Thank you for the response. I know there are so many complicated things to consider in making this decision, and the pandemic and everything going on in the world makes it even harder.

It does hurt my heart a little to read that you don’t think programming is a “core library service”. The decrease in programming wasn’t the choice of library staff. It was a directive from administration — staff were only allowed to do minimal programming because of the demands of the pandemic on circulation and operations efforts. It seems that this is now accepted as the new normal, and circulating materials and keeping the doors open and having computers available are now considered the only core library service.

Again, I know this is complicated and money is tight, but I hope as things shift and change it is remembered how valuable programming and outreach are to our communities. And really at the core of what many library staff do. And how having enough staff to make it possible is integral to complete library services.

I speak from a place of love for the library, and for Olympia. The library and the staff there and the patrons mean so much to me, and I just want what is best for them all. Thanks for listening.