Pacific County Libraries reorganize staff; South Bend library events and repair plans updated

Michelle Zilli, regional manager for Pacific County Libraries, told the council she will manage five libraries (including South Bend) after a recent reorganization that moved Tanya Rivers to a countywide program-coordinator role. Zilli described ongoing and upcoming programs in South Bend: early-learning center visits, a monthly presence at South Bend Elementary, adult Lego-building events at the Wilbur Brewery, participation in the summer lunch program and an invitation to take part in the Kiwanis summer camp.

Later in the meeting, council and staff discussed damage to a local library building and insurance negotiations. Public-works staff said contractor estimates are expected in a couple of weeks, that initial insurance payments have covered some immediate work (roughly $57,000 spent to date) and that an estimated remaining scope was about $115,000 (total estimate about $172,000). Staff said the library might qualify for state commerce resources or historic-building programs but no definitive funding source had been identified; a follow-up report is planned for the council's first April meeting.

Why it matters: Library programs provide local early-learning and community engagement services, and the building-damage repair discussion affects future access and local cultural assets. The insurance and contractor estimates will guide whether the city pursues additional funding or preservation paths.