02/06/2026
This is long and not my normal method of communicating but I felt there was way more to say. I want to share something that has weighed heavily on me.
One of the most difficult parts of the library discussion over the past two years has been the growing disconnect between the City Council and library leadership. What hurts the most is seeing our intentions repeatedly misunderstood.
At no point has this council moved to close the library. In fact, our goal has always been the opposite: to strengthen it by expanding services and making it more relevant and accessible to the families who pay for and support it.
When public statements and media coverage suggest otherwise, it creates confusion in our community and damages trust. That has been discouraging because I genuinely believe we all care about serving our residents.
In meetings with library leadership and members of the library board, I have consistently advocated for changes that I believe would better serve our community. One example was my request to open on Saturdays, when most working families have time to visit. While three Saturdays were added this summer, I do not believe that is enough to truly evaluate the demand or impact of expanded hours.
For those interested, I am sharing the agenda I prepared for our April 28 meeting. There is nothing in it that suggests closing the library. Instead, it focuses on ideas for improving services and creating a stronger vision for the future.
More than anything, I am disappointed that trust has been damaged. Relationships between the council and library leadership are important, and I believe they can be repaired. Honest communication and a shared commitment to serving our citizens can still move us forward.
I also want people to know there is another side to this story.
This council has worked hard to support meaningful projects that improve quality of life in our city. Whether it's The Outpost, Nicko’s Pizza and Ice Cream, renovations at Osburne Park, plans for a campground, or repairs to the Covered Bridge, we have consistently focused on creating opportunities and experiences that make our community stronger.
I remain committed to that same goal with the library: not closure, but improvement; not conflict, but collaboration; not less for our citizens, but more.
Here is a copy of the agenda I put together for the April 28th meeting with the library leader and some members of the board.
Agenda: City Meeting with Library Board
Topic: Improving Citizen Engagement & Reimagining the Future of the Library
City of Euharlee
Meeting Purpose:
To begin a collaborative discussion between city leadership and the Library Board regarding ways to increase public use, strengthen community relevance, and responsibly plan for the future of the library as a civic engagement hub.
Meeting Tone:
This is a supportive modernization, not criticism. How might we, help the library thrive in today’s world and better connect with more residents?”
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Proposed Agenda
1. Welcome & Opening Remarks
• Introductions
• Appreciation for Library Board service and commitment to literacy and learning
• Shared goal: stronger community engagement and wise stewardship of public resources that are city assets
2. Current State of Library Engagement
• Review current usage trends, attendance, and programming participation
• Discussion of community awareness and perception of services
• Acknowledge that while libraries remain valuable, many communities are seeing declining in-person use nationally
3. Understanding Local Realities
• Euharlee has a limited immediate population base
• Need for realistic expectations regarding traffic and participation
• Residents increasingly have online access to books, learning tools, and entertainment from home and school
• Georgia ranks relatively low in library visits per capita compared to many states
4. Presentation of Citizen Engagement Proposal
• Review proposed ideas for expanding use of the facilities and services
• Clarify that the proposal is intentionally comprehensive and aspirational
• Not every recommendation is expected to be adopted
• Some ideas may fit the community; others may not
5. Opportunities for Expanded Community Value
Discussion of possible services that could broaden impact, such as:
• Family and youth engagement programs
• Senior social and learning activities
• Job readiness / digital literacy support
• Online digital support services for adults and students
• Community meeting and civic education space
• Partnerships with schools, churches, nonprofits, and local groups
• Makerspace, tutoring, or after-school enrichment
• Wellness, arts, and culture events
6. Financial Stewardship & Phased Reinvestment
• Explore gradual reinvestment of existing city funds over time
• Emphasis on phased implementation rather than immediate expansion
• Pilot programs before long-term commitments
• Seek grants, partnerships, volunteers, and sponsorship support
7. National Trends & Future of Libraries
• Libraries are not dead, but evolving
• Communities nationwide are rethinking how library spaces serve modern needs
• Opportunity for Euharlee to proactively shape its own model
• What data should guide next decisions?
9. Next Steps
• Form joint working group or task force
• Identify 3–5 pilot initiatives
• Set timeline for review and recommendations
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“The library remains an important civic asset. Our responsibility now is not simply to preserve it as it was—but to help it become what our community needs next.”
