Holmes mentioned communication with the business community, including the Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Commission, and Downtown Tucson Partnership—all of whom expressed support for a continued library presence downtown. Their involvement raises questions about how commercial interests influence public resource allocation.

"They realized that this is not our building, but they still would like us to continue to work with the city and partnership," Holmes explained regarding the business community's desire to see the current library building repurposed rather than abandoned.

The potential relocation exemplifies the broader tension between public and private interests in urban planning—where decisions about community resources are increasingly influenced by commercial development patterns rather than community needs assessment.

Survey Results: Who Gets Counted in Community Input?

When Library Director Amber Mathewson presented preliminary results from the community survey, the demographics told a troubling story about whose voices are heard in public planning processes. The survey collected 7,561 responses online between January 31 and March 17, but the respondent profile revealed serious gaps in representation:

• 91% of respondents were white (only 11% Hispanic) in a county that is approximately 40% Hispanic/Latino

• 73% were women

• 37% were ages 60-74 (the largest age group)

• 30% reported household incomes of $100,000+ (the largest income bracket)

• 56% were not working (including retirees)

"I'm a little disappointed in that it doesn't really reflect the diversity of our community," Mathewson acknowledged with evident frustration. "We know that this isn't going to help us draw conclusions right now, but giving us some information."

She noted that more community engagement through forums and focus groups would be needed to capture more diverse perspectives: "We know we need to have community forums, and we also know focus groups will be the place where we can actually get to folks who are not necessarily survey takers and who are great stakeholders."

The stark disparity between county demographics and survey respondents highlights a fundamental issue in public feedback mechanisms. Those with time, flexible schedules, digital access, institutional trust, and familiarity with bureaucratic processes are dramatically overrepresented—leading to decisions that may prioritize the needs of already privileged communities.

This pattern of unrepresentative feedback creates a self-perpetuating cycle where public services increasingly cater to those with the loudest voices rather than those with the greatest needs—a dynamic that reinforces rather than challenges existing inequities.

The Federal Assault on Library Funding

Tucked into Library Director Mathewson's report was a disturbing update on federal funding threats that could have devastating impacts on library services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. An "unprecedented executive order" is threatening the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides crucial funding to libraries nationwide.

The report, compiled by Library Services Manager Beth Matthias-Loghry, detailed how IMLS provides $3,566,322 to Arizona libraries through its Grants to States program, with approximately $900,000 distributed annually through competitive Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants.

While Pima County Public Library receives 95% of its funding from district taxes, smaller counties rely heavily on these federal funds for basic services. The cuts could affect database packages, professional development opportunities, digital access initiatives, and innovative programming.

Mathewson noted: "I'm not sure we've felt all the repercussions yet from that, but I will have more information after tomorrow."

This federal funding has supported critical programs at PCPL including:

• Writers in Residence program

• Remote Access Lockers implemented during COVID-19

• Community science initiatives

• Digital access improvements

• Specialized services for underserved populations

The potential loss of these funds represents another attack on public infrastructure that disproportionately harms rural and marginalized communities. It continues the dangerous pattern of defunding public services that provide vital resources to those most in need.

This federal assault on library funding reveals how public knowledge infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to political tides—a concerning trend when information access is more critical than ever to civic participation and economic opportunity.

Security Incidents: The Unseen Social Service Role of Libraries

Hidden in the meeting packet was a telling report on security incidents across the library system. The numbers reveal how libraries have become de facto social service centers—addressing needs that other systems have failed to meet.

For March 2025, the report documented:

• 71 total incidents systemwide

• 70 new suspensions

• 8 police calls

• 4 EMT calls

• 10 incidents involving drugs or alcohol

The Joel D. Valdez Main Library reported the highest number of incidents (12), followed by Murphy-Wilmot (16), Eckstrom-Columbus (9), Sam Lena-South Tucson (8), and Woods Memorial (7). These numbers reflect not library failure but broader societal neglect of mental health services, affordable housing, substance abuse treatment, and support for those experiencing homelessness.

While the board didn't directly discuss these statistics, their presence in the report speaks to the expanding role of libraries as social safety nets—institutions that remain open to all community members regardless of housing status, mental health, or substance use issues. This role places additional strain on library staff who must balance service provision with safety concerns.

These incident reports represent the human cost of gutted social services—where libraries become the last public space available to those failed by our mental health, housing, and addiction treatment systems.

The Promise of Public Libraries: A Vision Worth Fighting For

Despite the challenges detailed throughout the meeting—staffing shortages, funding threats, security concerns, and complex facilities issues—a vision of possibility emerged between the lines of bureaucratic discussion. This vision was perhaps best captured when DeMeester-Lane described staff excitement about the potential new downtown library:

"The staff space is much more collaborative. We can have a huge amount of staff here sectioned by floors. Again, kind of like an old school way of looking at libraries and we can have circulation staff and programming libraries. It's all this stuff."

The meeting showed glimpses of this potential future:

• John's story about his granddaughter's joy in reading to therapy dogs

• The decision to make Arizona history materials accessible beyond traditional hours

• Plans to extend branch hours to serve working people better

• Staff dedication despite chronic understaffing and facility challenges

• Community financial support through Friends groups and the Foundation

• Innovative programming from children's activities to job assistance

These bright spots remind us that public libraries remain one of our most democratic institutions—places where people of all backgrounds can access information, connection, and opportunity without financial barriers. They serve as essential infrastructure for an equitable society, providing resources that enable economic mobility, democratic participation, and cultural enrichment.

Take Action: Be Part of Library Advocacy

The challenges facing our library system demand collective action. Here are concrete ways you can support our public libraries:

1. Attend Library Advisory Board meetings - Held the first Thursday of each month at 4:00 pm at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library. Your presence matters, especially if you can speak to the needs of communities typically underrepresented in decision-making.

2. Contact your County Supervisor - Advocate for increased library funding, particularly for staff positions that would enable expanded hours. Find your supervisor at www.pima.gov/government/board-of-supervisors.

3. Join support organizations:

   • Friends of the Pima County Public Library: www.pimafriends.com

   • Pima Library Foundation: www.pimalibraryfoundation.org

4. Volunteer at your local branch - Help with programs, shelving, or special events.

5. Use library services - Strong usage statistics strengthen arguments for increased funding. Check out materials, attend programs, and use online resources.

6. Amplify diverse voices - Encourage participation from communities typically underrepresented in planning processes, particularly young people, working families, and historically marginalized communities.

Our public libraries represent a radical vision in an increasingly privatized society—spaces where knowledge is freely shared, where commercial interests don't determine access, and where people of all backgrounds are equally welcome. In defending and strengthening our libraries, we're fighting for the principle that information, culture, and community belong to everyone.

The future of our libraries depends on those willing to stand up for this vision. As novelist Toni Morrison once said, "Access to knowledge is the superb, the supreme act of truly great civilizations. Of all the institutions that purport to do this, free libraries stand virtually alone in accomplishing this mission."

In a world of increasing privatization and inequality, our public libraries remain beacons of possibility—if we're willing to fight for them.

How has your local library served as a lifeline or opportunity hub for you or your community? What specific expansions to library services would most benefit the historically underserved populations in Pima County? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Quotes

• "This collection has been our most underutilized collection, but not for lack of interest from our community. By removing unreasonable barriers to access, we will allow our community to finally make full use of this collection." —Kate DeMeester-Lane on democratizing access to the Arizona Collection

• "I'm a little disappointed in that it doesn't really reflect the diversity of our community." —Amber Mathewson addressing the severe demographic skew in the library survey results

• "We still have a shortfall of 299 hours, which last summer, when I was talking, we had a shortfall of over a thousand hours. So we were making like huge gains." —Em DeMeester-Lane revealing the ongoing staffing crisis despite recent improvements

• "Staff were super pumped. They really were very excited about this building." —Em DeMeester-Lane sharing staff enthusiasm for the potential Wells Fargo building relocation

• "These materials, while very valuable and culturally important, they're not necessarily rare." —Perri Pyle explaining the rationale for circulating historically restricted Arizona Collection materials

People Mentioned

• Marianne (Library Board Chair) - Led the meeting and read the land acknowledgment: "We honor the vast and often unrecognized contributions and sacrifices of indigenous people."

• John (Board Member) - Shared a story about his granddaughter's experience with the library dog program: "My granddaughter liked it so much that she wanted me to get back in line."

• Kenny (Friends of the Library Representative) - Announced Executive Director Libby Stone's retirement: "Our executive director will be announcing her retirement in December...This will be the end of 18 plus years where she was the only paid employee at the friends of the library."

• Amber Mathewson (Library Director) - Expressed disappointment with survey demographics: "I'm a little disappointed in that it doesn't really reflect the diversity of our community."

• Em DeMeester-Lane (Deputy Director of Public Services) - Detailed staffing challenges: "We still have a shortfall of 299 hours, which last summer, when I was talking, we had a shortfall of over a thousand hours."

• Casey Short (Librarian, Reference Department) - Presented on the Arizona Collection: "The Arizona collection is about 13,000 items covering particularly Tucson and Pima County, but also the Sonoran Desert, the Greater Southwest, the Borderlands..."

• Perry Pfeil (Librarian, Adult Services) - Former archivist who provided context on collection materials: "These materials, while very valuable and culturally important, they're not necessarily rare."

• Kate DeMeester-Lane (Library Services Manager) - Advocated for collection access: "This collection has been our most underutilized collection, but not for lack of interest from our community."

• Marty (Project Design & Construction) - Presented on the Wells Fargo building: "It's challenging, yes," when asked about bringing natural light to the lower level.

• Steve (County Representative) - Shared business community feedback: "They realized that this is not our building, but they still would like us to continue to work with the city and partnership."

• Sharon (Board Member) - Asked critical questions about parking garage security and community outreach: "I noticed that community centers did not have any sign nature information about the surveys."

• Libby Stone (Friends of the Library Executive Director) - Retiring in December after 18+ years, described as managing "an $833,000 budget with 279 volunteers and over 3200 members."

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