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Christy Whitfield says libraries are civic anchors, seeks to expand partnerships if confirmed
Summary
Christy Cunningham Whitfield, nominated to the D.C. Public Library Board, highlighted partnerships with small-business and workforce programs and said she would prioritize access, programming and contingency planning amid tightening resources.
Christy Cunningham Whitfield told the Committee on Human Services March 12 that libraries function as "civic anchors" and are important venues for economic opportunity, workforce development and neighborhood programming. Whitfield, who currently serves as chief impact officer at the Nathan Cummings Foundation and previously led the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, described partnerships such as weekly DSLBD office hours at branches, pitch competitions and the District Connect Conference at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Whitfield emphasized outreach to connect residents with tools like Libby and urged creative partnerships and co-location of services to drive foot traffic and share resources. On budget pressures she recommended contingency planning for program-income volatility and for capital failures (for example, HVAC emergencies). When asked whether she would recuse herself from matters related to her previous agency role, Whitfield said she would.
Whitfield concluded by thanking the committee; the hearing closed without a confirmation vote.
