🔍 Between the Lines: Controversy Brews Over Pima Library Closure Plans
🗣️ Community Voices: Concerns and Support for Library System Overhaul 💰 Budget Balancing Act: Staffing Struggles and Service Sustainability
🙊 Notable quotes
"We engaged in conversations with our library advisory board friends at the 2024 summer retreat. And yeah, it seems that that seems to imply that this board was involved in the development of that plan. And that's misleading." - John (Board Member), criticizing the representation of board involvement in the future planning report.
"Is there a way that we can ask, I guess the county, because I don't think the librarians stood up and said, hey, I want to be a case manager, or be a pharmacist, it just because they're smart and capable and here they got tasked with doing a lot of things." - Anna (Board Member), questioning the expanding role of librarians in addressing social issues.
"San Diego County has 33 locations and fewer staff than we have. Fresno County, with $10 million less than we have, maintains 35 locations." - John (Board Member), comparing Pima County's library system to other counties.
"Will we see the general population of Pima County? Because sometimes it's hard to reach unless you get a lot of support from the media or something." - Sharon (Board Member), expressing concerns about the reach of the community survey.
⏮️ ICYMI: The Last Meeting
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
📚🏙️ The grown-ups who run the libraries in Pima County had a big meeting! 😮 They talked about maybe closing some libraries and changing how others work. Some people are worried about this, but others think it might help make the libraries better. 🤔 They want to ask everyone what they think about the libraries. 🗳️ The library helpers want to make sure everyone can use and enjoy the libraries, even if some things change. 🌈 They're also talking about how more people are using e-books instead of paper books. 📱📖
🗝️ Takeaways
🏛️ Pima County Library system faces potential closures and restructuring
📊 Community survey planned, but timing and methodology questioned
💼 Staffing issues persist, with concerns about workload and social challenges
🌐 Digital circulation is increasing, raising questions about future service models
🏙️ Closure of downtown main library proposed, sparking community debate
💰 Budget constraints drive decisions, but comparisons to other counties raise questions
🗳️📊 Survey Scramble: Pima County Rushes to Gauge Library Love
In a meeting that could reshape Pima County's literary landscape, the Library Advisory Board grappled with a future that may see fewer physical books on fewer shelves. The proposed closure of the downtown Joel D. Valdez Main Library, along with the potential shuttering of other branches, has ignited a firestorm of debate about the role of libraries in our increasingly digital world.
As the board discussed plans to survey the community about these changes, the specter of gentrification and unequal access loomed large.
Board member Sharon voiced concerns that echoed through the virtual stacks: "Will we see the general population of Pima County? Because sometimes it's hard to reach unless you get a lot of support from the media or something."
This reporter did not miss the irony that, in a time when information is supposedly at our fingertips, we're considering closing the very institutions that have long been the great equalizers of knowledge. Are we trading the rustle of pages for the click of a mouse, and at what cost to our most vulnerable community members?
Dr. Francisco Garcia, representing the county administration, attempted to reassure the board and public:
"We are investing in more support by hiring another HR administrative specialist. We are changing our hiring practices in terms of how we interview and how we schedule interviews, and things are moving a lot more quickly through the system."
But as staff numbers dwindle and library hours shrink, one must ask: Are we merely rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship of public services?
The digital divide was stark in the statistics presented. While physical circulation has decreased, e-book checkouts are surging. Library Director Amber Mathewson noted,
"We are closer now to 50-50" in terms of physical versus digital circulation. But in a county where not everyone has reliable internet access or devices, this shift could leave many without access to the wealth of knowledge libraries provide.
Perhaps most telling was the discussion about the library's role in addressing social issues. Board member Anna raised a poignant question:
"Is there a way that we can ask, I guess the county, because I don't think the librarians stood up and said, hey, I want to be a case manager or a pharmacist. It's just because they're smart and capable, and here they got tasked with doing a lot of things."
This question cuts to the heart of what we expect from our public institutions. In a society where social services are increasingly underfunded, libraries have become de facto community centers, job placement offices, and even emergency shelters. Are we now asking them to do more with less or less overall?
As the board debates surveys and statistics, we must remember that behind every number is a child discovering their first favorite book, a job seeker updating their resume, or an elder finding community in a world that often leaves them behind.
The future of Pima County's libraries is not just about budgets and buildings—it's about the soul of our community and the values we choose to uphold.
In the words of board member John, "San Diego County has 33 locations and fewer staff than we have. Fresno County, with $10 million less than we have, maintains 35 locations."
This comparison begs the question: Is Pima County truly unable to maintain its libraries, or is this a matter of priorities?
As we move forward, let us remember that libraries are more than repositories of books—they are the cornerstones of democracy and the great equalizers of opportunity. In our rush to digitize and economize, we must not lose sight of the human element that makes libraries essential.
The next chapter of Pima County's library story is yet to be written, but it's clear that the community must have a say in how it unfolds.
Union Discussion
Interestingly, there was no explicit discussion about unions. This silence on labor organizations in a conversation about staffing challenges and service reductions is notable. In a time when public sector unions are often at the forefront of defending community services, their absence from this discussion raises questions about the role of collective bargaining in shaping the future of Pima County's libraries.
Votes Taken
Motion to invite the county administrator for a study session before the end of the year:
Proposed by Mary Ann
Seconded (speaker not identified)
Passed unanimously
Motion to amend the September 24th minutes to include Sharon's question about PEEPs funding:
Proposed by Sharon
Seconded (speaker not identified)
Passed with 3 in favor, 2 opposed, 1 abstention
Motion to amend the September 24th minutes to include mention of library foundation and friends groups in the review:
Proposed by Sharon
Seconded (speaker not identified)
Failed (exact vote count not provided)
Motion to approve the September 24th minutes as amended:
Proposed (speaker not identified)
Passed (vote count not provided)
Motion to adjourn:
Proposed (speaker not identified)
Passed unanimously
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People Mentioned
Amber Mathewson (Library Director)
"We did. The consultant was the consultant did that she's from the U of A."
Context: Responding to questions about the community survey development.
"So, you know, we really we did hear what you all had to say we also heard the community and so we really just want to take this time to you we're not throwing the plan away because there's a lot of good work there but we are setting to decide for now we're going to be looking for more information from the community."
Context: Discussing the library's response to community feedback on the future planning report.
John (Board Member)
"San Diego County has 33 locations, or fewer staff than we have. Fresno County with $10 million less than we have maintains 35 locations."
Context: Comparing Pima County's library system to other counties, questioning the need for closures.
Sharon (Board Member)
"Will we see the general population of Pima County? Because sometimes it's hard to reach unless you get a lot of support from the media or something."
Context: Expressing concerns about the reach of the community survey.
Dr. Francisco Garcia (Deputy County Administrator)
"We are investing in more support by hiring another HR administrative specialist. We are changing our hiring practices in terms of how we are interviewing and how we're scheduling interviews and things are moving a lot more quickly through the system."
Context: Explaining efforts to improve staffing processes.
Craig (Board Member)
"That's okay. So, you know, it's a little hard to hear and I'm very sorry I'm in Florida dealing with hurricane issues, but... I have no problem with sending out surveys. I think we should send out more surveys."
Context: Discussing the proposed community survey and expressing support for increased community engagement.
Mary Ann (Board Member)
"I still would like to hear more about the issues that are impacting the library. So I want to make a motion that the board invite the county administrator to have a study session with us before the end of the year to go over the community engagement process and some other issues that are raised in the futures memo."
Context: Proposing a motion for a study session with the county administrator.
Anna (Possibly Anna Sanchez, new board member)
"Is there a way that we can ask, I guess the county, because I don't think the librarians stood up and said, hey, I want to be a case manager, or be a pharmacist, it just because they're smart and capable and here they got tasked with doing a lot of things."
Context: Questioning the expanding role of librarians in addressing social issues.
Jessica Thornburg (Deputy Director of Finance and Facilities)
Not directly quoted, but mentioned as presenting financial and facilities information.
Reneé Bibby (Library Services Manager)
Not directly quoted, but mentioned as providing a report about communications and publicity for the Library.
Marissa Alcorta (Deputy Library Director)
Not directly quoted, but mentioned as providing a report about branch activities and monthly statistics.
Sylvia Lee (Supervisor)
Mentioned indirectly: "Sylvia Lee seems to think that we should have. I didn't know a consultant had developed the survey."
Context: Discussing suggestions for the community survey process.
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