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Murphy's Volunteer Library seeks permission to build funded children’s garden; supporters warn of cuts to bookmobile service
Summary
Library volunteers told the board they have a fully funded plan for a children's garden at Murphy's Library, funded by a 2023 bequest and maintained by the Friends of the Library; advocates also urged the county not to cut bookmobile and courier driver positions that serve seniors and underserved areas.
Volunteers from Murphy's Volunteer Library asked the board for permission to develop a fully funded children's garden that would expand storytime and provide an outdoor learning space.
Robin Sutton, treasurer of the volunteer library board, told supervisors the project is possible because of “a generous 2023 bequest” and that Friends of the Library would fully fund and maintain the garden; she said there would be no fiscal impact on the county and asked for the board’s partnership on a memorandum of understanding.
Susan Sanchez, president of the Friends of the Library, warned that modest budget cuts to two part‑time bookmobile and courier driver positions would disproportionately affect seniors and other residents who rely on mobile library services. Sanchez stressed the service's equity role, citing district senior‑population estimates and the bookmobile schedule used by rural residents.
Board members acknowledged the requests, thanked volunteers for fundraising and outreach, and signaled staff would coordinate with facilities and the county librarian on next steps. No funding or formal MOU was adopted at the meeting; the library proponents said they will continue coordinating with county staff.
