Residents and librarians urge Winona County to maintain library funding

Several Winona County residents and library advocates used the public-comment period to press commissioners to retain existing county library funding, saying cuts would shrink hours, cancel programs and reduce access to electronic resources.

Blondin Bertolo, identifying himself as president of the Friends of the Winona Public Library, said libraries are "gathering spots, learning hubs for everyone, safe spaces, and cornerstones for informed, thriving communities," and asked the board to continue support at least at current levels.

Katrina Hurley, speaking on behalf of the city of St. Charles, said an estimated county reduction (figures discussed in the packet) would shift roughly $11,500 of costs to St. Charles and stressed that about a quarter of the library's measurable use comes from county residents who live outside the city. "Reducing funding does not reduce the need," Hurley said.

Allison Quam, a professional librarian at Winona State University, described the rising cost of electronic databases and explained why libraries provide services—digital literacy assistance, job-seeker resources and high-cost subscriptions—that individual residents could not afford alone.

Speakers provided usage metrics and local examples (Winona County checkout numbers and programming budgets for smaller branches) and asked the board to consider the libraries’ regional role when finalizing the 2027 budget.

Commissioners acknowledged the comments and said library funding remains under discussion in the budget process; several asked staff for clarifying data about SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating) allocations and how county support is distributed.