Mary Darling speaks to Nogales library board as council tables her nomination

Mary Darling told the Nogales Library Board of Trustees on July 9 that she would be "honored to serve" if the council confirms her appointment, recounting a life-long connection to libraries and saying she would advocate to reopen the Nogales library on Saturdays.

The nomination matters because the City Council previously tabled Darling's appointment after discussing it, board members said; the council will take the item up again at its next meeting in August. Board members said they expect to place discussion about additional nominees and how to advise the council on a future library-board agenda.

Darling, who said her relationship with libraries began when her mother took her to get a library card at age 5, described the library as a "safe, warm place" and urged the board to consider expanded hours so more residents have access to a neutral community space. "I believe the library can always be that place," she said.

Board members raised the nomination during their reports. Chair Vandervoort told the board that the City Council had "tabled her nomination," meaning the item will automatically appear on the council's next agenda; board members said they will add a discussion of how to proceed — whether to solicit additional applicants or to ask the council to reconsider Darling — to a future library-board agenda.

The board also noted its regular August elections for officers — president, vice president and secretary — and said the vacancy created by former secretary Christian Hernandez will be discussed as part of that process. The council's action on Darling's nomination and any further direction from the board will be reported at subsequent meetings.