The Pima County Public Library advisory board will hold a special meeting Friday afternoon to discuss the future of the library system following a controversial internal library report that proposed closing or downsizing multiple libraries.
The meeting will consider how to move forward after an. Aug. 16 memo and draft report by Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher first shared with the public by Arizona Luminaria, led to a wave of public outrage. The reaction to the report pushed the library board to recommend a robust public engagement process ahead of any major changes to the library system.
Friday’s agenda includes the following:
- Repairs for the downtown library building: The Joel D. Valdez Main Library, a downtown landmark for 34 years, is owned by the city of Tucson. Library administration says it is in need of extensive repairs. Friday’s meeting would consider negotiations with Tucson and consider potential new locations for the space.
- Chronic staffing shortages are a key challenge for providing adequate services at all locations, the initial library report said. The meeting will look at staff workload and the loss of full time positions since 2019.
- Advisory board members recommended in September that the library plan a robust public engagement process before closing any libraries. Friday’s meeting would include a conversation on a coming community engagement plan.
The meeting will take place on the fourth floor of the Valdez library, 101 N. Stone Ave., on Friday, Nov 15 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to listen in remotely can call 1-602-649-0382 with the Conference ID: 340 316 477#. Requests for comment or statements can be sent to Library.Board@pima.gov.
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