🔥 Page Turners Turn Protesters: Community Pushback on Pima's Library Transformation Plan

🗣️ Voices Unheard: The Call for True Community Engagement 💼 From Boardroom to Barrio: The Disconnect in Library Decision Making

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The proposal to close libraries, particularly the main downtown branch, has become the climax of this contentious tale.

The Deputy County Administrator, Dr. Garcia attempted to frame this as a necessary evolution, stating, "This isn't about dollars and cents from my perspective. It's about trying to develop service offerings that are relevant to the community."

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🙊 Notable quotes

• "Don't go in with the plan as a starting point. Allow the public to say what they want and need." - Sharon, board member, advocating for more community input in the planning process.

• "With library closures, how will this affect the digital divide and the services [to] underprivileged?" - Joe Reister, community member, expressed concern about closures' impact on vulnerable populations.

• "I'm amazed that 50 something million cannot cover all across the library in places over." - Brian, community member, questioning the financial justification for proposed changes.

• "I don't think we can afford to function on nostalgia, and also, I don't think money is the answer to our issues." - Margo, the library staff member speaking as a private citizen, challenging the notion of maintaining current library operations.

• "This is a cultural icon for Tucson. It's a gathering place." - Unnamed community member, emphasizing the cultural significance of the main library.

• "Plans for libraries without the people... it's supposed to be a joyful, exciting process. People love their libraries." - John, a board member, criticizing the lack of public input in the planning process.

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⏮️ ICYMI: The Last Meeting

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😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾

📚🏫🤔 The library people had a big meeting to talk about changing things. Some grown-ups want to close some libraries and make new ways to get books, like book lockers and vans. But lots of people are worried and upset about this. They think the library didn't ask everyone what they want first. The meeting was to talk about these ideas and hear what people think. It got a bit messy because not everyone agrees on what to do next. Some people worry that closing libraries might make it hard for kids and older people to use computers or find quiet places to read and learn. 🖥️👵👦📖

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🗝️ Takeaways

• 🏛️ Pima County Public Library's "Future Plan" faces intense scrutiny and opposition from community members and some board members

• 📊 Lack of comprehensive data and community input in the planning process raised significant concerns

• 🚫 Proposed library closures, including the main downtown branch, sparked controversy and calls for reevaluation

• 🔄 Board members push for a more inclusive and transparent planning process following established library association guidelines

• 💰 Questions arise about the allocation of library tax revenue and potential impacts on staffing and services

• 🗳️ Motion passed to postpone the release of a community survey for further review by stakeholders

• 🌉 Digital divide concerns highlighted as a critical issue in proposed library changes

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📢 Voices from the Stacks: Call to the Public Echoes Community Concerns

In the hallowed halls of democracy, the call to the public serves as a megaphone for the vox populi. That megaphone amplified a chorus of concern, critique, and calls for reconsideration during this pivotal library board meeting. Let's tune in to the voices that rose from the community, each a chapter in the ongoing narrative of Pima County's library saga.

🎤 Joe Reister: Digital Divide Defender

Joe Reister, a community member with a keen eye on accessibility, brought the digital divide into sharp focus. With the precision of a cataloger, Reister questioned the impact of proposed closures on the most vulnerable:

"With library closures, how will this affect the digital divide and the services [to] the underprivileged?"

Reister's intervention is a powerful reminder that in our increasingly digital world, libraries are more than repositories of books—they're lifelines to information and opportunity for those on the wrong side of the technological tracks.

💼 Brian: Fiscal Watchdog and Business Bridge-Builder

Enter Brian, a citizen with a background in library leadership and a nose for numbers. Brian's testimony was a masterclass in fiscal scrutiny and creative problem-solving:

"I'm amazed that 50-something million cannot cover all across the library in places over. [...] Why not go out to the business community."

Brian's suggestion to tap into the private sector for support is a plot twist worthy of consideration. It raises intriguing questions about the role of public-private partnerships in sustaining our literary landscapes.

👩‍💼 Margo: The Insider's Perspective

Perhaps the most compelling testimony came from Margo, a library staff member who stepped out of her professional role to speak as a private citizen. Her words cut through the nostalgia like a well-sharpened pencil:

"I don't think we can afford to function on nostalgia, and also, I don't think money is the answer to our issues. We have funding."

Margo's insider perspective challenges us to think beyond the binary of keeping things as they are or shutting them down. Her testimony hints at a nuanced middle ground, where innovation and tradition might coexist on the same shelf.

📚 The Unnamed Advocate: A Voice for the Voiceless

While not explicitly named, another speaker raised crucial points about the demographics of library users:

"There are a lot of senior citizens who don't use cell phones. They don't use computers. They go to the library. Same with young families..."

This poignant reminder serves as a bookmark in our collective conscience, highlighting the diverse tapestry of library patrons who might be left behind in a rush toward digitization.

🏛️ The Cultural Preservationist: Guarding Tucson's Literary Landmark

An impassioned voice from the community elevated the main library beyond mere bricks and mortar:

"This is a cultural icon for Tucson. It's a, it's a gathering place."

This testimony transforms the debate from one about services and budgets to one about cultural heritage and community identity. It asks us to consider what we lose when we lose a landmark.

These public comments serve as crucial plot points in the grand narrative of Pima County's library future. They remind us that behind every statistic, budget line, and proposed change are human stories—stories of access, community, tradition, and progress.

As we turn the page on this chapter of public input, one thing is clear: the story of Pima County's libraries is still being written, and these voices from the call to the public demand co-authors in that narrative. In the spirit of true participatory democracy, it's a demand that cannot—and should not—be ignored.

📚 The Plot Thickens: A Future Plan Under Fire

The library's administration, led by Director Amber Mathewson, presented a "Future Plan" that reads more like a dystopian novel to many community members. The plan, crafted using a "futures framework" borrowed from the corporate world, proposes closing several libraries, including the beloved downtown main branch, and pivoting to services like book lockers and mobile libraries.

But here's where the story takes a twist worthy of Borges: this plan was developed with minimal community input, which has patrons and board members crying foul. As board member John eloquently said,

"Plans for libraries without the people... it's supposed to be a joyful, exciting process. People love their libraries."

📊 By the Numbers: A Statistical Storytelling Failure

Board member John pointed out that the plan lacked context for its numbers.

"Where the numbers are used, like the number of library card holders, do the numbers lack any context or are the numbers high or low compared to what?" he questioned.

This data deficiency is more than just a footnote in the story. It's a fundamental flaw in the narrative the library administration is trying to write. Without comprehensive metrics, how can we truly measure the impact of these proposed changes? It's like trying to catalog a library without a Dewey Decimal System – chaotic at best, disastrous at worst.

🏛️ Closing the Book on Local Libraries: A Chapter of Controversy

The proposal to close libraries, particularly the main downtown branch, has become the climax of this contentious tale.

The Deputy County Administrator, Dr. Garcia attempted to frame this as a necessary evolution, stating, "This isn't about dollars and cents from my perspective. It's about trying to develop service offerings that are relevant to the community."

But many see this as a plot twist that betrays the very essence of what libraries represent. As one community member eloquently put it, "This building… This is a cultural icon for Tucson. It's a, it's a gathering place."

🔄 Rewriting the Narrative: A Call for True Community Engagement

In a move that would make any editor proud, the board passed a motion to postpone the release of a community survey, recognizing the need for more stakeholder input. This decision underscores a more prominent theme: the need for a genuinely inclusive planning process.

Board member Sharon captured this sentiment perfectly: "Don't go in with the plan as a starting point. Allow the public to say what they want and need."

This call for a return to grassroots planning echoes the principles of participatory democracy that we, as progressive journalists, hold dear.

The Epilogue: What Comes Next?

As this chapter in Pima County's library saga comes to a close, we're left with more questions than answers. Will the administration heed the call for more community involvement? Can a compromise be reached that preserves the soul of our libraries while adapting to new realities?

One thing is clear: this story is far from over. As your dedicated Three Sonorans correspondent, I'll be here to chronicle every twist and turn in this tale of civic engagement, cultural preservation, and the fight for equitable access to knowledge.

Remember, dear readers, that in Jorge Luis Borges's words, "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library." Let's ensure that our paradise isn't paved over in the name of progress.

Stay literate, stay engaged, and keep fighting for your right to read!

Votes Taken

1. Motion to advise the library to begin a robust planning process:

   • Proposed by John

   • Motion: "Advise the library to begin a robust planning process following the best practices, including those by ALA, and the process considerations of the future planning regulations."

   • Result: Motion did not carry (exact vote count not provided)

2. Motion to postpone the community survey:

   • Proposed by Sharon (amended from original proposal)

   • Final Motion: Postpone the survey from going live on September 30 for up to a month to allow the Library Advisory Board, senior staff of the Friends of the Library groups, and the Foundation to review and provide feedback.

   • Result: Motion carried (exact vote count not provided, but noted that Rebecca and at least one other member voted in favor)

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People Mentioned

• Amber Mathewson: Inferred to be the Library Director.

  • Quote: "We do post nationally. We generally only post for 2 weeks because we get some applications."

  • Context: Discussing hiring practices and challenges.

• Dr. Garcia: Identified as the Deputy County Administrator and Chief Medical Officer.

  • Quote: "This isn't about dollars and cents from my perspective. It's about trying to develop service offerings with that are relevant to the community."

  • Context: Explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes to library services.

• John: A board member who was particularly vocal about planning processes.

  • Quote: "Plans for libraries without the people... it's supposed to be a joyful, exciting process. People love their libraries."

  • Context: Criticizing the lack of public input in the planning process.

• Sharon: A board member who asked questions and made comments.

  • Quote: "Don't go in with the plan as a starting point. Allow the public to say what they want and need."

  • Context: Advocating for more community input in the planning process.

• Pat: A board member mentioned briefly. No direct quotes attributed.

• Craig: A board member mentioned as one who requested the special meeting. No direct quotes attributed.

• Rebecca: A board member who participated remotely. No significant quotes attributed.

• Maria: A board member mentioned as participating remotely but having connection issues. No direct quotes attributed.

• Maryann: A board member who made comments about community engagement. No direct quotes attributed.

• Jessica: Seems to be a library staff member who provides some financial information. No significant quotes attributed.

• Joe Reister: A member of the public who spoke during the call to the public.

  • Quote: "With library closures, how will this affect the digital divide and the services [to] underprivileged?"

  • Context: Expressing concerns about the impact of proposed library closures on vulnerable populations.

• Brian: A member of the public who spoke during the call to the public.

  • Quote: "I'm amazed that 50-something million cannot cover all across the library in places over."

  • Context: Questioning the financial justification for proposed changes and suggesting seeking support from the business community.

• Margo: A library staff member who spoke as a private citizen during the call to the public.

  • Quote: "I don't think we can afford to function on nostalgia and also I don't think money is the answer to our issues."

  • Context: Challenging the notion that maintaining current library operations is the best path forward.

• Ken Berman: Mentioned as a former librarian who was involved in planning the main library. No direct quotes attributed.

Propaganda analysis:

The meeting transcript reveals several propaganda techniques at play:

1. Appeal to innovation: The library administration's use of a "futures framework" borrowed from the corporate world can be seen as an attempt to present their plan as forward-thinking and necessary for progress.

2. Euphemism: Terms like "service offerings" and "reimagining" are used to soften the impact of proposed library closures and service reductions.

3. Bandwagon: There's an implication that other libraries and institutions are adopting similar changes, suggesting Pima County should follow suit to stay relevant.

4. Testimonial: The administration cites expert consultants and frameworks to lend credibility to their plan.

5. Plain folks: Some speakers appeal to the everyday experiences of library users to counter the administration's more abstract arguments.

6. Fear: Implications that without changes, the library system might become obsolete or financially unsustainable.

7. Logical fallacies: Some arguments present false dichotomies between maintaining the status quo and implementing drastic changes, ignoring potential middle-ground solutions.