Winona residents urge county to protect libraries as budget pressures loom

Several residents used the board’s public‑comment period to urge Winona County officials to maintain funding for local public libraries, telling the board libraries provide vital prevention and community supports beyond book lending.

"The library is where my Pakistani mother practiced English," said Amber Pashi of Lewon, Minnesota, who identified herself as a parent, former elementary school librarian, a current school‑board member and a social worker. Pashi argued libraries offer free, safe spaces, internet access, early literacy programming and mental‑health supports, and said state library aid had been cut in half, increasing local pressure on library services.

Paty Gavin, a volunteer at the Winona Public Library, echoed Pashi: "There is nothing really that I can add beyond this great summary that the previous speaker just had," and urged the board to "figure out a way that we can continue its services so that it can stay here the way it is."

County leaders acknowledged the speakers and stressed that library funding was not on the day’s agenda. The chair clarified the board would discuss the budget at future work sessions (tentatively June 23 and again in July) and reminded the public the county does not need to set a preliminary levy until the end of August, giving staff and commissioners time to consider options.

Commissioners and staff said they had received extensive public feedback on library concerns, including e‑mail and postcard correspondence, and asked county staff to ensure clear communication that no immediate cut had been adopted and that the budget process will include multiple scenarios.

The public comments underscored community reliance on library services as the board proceeds through its budget deliberations.