From: llyn Ferry
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 2:13:43 PM
I am wondering how one gets on this book council and what are the qualifications. I know some interested to find out more.
Also, I am very much against any moves to privatize our beloved library system.
Keep our
public library public.
Michelle ferry
Huntington Beach resident since 1968.
3/19/2024
22 (24-197)
From: Cathey Ryder
To: [email protected]
Subject: 3/19 Agenda Item 24-197
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 9:07:52 PM
Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Council Members,
What is your rationale for wanting to Privatize the Huntington Beach Public Libraries?
A public library is predicated on an ethos of sharing and egalitarianism. It is nonjudgmental. It stands in stark opposition to the materialism and individualism that otherwise define our culture.
Libraries are not just about the books.The city could easily replace the transactional part of a library with a corporation, but we’d be left with a place where you come in, get your books, pay, and leave. Patrons would lose the opportunity to get help with homework or trade quilt patterns or meet people who are eager to recommend their favorite reads. And that’s just the surface of what libraries do, especially in a time when most other social services have been slashed.
LS&S started out as a software company. Now, after doubling in size over the last several years, it has taken over more than 17 library systems in five states and runs many branches. It is the nation’s fifth-largest library system. When LS&S takes over, it receives a set fee from a local government. The corporation gets control over the collection, services, and programs.
Most importantly, it takes over staffing. Librarians at these facilities are no longer public servants.
Rather than innovate and use its considerable bulk purchasing power to serve local needs, the corporation saves money by narrowing its collection: Research tells us that they focus on the best sellers and pull the less popular books.
This is at odds with what libraries do.An independent investigation of the LS&S-run Jackson County, Oregon, library system found that while the county’s Latino population had tripled over a period of 24 years, the Spanish-language collection had grown hardly at all. There were no story times in Spanish, the book giveaway for kids included no Spanish titles, and the website was only in English. All this gave the investigators “the overall impression that Spanish speakers are not considered part of the community nor welcome at the Library.” In Jackson County, Oregon, the state library report revealed, LS&S spent 28 percent of its contract on “other.” No one could tell what this actually referred to. It wasn’t librarian salaries, and it wasn’t the collection, which were accounted for separately and were determined to be woefully insufficient. Was the county getting a good deal? Hard to tell when there was a gaping hole of who-knows-what in the middle of the balance sheet.
The lack
of transparency seemingly makes it impossible for cities and counties to determine if LS&S is giving good value for the dollar.
Citizens see their PUBLIC Libraries as all-American and utterly sacred. More than half of all Americans over the age of sixteen have used a library in the past year.
A library is a center of a community. Sacred centers belong to the people and should be controlled by the people, for the benefit of the people.
In this attempt to Privatize our public libraries, it appears to me that our CITY COUNCIL majority are intent on giving up all pretense of working for the public interest.This is an assault on our community.
How can you have February PROCLAIMED as "We Love our Libraries "month and then in March place this item on the agenda? This is an attempt to undermine our connections to each other, connections that can’t be forged at a Barnes & Noble or a Starbucks. This is an effort to devalue the work and passion of public servants and their role as the glue of our communities. This is an effort to turn me from a concerned citizen into a mere consumer.,
--
Cathey Ryder
" Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." Helen Keller
From: SUSAN WEXLER
To: [email protected]
Subject: Item #24-197
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 9:22:46 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I am a 43 year resident of Huntington Beach. I was president of the Friends of the Children's Library before the Children's wing even existed and I was again privileged to be the president of the Friends of the Children's Library from 2019-2023. I have worked countless hours as a volunteer at the Central Library and helped lobby our City Council and fundraise in the 80's to build the Children's wing and the auditorium.
I am VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED to privatizing our excellent library! We currently have the best librarians who know our community well and are well-loved. Privatization's low salaries will force them to leave for positions at other libraries where their professional expertise will be valued and they will be paid the salary they deserve.
Our library is a jewel in our city. Please STOP trying to fix something that isn't broken. Stop focusing on culture issues and creating lawsuits for our city. I have lived in Huntington Beach and used and volunteered at our library for 43 years. My children grew up using our library.
PLEASE! Don't use our library as if it were a piggy bank! Don't try to balance the city budget by privatizing our library. It is a HORRIBLE IDEA.
Sincerely,
Susan J. Wexler
From: Margaret Sloan
To: [email protected]
Subject: Do Not Privatize Our Libraries!
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:02:09 AM
Under no condition or circumstance should our libraries be privatized! The current council majority may find even the idea of this is so outrageous to the citizens of HB it will get the recall drums beating.
Peggy Sloan
From: Judy Ceppaglia
To: [email protected]
Subject: Reference item #24-197
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:24:20 AM
I was surprised to see the City Council agenda item to request proposals for outsourcing library services. I OPPOSE this action.
Judy Ceppaglia
[email protected]
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: I am writing about Agenda Item No#22, 24-197 Librarry Services Proposal.
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:42:16 AM
From: larry mcneely <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:56 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: I am writing about Agenda Item No#22, 24-197 Librarry Services Proposal.
If this proposal includes anything to do with Michael Posey it will wind up Bad For Our City, NOTHING GOOD has ever come from anything Michael Posey supported, Posey has been a Cancer to our community and You All Know It. If Posey gets his hands on any part of our city government he will set up shop like a Rat Infestation that will be hard to evict. Carpetbagger Grifters never change, they change occupations. Think Long and Hard on what you want as an outcome because Posey is the Bomb waiting for someone to light the fuse.
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Privatizing HB Libraries
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:43:19 AM
From: M Abbott <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 11:08 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Privatizing HB Libraries
Please do not privatize our city libraries. Cut money in the budget other places. It appears that Michael Posey is affiliated with the company you are vetting. He led us wrong before and will do it again. Please listen to your citizens.
Michele Abbott
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Leave our Libraries alone
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:44:14 AM
From: Pat DeRush <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 8:33 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Leave our Libraries alone
Just saw that you have an item on the upcoming council meeting agenda (24-197) “Request authorization to issue a Request for Proposals for Managed Library Services…..”
STOP! Leave our fabulous Libraries alone!
We are so fortunate to have multiple branches that serve ALL of us so well (no matter one’s possible political leanings) = stop trying to micro manage them! This is NOT something you all on the Council should be meddling with. Enough!
Sincerely,
A long time Huntington Beach resident and frequent visitor to our Library
Pat DeRush
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Do Not Privatize Our Libraries
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:44:28 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Margaret Sloan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 8:59 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Do Not Privatize Our Libraries
Under no condition or circumstance should our libraries be privatized! The current council majority may find even the idea of this is so outrageous to the citizens of HB it will get the recall drums beating.
Peggy Sloan
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agend Item #22
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:58:07 AM
From: Tamantha Bowman <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:46 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Agend Item #22
Do not privatize our libraries. Do not authorize staff to request proposals for a Managed Library Service.
As a citizen of Huntington Beach I DO NOT support agenda item #22.
Making our public library a privatized one would only allow for a corporation to decide what books are available based on profits. It would severely reduce diverse literature available based on budget bottom lines. A quick search will tell you why this is bad for our community.
Here are just a couple excerpts from an article specifically discussing the pitfalls of LS & S.
"a decision to further enrich the private-equity owners of LS&S. While the city saves a pittance, the privatizers cut services to the community and cut benefits to those who provide those services. The more ruthless they are, the more public money they get to take out of the county, and even the state."
"When LS&S came to Santa Clarita, California, Jane Hanson, eighty-one years old and a frequent library visitor for fifty years, became an activist for the first time since the Vietnam War and gathered 1,200 signatures over the course of three weekends. “A library is the heart of the community,” she explained. “I’m in favor of private enterprise, but I can’t feel comfortable with what the city is doing here.” Another patron insisted that “public libraries invoke images of our freedom to learn, a cornerstone of our democracy.” And a religious leader told the city council of another LS&S target that “a library is a center of a community. Sacred centers belong to the people, should be controlled by the people, for the benefit of the people.” Such passion has emerged in each one of LS&S’s struggles; in fact, it seems like the only times it wins is when politicians are willing to fly in the face of what the public clearly wants."
"Speaking generally about library privatization, columnist Michael Hiltzik wrote, “If you’re looking for a sign that local political leaders are intent on giving up all pretense of working for the public interest, look no further.” Yes, stepping away from libraries is a good barometer of public officials’ contempt for the public, but we would go further. These are assaults on our communities. They are attempts to undermine our connections to each other, connections that can’t be forged at a Barnes & Noble or a Starbucks.
They are efforts to devalue the work and passion of public servants and their role as the glue of our communities. And they are efforts to turn us from citizens into mere consumers."
Here's the link.
Lithub Article Why the hell would you want to privatize libraries
I enjoy our library as is, leave it alone. This city council has done enough damage.
Sincerely,
Tamantha Bowman
HB resident | USCG Retired CWO3
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Book banning
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:59:24 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: BOB DEATON <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 12:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Book banning
Attn: City Council
I’ve lived in Huntingon Beach since 1987 and raised my family here. One of the big attractions of this city was the wonderful children’s library, and we became frequent visitors. We were appalled at the recent actions of the city council to restrict access to books that a faction of the council believed were inappropriate. My family has always supported the work of professional librarians to select what is right for the children’s library. We are vehemently opposed to a gang of amateurs segregating and stigmatizing books like the classic “Everybody Poops”. Seriously? Is this what we’ve come to? If parents don’t want their children to read “Everybody Poops” or books about puberty or kids with two dads, they should go to the library with their sons and daughters instead of making it more difficult for everyone else. It makes no sense for a narrow-minded minority to be making the rules for the rest of us.
Please reconsider your decision and return the operation of the library to the professional librarians.
Bob Deaton
19675 Seawind Cir
Huntington Beach CA 92648
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Library Privatization Proposal
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 10:46:27 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Charlene Roe <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 8:59 AM
To: Moser, Natalie <[email protected]>
Cc: Fikes, Cathy <[email protected]>
Subject: Library Privatization Proposal
I am writing to express my profound displeasure regarding the recent privatization efforts affecting our beloved library. As a passionate advocate for public libraries and their invaluable role in our community, I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences of such a decision.
Public libraries serve as essential hubs for education, literacy, and community engagement. They provide free access to information, resources, and programs that benefit people from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By privatizing our library, we risk compromising its fundamental mission of serving the public good in favor of profit-driven motives.
Moreover, privatization may lead to decreased accessibility and affordability of library services. It could result in restricted access to materials, reduced operating hours, or the implementation of user fees, thereby excluding individuals and families who rely on the library as a lifeline for learning and enrichment.
Furthermore, privatization undermines the democratic principles upon which public libraries are founded. By handing over control to private entities, we relinquish the transparency, accountability, and community input that are integral to the governance of public institutions.
Instead of privatization, I urge you to explore alternative solutions that prioritize the preservation and enhancement of our public library system. This may involve seeking additional funding through grants, partnerships, or increased public investment, as well as fostering community engagement to identify innovative strategies for sustaining and expanding library services.
I implore you to reconsider the decision to privatize Huntington Beach Public Library and to prioritize the long-term interests of our community. Our library is not just a building; it is a beacon of knowledge, inclusivity, and empowerment for all. Let us work together to ensure that it remains a vibrant and accessible resource for generations to come.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Char Roe
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Opposed to RFP for managed library services Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:52:57 AM
From: Stacy Brookhyser <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 10:44 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Opposed to RFP for managed library services
Dear council members,
I am 19 year resident of Huntington Beach. I am writing to let you know that I am OPPOSED to the request for proposals for managed library services for the Huntington Beach library system.
Thank you,
Stacy West
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Privatization of our HB Library
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:53:09 AM
From: Debbie Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:35 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Privatization of our HB Library
To the City Council of Huntington Beach,
It is ridiculous that books are being banned, privatization is being considered for our library. Parents and librarians have been responsible for deciding the content of what children read for decades. No outside group should be deciding this for them. Let the parents do their job. Librarians go to school to determine good reading content for all ages. Let them do their job! Stay out of it!!!
Debbie Johnson
HB Resident for 42 years
From: Niko-Kate Kyritsis
To: [email protected]
Subject: No privatization of our library
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:43:31 AM
Please keep our library public.
We love our public library and our staff.
The library programs are amazing and enjoyed by all.
Please keep our library public and our staff.
Thank you
Concerned citizen
Kate Kyritsis
From: Isabella Ford
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Please drop Administrative Item 24-197 - Request authorization to issue a request for proposals for managed library services for the HB Public Library system
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 12:19:45 PM
Please do not relinquish our fabulous Public Library to any private company. Our library is and always has been an absolute treasure for our community! It manages to service all ages and all interests. Every time I go in or take a tour, I learn something new.
Just recently, I learned about the Kanopy App! We have the Seed Library, the Veterans Resource Center, Makerspace, story time, free wifi for students and remote workers, and so much more.
If you need to reduce funding, because you've managed to drain the city funds, let the Friends of the Library know and see if they can raise funds, don't just go straight to the private sector.
Thanks for listening and I hope you change your mind and drop Administrative item 24-197.
Isabella Ford
714-308-0660
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Save our libraries!
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 1:18:54 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: ROSE SAYLIN <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 1:15 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Save our libraries!
Huntington Beach has outstanding libraries. Please don’t turn them over to outside management! Rose Saylin
Sent from my iPad
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Library agenda item/non-lobbying consideration for outgoing council members and city employees Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 3:31:42 PM
From: pacj <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 3:10 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library agenda item/non-lobbying consideration for outgoing council members and city employees
While it is good to review operations of any department, the timing of this agenda item promotes bad optics for the council. It feels like retribution. The more citizens object to recent council library actions, the more limitations the council places.
Did former council member Posey solicit business for his new employer, a library management firm?
Whether or not that is the case, it brings up an ethical question. When is it appropriate for former council members or city employees to solicit business from the city? Are there any anti lobbying regulations in place to prohibit former council members or city employees from receiving preferential treatment? If there are none, then please consider some.
I am not protesting review of any city department operations. I am, however, against targeting any specific department. If the council is considering contracting out then is it considering contracting out for other departments particularly ones with a hefty budget? Police? Fire? IT?
Sincerely
Pat Quintana
From: Fikes, Cathy
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Opposition to privatization of HBPL
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 5:55:18 PM
From: adrienne low <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 4:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Opposition to privatization of HBPL
City Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington Beach I am writing to express my full support of the Huntington Beach Public Library (HBPL) and to urge you to dismiss efforts to privatize this vital community asset.
In 2001 the ALA adopted the following policy:
“ALA affirms that publicly funded libraries should remain directly accountable to the public they serve. Therefore, the ALA opposes the shifting of policymaking and management oversight of library services for the public to the private for profit sector. “
Public libraries provide everyone access to a variety of ideas and learning resources.
Additionally, the library allows people access to computers, the internet, printers, regardless of a person’s means, they are able to take advantage of technology critical for global networking, access to information and routine tasks of individual commerce.
In addition to access to books I have had the pleasure of participating in many of the free programs the library has offered. For example: Storytimes, magic shows, dance shows, lectures about birding, to name a few. Privatizing the library threatens accountability and transparency because library staff, as public employees, are accountable to the people in the community. In contrast, a private company is concerned with investors and making a profit. I can not imagine a private company offering the array of services currently provided.
A move to privately operate the library will jeopardize HB’s ability to raise money for the library from sources such as grants, donations and gifts. A for profit library will not be eligible to participate in the same resource sharing programs that public libraries offer.
The HBPL is one of my favorite places in HB. It breaks my heart to see the city council’s ongoing attack on this wonderful resource. HBPL has demonstrated its commitment and value to the community. Maintaining a transparent and public governed library is essential for the current and future residents of HB.
Sincerely,
Adrienne Low
From: Mike Sensenbaugh
To: [email protected]
Subject: No to privatization of libraries!
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 6:48:24 PM
Please don’t change the libraries or allow a private company to take them over! Mike sensenbaugh
1319 Alabama St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
From: Miriam G
To: [email protected]
Subject: Please do not privatize HBPL
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 7:15:38 PM
Good evening,
I am a mother to a 1.5 year old girl and we have been regulars at HB public library in Central Park since my daughter was 7 months old. We were new to the area and this library's storytimes have been part of our routine. We love going so much, we love the high quality storytimes, we love the enthusiastic staff, and we don't want this to change. It has been a magical place for us and I feel so lucky to have found this library. We have made so many friends during the storytimes and it makes my daughter so happy to be there. Please keep this amazing public program the way it is now, it encourages learning, helps parents bond and play with their children, forms community connections, and healthy social growth.
Thank you for reading this,
Miriam Gammo, BSN, RN
(714)261-0795
From: adrienne low
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose privatization of HBPL
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 7:58:24 PM
City Council Members,
As a resident of Huntington Beach I am writing to express my full support of the Huntington Beach Public Library (HBPL) and to urge you to dismiss efforts to privatize this vital community asset.
In 2001 the ALA adopted the following policy:
“ALA affirms that publicly funded libraries should remain directly accountable to the public they serve. Therefore, the ALA opposes the shifting of policymaking and management oversight of library services for the public to the private for profit sector. “ Public libraries provide everyone access to a variety of ideas and learning resources.
Additionally, the library allows people access to computers, the internet, printers, regardless of a person’s means, they are able to take advantage of technology critical for global networking, access to information and routine tasks of individual commerce. In addition to access to books I have had the pleasure of participating in many of the free programs the library has offered. For example: Storytimes, magic shows, dance shows, lectures about birding, to name a few. Privatizing the library threatens accountability and transparency because library staff, as public employees, are accountable to the people in the community.
In contrast, a private company is concerned with investors and making a profit. I can not imagine a private company offering the array of services currently provided.
A move to privately operate the library will jeopardize HB’s ability to raise money for the library from sources such as grants, donations and gifts. A for profit library will not be eligible to participate in the same resource sharing programs that public libraries offer.
The HBPL is one of my favorite places in HB. It breaks my heart to see the city council’s ongoing attack on this wonderful resource. HBPL has demonstrated its commitment and value to the community. Maintaining a transparent and public governed library is essential for the current and future residents of HB.
Sincerely,
Adrienne Low
Sent from my iPhone
From: Betty Kanne
To: [email protected]
Subject: Do not privatize our Library
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 12:39:48 AM
City Council Members,
I urge you to immediately abandon the idea of privatizing our beloved library. It is the crown jewel of Huntington Beach and stands as a beacon of learning and creative thought.
The dedicated, highly credentialed, trained and experienced staff are a treasure to our community. They bring stability, compassion, seasoned judgement and expert knowledge to our local library and its neighborhood branches that an outside company never could provide. Our library is not just a collection of books. The seasoned staff is the very life source that pulses through the stacks and aisles. Don’t drive them out! The dedicated army of hard working volunteers, the Friends of the Library, is a key and essential part of its excellence. You will lose the vast majority of that assistance once you bring in a for-profit corporation to seize control of the library. You are cutting off your nose to spite your face. Don’t be foolhardy. You can not even begin quantify that value financially.
It would be reckless to move forward with this ill-fated venture.
Will you four please, please stop your mad dash to divide, erode and diminish our outstanding community. Stop.
Just stop!
Betty Kanne
40+ year HB resident, homeowner, voter
16331 Woodstock Lane
Huntington Beach, CA. 92647
From: Marissa Chamberlain
To: [email protected]
Subject: Comment on agenda item 24-197
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 8:02:17 AM
Please reject outsourcing of library services. Libraries are public institutions, and should be run for the betterment of the public, and not for the profit of a corporation. Library Services & Systems promised a cost savings to the city; that they could run the Huntington Beach Public Library for less. However, what the community will get with a library run by LS&S is less.
There will be less programs, less storytimes, less hours, less services, less items, less customer service. We already have a world-class library system that people travel from across Southern California to visit. We already have award-winning storytimes. Why should the community of Huntington Beach accept any less than the level of service they already receive? Privatizing the library will not benefit the citizens of Huntington Beach.
Sincerely,
Marissa Chamberlain
Virus-free.www.avast.com
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Library Privatization Concerns
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 8:11:58 AM
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Lowen Jeffery <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 12:10:41 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library Privatization Concerns
Council Members,
I am a resident of Huntington Beach, and have recently read about the Council's plans to discuss the privatization of HB's public libraries. I find this proposal extremely concerning:
easy public access to information and books is a right that should be available to everyone, not only those who can afford it. Additionally, it is clear that a motivating factor behind this proposal is to gain more control to further restrict books deemed "obscene" by certain persons -- books that give voices to marginalized peoples and oppressed communities. The restriction of such information is not only unnecessary and motivated by fear and hate, but a waste of time, money, and effort.
I strongly urge you to reconsider this proposal and focus your efforts on the real problems affecting our city and our community, such as the homelessness crisis and the continued discrimination against marginalized groups in our community.
I no longer feel safe in my own city.
Lowen Jeffery
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Do not privatize our Library
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 8:12:04 AM
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Betty Kanne <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 12:49:28 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Do not privatize our Library
City Council Members,
I urge you to immediately abandon the idea of privatizing our beloved library. It is the crown jewel of Huntington Beach and stands as a beacon of learning and creative thought.
The dedicated, highly credentialed, trained and experienced staff are a treasure to our community.
They bring stability, compassion, seasoned judgement and expert knowledge to our local library and its neighborhood branches that an outside company never could provide. Our library is not just a collection of books. The seasoned staff is the very life source that pulses through the stacks and aisles. Don’t drive them out!
The dedicated army of hard working volunteers, the Friends of the Library, is a key and essential part of its excellence. You will lose the vast majority of that assistance once you bring in a for-profit corporation to seize control of the library. You are cutting off your nose to spite your face. Don’t be foolhardy. You can not even begin quantify that value financially.
It would be reckless to move forward with this ill-fated venture.
Will you four please, please stop your mad dash to divide, erode and diminish our outstanding community. Stop. Just stop!
Betty Kanne
40+ year HB resident, homeowner, voter
16331 Woodstock Lane
Huntington Beach, CA. 92647
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Item 22 - Privatizing Library Service
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 8:12:30 AM
Get Outlook for iOS
From: powell_doris <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 6:34:22 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Item 22 - Privatizing Library Service
I am writing today in opposition of Item 22 - RFP to privatize library services on the up coming City Council Agenda. The staff report for this item says that the city received an unsolicited proposal to provide library service so they are asking staff to develop a Request for Proposals for this service.
No where does the staff report explain why the City Council wishes to fire our professional library staff and replace them a private firm. Community and Library Services is 5.4% of the city's budget. Cutting staff would not have a significant impact on the overall budget. City staff go through background check and are held to high standards of professionalism. Will a contractor be able to up hold these qualities? I don't think so.
The public deserves more information and transparency into this matter. I'm asking that the City Council vote NO on this item or pull it from the agenda.
Sincerely,
Doris Powell
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
From: Kareena Y
To: [email protected]
Subject: Library Privatization
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 9:29:30 AM
Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am writing to vehemently oppose the proposed privatization of the Huntington Beach library.
As I'm deeply invested in our community's welfare, I adamantly believe that essential public services like libraries should not be handed over to profit-driven entities.
Public libraries are the cornerstone of our society, providing free access to knowledge, resources, and cultural enrichment for all residents. They are indispensable for fostering an informed and educated populace, which is vital for the functioning of a healthy democracy. By privatizing the library, we risk undermining the principles of equality and access to information that are fundamental to our community.
Furthermore, privatization threatens to erode accountability and transparency in the management of our library. Public institutions are accountable to the people they serve, with decisions made in open forums where citizens can participate and hold officials accountable.
In contrast, privatization would place control of our library in the hands of profit-driven corporations, potentially sacrificing transparency and public oversight for the sake of maximizing profits.
While proponents of privatization tout potential cost savings, the reality is far more complex.
Hidden costs and unforeseen consequences often outweigh any short-term financial gains.
Privatization contracts must be scrutinized to ensure that they do not compromise the quality of library services or jeopardize the well-being of library staff.
I am particularly concerned about the fate of our current library staff. These dedicated individuals are the heart and soul of our library, and their jobs should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of profit. Privatization may result in layoffs, reduced hours, or inferior working conditions for our library staff, undermining the quality of service our community receives.
Our library has received the award for best storytime in Orange County multiple times, for good reason. This is not the quality of service we will receive from a private company.
The decision to privatize our library should not be driven by profit motives but by the best interests of the community. We must reject the notion that essential public services can be outsourced to the lowest bidder without consequences. Our library is a public trust, and its management should remain accountable to the people it serves.
Before moving forward with privatization, I urge the Huntington Beach City Council to fully consider the ramifications and consult with the community who have already shown their support and love for the library.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I implore you to reject the privatization of our library and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and public ownership that are essential to our community's well-being.
Sincerely,
Kareena Yashko
From: L Scott
To: [email protected]
Subject: agenda item 24-197
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 12:25:24 PM
City Council and committee members,
I write in opposition to an outside source operating our already wonderful library system in Huntington Beach. The savings would cut the incredible services provided for the public who use our libraries.
Our support groups are talking about the consequences of this decision and are not in support (pun intended). They provide wonderful services at no cost for our library system and also provide materials.
Cutting salaries of current staff will result in resignations. The consequences would mean training time and constant turnover of staff as they constantly move on to better paying jobs.
This has happened at other libraries who have hired this company.
We already have a wonderful library. In the words of that famous scholar "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." :)
--
Lyn
Abraham Lincoln. "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Privatization of Huntington Beach Library.
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 1:35:03 PM
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From: Kathleen Carroll <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 10:22:50 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Privatization of Huntington Beach Library.
Please do not privatize the library. I have taken my children and grandchildren to the facility over the years and it is a beloved institution for all of us. You are transitory in your positions and are abusing your powers as city council members by your actions. As a school district employee for over 34 years I watched special interest Board of Education members make overreaching and ultimately harmful decisions that hurt staff ability to educate children. Your book banning actions have made us a nationwide laughing stock. This is a continuation of your shortsighted and narrow minded agenda.
You do not speak for me. Perform your duties for the good of all of us, not just your followers. I'm ashamed of you.
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Library turn over
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 1:35:17 PM
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From: Jeffrey Webster <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 11:03:43 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Library turn over
I'm a 40+ year resident of HB who has enjoyed our public library. Please do not turn over our library's management to LSS which focuses on profits for their shareholders rather than to residents of HB. Also, stop banning books like the Nazis did before WWII.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Webster, Ph.D.
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From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Managed library
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 1:35:29 PM
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From: Dorothy Boesch <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 11:58:19 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: Managed library
Dear City Council Members,
I see that you have on the agenda a request for staff to investigate having managed Library Services. As a FOTL volunteer for 40 plus years I am concerned. I spent all of those years raising money for the library as Book sale chairman, Program chairman and 3 times President.
Our library is the jewel of Huntington Beach and considered one of the best in California. We always had a director and should still have one till you decided to put it in with other departments. The Friends have worked tirelessly and have always been generous in donating to the library.
My question is why put it under managed services and what happens to all the volunteers that work so hard for the library?
Sincerely yours,
Dorothy Boesch
From: H Meyers
To: [email protected]
Subject: March 19 City Council Agenda Item #22
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 2:28:19 PM
I am a long-time resident of the city of Huntington Beach. I urge you to vote against Agenda Item #22 (Request authorization to issue a Request for Proposals for Managed Library Services for the Huntington Beach Public Library system) at the March 19, 2024, city council meeting. Our library is managed by professionals who serve the residents well, if they are allowed to do so. Privatization of our public library will inevitably weaken our libraries, since profit will replace public service as a motive.
Instead of wasting taxpayer money on endless, loser law suits and a secret and unnecessary settlement with the owner of the Pacific Air show—demonstrating gross financial mismanagement—and tearing the city apart over culture wars that do nothing to address the real problems in our city, please stop attacking our library.
Thank you,
Hildy Meyers
From: Elaine Parker
To: [email protected]
Subject: Privatization of the Library
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 3:08:34 PM
Dear City Council Members.
I have lived in Huntington Beach for over 30 years. I have been a member of the Friends of the Children’s Library for over 15 years and have filled several positions from secretary to president. Also, as a volunteer, I enjoy helping with the Homework Club, teaching Literacy, and assisting veterans in the Veterans Resource Center. What would happen to these volunteer opportunities if the library became private? Would these programs along with Storytime, Maker Space, and other programs be gone? Would the librarians who administer these programs be gone? Privatizing the library is very disappointing and I am opposed to it.
If our library is privatized, what is to stop the company from doing whatever they want? They certainly don’t have to listen to the patrons they serve. A private company’s only purpose is to transform public libraries into storefronts with reduced staffing and operating expenses and maximize profits.
Privatizing our library will drive down quality. Turning our library into a private company would be abandoning a precious public asset.
What of our librarians - would they all be laid off and have to seek employment elsewhere? Would they be stripped of their union protections? Would this company hire librarians with the appropriate degrees?
Please stop with the culture issues and don’t attempt to fix something that is not broken. Our library is a crowning achievement in our community with five branches filling the needs of our children and adults. I’m sure that if it becomes privatized, we will see branches closed and then what happens to the adults and children who have come to depend on the services these branches provide?
Please stop this horrible idea
Sincerely,
Elaine MacLeod Parker
From: Levin, Shannon
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: March 19 City Council Agenda Item #22
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 3:29:26 PM
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From: H Meyers <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 2:25:45 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF) <[email protected]> Subject: March 19 City Council Agenda Item #22
I am a long-time resident of the city of Huntington Beach. I urge you to vote against Agenda Item #22 (Request authorization to issue a Request for Proposals for Managed Library Services for the Huntington Beach Public Library system) at the March 19, 2024, city council meeting. Our library is managed by professionals who serve the residents well, if they are allowed to do so. Privatization of our public library will inevitably weaken our libraries, since profit will replace public service as a motive.
Instead of wasting taxpayer money on endless, loser law suits and a secret and unnecessary settlement with the owner of the Pacific Air show—demonstrating gross financial mismanagement—and tearing the city apart over culture wars that do nothing to address the real problems in our city, please stop attacking our library.
Thank you,
Hildy Meyers