LIBRARY NETWORK BOARD: Intent on destruction?

The Community Library Network is over $200,000 in the hole and has until the end of the month to agree on how to fix it. Tom Hanley, Rachelle Ottosen and Tim Plass want extreme budget cuts that would include reducing staff, eliminating programs, cutting hours, possibly closing some libraries, delaying purchase of outdated equipment and zero tax increases. Director Alexa Eccles explained that it will be nearly impossible to make enough cuts to balance the budget. Accepting a tax increase with less drastic budget cuts would best serve the community’s needs.

Hanley objects to CLN membership in the American Library Association. Unsurprisingly, he claimed in the July 7 meeting that the organization is “too liberal,” specifically regarding book banning. The ALA is committed to upholding core values, which include equitable access to knowledge, social justice and intellectual freedom. Plass claimed, “Intellectual freedom is meaningless.” Katie Blank retorted, “Intellectual freedom is a core value of public libraries.”

Ottosen wants to amend the Financial Management Policy to transfer control of contracting goods and services from the Director to the Board. She proposed that the July 7 meeting go into overtime, but Katie Blank disagreed. She said that discussion should be had in a public meeting to guarantee transparency.

Just because the new board members hold a very slight majority doesn’t mean they should disregard the wants and needs of the entire community. Considering that our region is growing, it’s in everyone’s best interest to have a thriving library community with educational programs.

JEAN RICHARDSON

Hayden