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Moses Lake residents urge council to keep public library open
Summary
Multiple residents told the Moses Lake City Council they rely on the public library for internet access, early education programs and community services as the city considers closing or replacing the facility; speakers requested alternatives to closure and highlighted repair needs and community uses.
Dozens of residents addressed the Moses Lake City Council on the possible closure of the Moses Lake Public Library, saying the building is a vital community resource for children, seniors and people without home internet access.
Speakers said closing the library would remove free services used daily by families, jobseekers and readers. The comments came during the meeting’s public-comment period and were not part of a formal council vote.
“[The library] is much more than a place to get books,” said Jennifer McCarthy, who teaches at the local college and told the council she has relied on the library and its staff since moving to Moses Lake 25 years ago. Emily Anderson, who said she grew up in Moses Lake, told the council the library provides STEM toys, story time and internet access for families who cannot afford home service. "This is a place for people to grow and gather," Anderson said. Charlene Campbell described using the library twice a week and praised staff for responding when her child was injured in the building: “They swarmed in with Band Aids and alcohol wipes,” she said.
Why it matters: Library supporters said the building is a hub for early childhood programs, digital access and community connections—services that speakers said would be difficult to replace. Several commenters asked the council to consider repair and renovation alternatives rather than closure and to clarify whether a new location is planned.
Council members and staff acknowledged repair needs and budget questions but did not adopt a policy change during the meeting. Marissa Cairns told council she learned the city still needs to complete about $500,000 in repairs to the library, including HVAC work she said is the city’s responsibility. Staff did not provide a final cost estimate for repairs at the meeting.
Speakers described concrete community uses: story time, STEM activities, printing and curriculum support for home-schooling, workforce-application support for jobseekers, and programs for seniors. Multiple speakers said librarians provide safety and active oversight when incidents occur; Campbell credited staff with quickly assisting her injured child. Several residents said they had visited the facility frequently during the pandemic and relied on it for social connection.
Council reaction and next steps: The council did not vote on library funding or closure at this meeting. Several council members acknowledged hearing public sentiment and asked staff for more information. Staff indicated other city priorities and budget constraints remain under discussion; no timetable for a final decision on the facility was given. Council member Marissa Cairns asked whether repair work and HVAC replacement have a schedule; staff did not provide a firm completion date at the meeting.
Ending: Public comment on the library was a prominent portion of the meeting’s citizen remarks. The council will receive further briefings and budget information in upcoming meetings where formal decisions about the facility and any replacement or renovation plan would be made.
