Fresno Leaders Oppose Library Privatization Ahead of Oct. 20 Board Meeting
On Monday, Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez and Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi gathered with local librarians outside the Sunnyside Regional Library to voice their concerns about the potential privatization of libraries. Chavez revealed that during a Board of Supervisors meeting on October 20, plans to save $8 million could lead to reduced library hours, branch closures, and job cuts. He noted that a private company had reached out about managing community libraries. “Public libraries should remain public," Chavez emphasized, highlighting worries about layoffs and censorship. Karbassi labeled privatization as "a very bad idea" and vowed to stand against it. Residents are urged to attend the October 20 meeting, where Karbassi will present a resolution to protect library access and services.
Key facts
- Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez and Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi oppose library privatization.
- They gathered with Fresno County librarians outside the Sunnyside Regional Library on Monday.
- A report on Oct. 20 to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors will outline ways to save $8 million.
- The report appears to promote reducing library hours, cutting locations, and laying off workers.
- A private company approached Chavez about operating libraries in the community.
- Chavez stated public libraries should stay public and not be censored by private corporations.
- Karbassi called privatization regressive and said he will not stand for it.
- Karbassi plans to introduce a resolution at the next Fresno City Council meeting opposing privatization.
Entities
Artists
- Luis Chavez
- Mike Karbassi
Institutions
- Fresno County Board of Supervisors
- Fresno City Council
- Sunnyside Regional Library
Locations
- Fresno County
- California
- United States