Martha Burtis

I'm deeply concerned about this bill and its potential to politicize the work of public libraries. Our public libraries are an absolutely vital resource to all of our communities, providing free access to information and resources, regardless of political ideology. Allowing municipal takeover of libraries would open the door to interference in the operation of these institutions -- and through that interference, limiting the access the public has to balanced information. Librarians are professionals with extensive training in providing services and information to the public. There is no reason to take control of their libraries away from them, unless you are seeking to limit the public's access to the valuable resources they provide. This isn't freedom. This isn't liberty. This is political interference in our communities.