Library staff and AFSCME raise concerns about board actions, internal HR and potential separation
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Summary
Library employees and AFSCME members told the City Council Oct. 27 they oppose moves by the Evanston Public Library board that they say remove city HR oversight, alter bylaws without notice and pave the way for separation from the city.
Library staff and members of AFSCME Local 1891 used the City Council’s public‑comment period on Oct. 27 to press elected leaders to intervene after a series of actions by the Evanston Public Library board and administration.
Multiple speakers alleged the library posted a job for an internal human resources manager and removed a 30‑day public‑notice requirement for bylaw changes. Those actions, staff and union members said, remove city HR oversight and create a pathway toward operational separation.
"This move strips away city oversight, gives administrative staff access to private personnel files, and makes it easier to deny merit increases and also cost taxpayers thousands while we are already paying for the city system," Tracy Olasimbo, an Evanston Public Library employee and AFSCME member, said during public comment. Olasimbo and other speakers said that library leadership announced the use of a new internal performance‑evaluation system (NEOGOV) beginning Nov. 1 and would stop using the city HR platform for staff evaluations.
Library staff said the board also cut a vacant safety monitor position, reduced community programming and restructured schedules in ways that staff said reduce protections and pay for front‑line employees. Several union members said the library had violated provisions of the memorandum of understanding and the collective bargaining agreement by shifting HR responsibilities and bylaws changes without what they called appropriate public notice.
Union leaders asked the council and mayor to hold the library board accountable, to refuse a proposed 10% levy increase tied to library separation, and to block gifting the library its downtown building without assurances staff and contracts remain covered by the city’s collective bargaining framework.
Library supporters also testified. Several speakers — including longtime Evanston librarians — said the library is an important community institution and urged negotiated solutions rather than independence that could raise costs and reduce shared accountability.
What happened next: Council member Kelly said a joint meeting with the library board and council is planned for Nov. 19 with the city manager; several council members acknowledged the need for collaboration and investigation. Union representatives said they will continue grievances and legal actions already underway.
Why it matters: The testimony touched on labor‑management rights, public accountability, collective bargaining and a proposed levy and governance change that could affect city finances, library operations and staff working conditions.
Who spoke (selected): Heather Ross, Tracy Olasimbo, Frances Rhodes, Eileen O'Neil (AFSCME Local 1891 president), Jeff Garrett (librarian), and multiple council members who committed to a joint meeting.