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Residents urge council to fund library’s interlibrary‑loan program after federal support declines
Summary
Two residents addressed the council during citizen participation asking the city to approve a $4,500 increase to fund Smith Public Library’s interlibrary‑loan program after federal support was reduced.
Wylie — During public comment at the July 22 council meeting, two residents spoke in support of the Smith Public Library and asked the council to approve a modest budget increase to sustain the library’s interlibrary‑loan service.
Bethany Sullivan, who gave her address for the record, framed her remarks around the importance of broad access to books and ideas at the local library. She said the library’s collection and programming help residents "learn and grow" and asked the council to continue supporting the library as a community hub.
Justin Strauch, who identified himself as a volunteer on the library advisory board since February 2022, asked the council to approve a $4,500 increase to continue the interlibrary‑loan program. Strauch told the council that federal support for the program through the Institute of Museum and Library Services had been reduced and that the small city contribution keeps patrons connected to materials from other libraries across the state. He said the library staff do more than circulate books and cited examples — help printing resumes, programming for toddlers, teens and adults, and assistance to residents — to make the case that the program is a community investment.
Neither comment produced a council vote that evening; staff and council members thanked the speakers for their remarks.
