Thank you to each of you who have attended meetings, shared library stories, voiced concerns, and offered solutions as we chart a path to the Library’s sustainable future. We have heard from many in our community. Based on the input we have received, the Board voted in June to permanently end our consideration of the initial proposal to close three Library branches.
What hasn’t changed is the Board’s commitment to secure the Library’s long-term financial stability and success. The Board continues to gather and consider information as we move through this process. At our work session on Tuesday, the Board requested additional financial information to make decisions about operating expenses like staff pay and to create a more definitive and solid long-term plan for the Library District’s investment in capital projects.
During the July 12 work session, the Board discussed how to best structure public engagement efforts focused on gathering meaningful and usable feedback to inform decision-making. The Board ultimately decided at this stage of our process to focus our efforts on gathering and reviewing information like the financial data we requested on Tuesday. The Board also asked staff to draft a survey to collect information from our community and patrons to inform our process. We understand many of you completed a survey like this last year. We also understand the context for decision-making has changed. Our goal is to ensure the new survey is designed to collect information related to the Library District’s long-term financial sustainability. All recent Board efforts reinforce our decision to pursue public engagement as a crucial part of this process, beginning with a survey.
Again, we thank you for your patience and support as we work to find a solution that best serves all of St. Charles County.
Stacia Alvarez, President
St. Charles City-County Library Board of Trustees
