Marshall County supervisors confirm mayor’s library-board pick after heated public comments

Marshall County supervisors confirmed the mayor’s appointment of Ronnie (name spelling recorded variably in the transcript) to fill a county-seat vacancy on the Marshalltown Public Library board on Nov. 19 after an extended public-comment period in which patrons both criticized and supported the nominee.

Sarah Rosenblum, the Marshalltown Public Library director, explained the appointment process and recommended the mayor’s nominee, noting the board’s governing role and the desire to restore county representation on the board. Several members of the public urged the board not to confirm the appointment, arguing past appointments and recent board decisions have not represented county patrons. John Warden said the library’s prior handling of requests for the Epic Times and the American Rifleman reflected a pattern that had not served patrons, arguing, "The cycle of this of appointing disingenuous individuals has to stop." Ray Mitcham and others corroborated Warden’s concerns about exclusion of certain periodicals and called for new trustees.

Supporters of the appointee and current library leadership also spoke. Former trustees and patrons said Ronnie previously served effectively on the board and praised his education and community service record. Director Rosenblum defended the board’s review process for periodicals and described staff research and consultations with legal counsel and the state library. She said staff concluded the requested periodicals did not meet the library’s collection criteria but noted staff continues to offer hundreds of digital periodical titles.

After discussion, a supervisor moved to appoint the mayor’s nominee to fill the vacancy through June 30, 2028; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call vote (recorded Yes votes: Goodman, Hibbs, Kyle).