FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A group of Fresno-area leaders is raising concerns about the possibility of privatizing some local libraries.<\/p>\n
Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi and Fresno County librarians gathered outside the Sunnyside Regional Library on Monday to oppose outsourcing library management.<\/p>\n
Chavez said a report scheduled to be presented at the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 20 will outline ways to save $8 million.<\/p>\n
He said the report appears to promote reducing library hours, cutting locations and laying off workers.<\/p>\n
Chavez also said a private company approached him with interest in helping operate libraries in the community.<\/p>\n
“Our public libraries are public and should stay public. We don’t need private corporations coming in and laying people off and censoring material,” Chavez said.<\/p>\n
Karbassi also spoke out against the possibility of privatization.<\/p>\n
“This is a very bad idea: privatizing our public libraries, cutting hours, cutting services, cutting access is a terrible idea. It’s regressive, and we’re not going to stand for that,” Karbassi said.<\/p>\n
Residents are being encouraged to attend the Oct. 20 Board of Supervisors meeting to express their feelings about the privatization option.<\/p>\n
Karbassi also plans to introduce a resolution at the next Fresno City Council meeting asking councilmembers and the mayor to oppose privatization and protect access, equity and service in Fresno County’s libraries.<\/p>\n
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