Residents question library board resignation; council denies any plan to ban books

Several residents used the council’s public‑comment period to raise concerns about the recent resignation of a library board member identified in comments as "Debbie," and to ask how library board appointments are made.

A library patron said she believed the member “was pretty much forced out of that position.” The commenter asked whether appointments are blind, how long terms last and how to obtain records; the council responded with procedural details. "If you go to the state statute on free public library ... you'll see ... the appointment of the mayor (is described) but in this town the council as a whole fills [the position]," a council member said, and officials reiterated that five‑year terms for library trustees are set by state statute.

Council members also directly addressed an online rumor about book banning. “I want to put one rumor to rest: we have said unequivocally the board has no intention of banning books,” a council speaker said, noting the allegation had been shared on social media and that the board had not proposed book removals.

The council noted it had hired an interim library director, Susan Kony Kenton, and said the clerk’s office handles applications for board positions and that applicants identify themselves (applications are not anonymous). Council members encouraged residents seeking more information to consult state statute language on free public libraries and local board records.

Next steps: council members offered to provide guidance on how residents can obtain more information and said the council would continue to clarify appointment procedures and promote direct contact with the library board and clerk’s office.