Library commissioner highlights Rohnert Park branch growth, Measure W/Y funding and outreach

Barbara McKenzie, the Rohnert Park representative on the Sonoma County Library governing board, gave a 20‑minute update describing systemwide services, stable local funding through Measure Y (extended by Measure W), and the Rohnert Park regional branch’s role as a busy hub while other branches undergo renovation.

McKenzie said the countywide system operates as a joint powers authority with 11 commissioners and emphasized that Measure Y’s sales‑tax revenues fund roughly 35–40% of the system’s operations, enabling seven‑day service, expanded programming and no overdue fines. She described library innovations including a 24/7 ‘biblio box’ hold pickup, laptop‑borrowing stations and upgraded audiovisual facilities in community rooms.

She highlighted community volunteers, friends groups and upcoming features including renovated panels from the Schultz collection and a children’s map and sticker program that encourage countywide library visits. McKenzie noted staff openings on advisory boards and her new liaison role to the Measure Y oversight committee.

Why it matters: Commissioners and councilmembers praised the library as a civic resource for children, teens and residents who rely on online and in‑person programming; McKenzie stressed that stable local funding has enabled consistent services and local control of collection policy.

Council follow‑up: Councilmembers thanked McKenzie and asked staff and the branch manager, Jennifer Ryder, to meet with residents who had questions about programming and advisory‑board openings.

Representative quote: “We are completely free independent agency,” McKenzie said, describing the library’s joint powers structure and local funding that supports seven‑day service.