Residents, library advisory groups urge Red Oak to end contract with for‑profit vendor

Public comment at the Red Oak City Council meeting focused on the city’s outsourced library management contract and a push from local volunteers to bring operations under city control.

Rob Schamel, a longtime member of the Red Oak Library Advisory Board, told the council the library’s contract with a for‑profit vendor called “LS and S” expires in September 2025 and that the city must give six months’ notice to end the agreement. “The library would be better suited by opting out of this next contract,” Schamel said, arguing the city has the staff and community support to operate the library locally.

Jennifer Hilton, a newly appointed board advisor, said her review of peer budgets found the third‑party contract limits the library’s future growth and is no longer cost‑effective for the community. “Using a third‑party service for managing our library is limiting our library’s future and not as cost effective as it once might have been,” Hilton said.

Julia Easley, vice president of the Red Oak Friends of the Library, said the volunteer organization—now more than 60 members—supports evaluating or ending the five‑year contract so local leaders and residents can shape programming and purchases. Cindy Blote, a retired teacher and advisory board member, told the council that because the vendor is for‑profit the library may be ineligible for certain nonprofit grants and training.

Mayor (unnamed) acknowledged the speakers and said staff will review the timeline and requirements. Council members asked clarifying questions and indicated the conversation would continue internally. The speakers and library groups said they are ready to assist a transition if the council opts to pursue ending the contract.

Next steps: speakers asked the council to note the September 2025 renewal date and the six‑month notice requirement to provide sufficient time for evaluation and transition planning.