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Student urges county investment in libraries as supervisors describe local projects
Summary
A student speaker urged Orange County supervisors to renovate and better fund libraries, citing benefits for literacy and community; supervisors described ongoing renovations and partnerships to expand access.
Samuel Paragela, an Irvine resident and student at the Orange County School of the Arts, told the board Dec. 17 that libraries are "unsung heroes" and urged the county to renovate, build and promote library spaces to better serve students, seniors and low-income families.
Supervisors and members of the public responded with examples: one speaker noted Santa Ana’s main library is undergoing a $19 million renovation and Supervisor Foley, speaking from prior experience as a mayor, described partnerships to add neighborhood micro-libraries and to keep school libraries available after hours. Supervisor Sarmiento and others thanked the student and said they supported further investment.
Why it matters: Commenters framed libraries as community infrastructure that supports literacy, access to technology and safe spaces for youth and seniors. The board’s remarks indicate existing renovation projects and intergovernmental partnerships that could be expanded.
Outcome: The meeting recorded appreciation and anecdotal descriptions of current projects; no specific county budget action was proposed or adopted during the public-comment period.
