JAMESTOWN – Members of the Jamestown City Council had an opportunity Monday night to learn firsthand about the concerns some residents have with the James Prendergast Library. More than 20 people were in attendance for the monthly city council voting session, with several taking the floor during the public comment portion of the meeting and voicing their concerns with recent changes at the library.
Among the concerns is a shift in the library’s material selection policy, as well as the reduction in the number of reference and non-fiction books in the facility. A couple of those who spoke out said that the Prendergast Library had one of the best collections of non-fiction and history books in the region, but are now concerned because some of those books are reportedly being taken off the shelves.
Near the end of the meeting, several council members thanked the group for appearing and offered their thoughts on the issue.
“I do agree that there is a level of accountability with this appropriation because, after all, we are not appropriating our money, we are appropriating the money of the citizens of Jamestown who pay property taxes and who support the library,” said councilman Vince DeJoy. “When it comes budget time, I think it is appropriate to ask questions if they haven’t been addressed as to the direction [of the library] and what direction does the board and the executive director intend to take this gem – which is one of the greatest assets in the city of Jamestown.”
The group made their concerns known to the city council because Jamestown allocates over $370,000 annually to the library. The concerned residents – several of whom have already voiced their concerns directly to the library board – would like to see city lawmakers hold the library accountable for the money it receives on an annual basis.
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