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Local Early‑Childhood Coalition Urges Free Library Access for Young Children
Summary
At the Sept. 18 Manaway Town Council meeting, Heather Crockett of the United Foster Early Childhood Coalition presented survey results showing strong parental support for library checkout access for children 0–5 and recommended the town negotiate with Brigham City to expand nonresident access; council agreed to follow up with the Brigham City librarian.
Heather Crockett, who identified herself as a representative of the United Foster Early Childhood Coalition, told the Manaway Town Council that a recent survey of 153 respondents shows a gap in early‑childhood access to physical library materials.
Crockett said 95% of respondents believed it is important that children ages 0–5 be able to check out books and that more than 73% do not use the bookmobile. She told the council that Brigham City residents receive library cards through local tax support while many county residents who attend story time at Brigham City locations cannot check out new books.
“All children need free access to books,” Crockett said. She summarized her group’s estimate that if Brigham City extended library service to county residents, Manaway’s share to cover its residents would be roughly $24,100 per year. She said a nonresident card now costs $60 and is expected to rise to $100, which makes annual family access unaffordable for some households.
Crockett asked the council to contact the Brigham City librarian to explore options, including an interlocal agreement, a town contribution, or a grant. She said more than 52% of her survey respondents said they would be willing to pay an additional property tax for free access — a finding she described as surprising.
Council members asked clarifying questions about how many children might use the benefit and whether Head Start or school‑based access could be leveraged. Crockett said she did not have exact enrollment numbers but stressed the difference between wanting access and using it: parents already attend story time but cannot check out books in many cases.
The council did not commit to a specific funding action at the meeting but agreed to arrange a meeting with the Brigham City librarian and to collect data on how many local families could benefit. Staff and councilmembers noted possible alternatives such as negotiating a town payment to Brigham City, pursuing targeted grants, or enabling Manaway families to pay a discounted nonresident fee through a town arrangement.
Crockett said she would email the survey data to the council for follow‑up. The item closed with the council agreeing to a follow‑up conversation with the librarian and to look into population numbers for the 0–5 age range.
