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Council interviews two young applicants for Duluth Library Board
Summary
An at-large city councilor conducted a joint interview with two applicants — Sarah Kessler and Carly Blayle — who emphasized programming, access and representing younger residents. Appointments will be considered at a future council meeting.
Councilor Desiree Nal, who represents the city at-large, led a group interview of two applicants for the Duluth Library Board on the personnel committee agenda.
Sarah Kessler, 21, said she moved to Duluth in September 2024, has been attending library board meetings since October and described a long history with libraries. “I really care about libraries,” Kessler said, adding that programming “is a really big part of that because it gets you connected to community and experiences more than just…physical materials.” Kessler noted a background in accounting from Bemidji State University and current fundraising and grant-writing work with Girl Scouts.
Carly Blayle, 24, described herself as a first-year special education teacher at Duluth Edison/ North Star and said her perspective as a young educator would be an asset to the board. “I would like to be a part of the library board because I think because I'm so young and an educator, I think that gives me a unique perspective,” Blayle said, adding that the library provides resources teachers cannot individually purchase.
Council members asked both applicants to describe the role of the library and their priorities. Kessler and Blayle emphasized programming, downtown access and ensuring library facilities are reachable for residents from surrounding communities. Blayle specifically said she would prioritize events and programs that draw children and families, and both applicants voiced support for maintaining a library presence downtown while exploring regional partnerships with nearby municipalities that rely on Duluth’s system.
Councilors also asked about conflicts of interest and board experience. Blayle said she serves on Girl Scouts of the USA’s Movement Governance Advisory Team and on a community advisory board for Students United; Kessler said she does not currently serve on other boards. Both applicants said they had no personal or financial conflicts and did not foresee scheduling conflicts that would prevent regular attendance.
Both applicants were told their appointment will be placed on the council agenda in the next council cycle; no appointment vote occurred during the personnel meeting.
The personnel committee concluded the interview and moved on to other appointments.
