libraries

Urged the commission to restore funding and keep the Bryceville branch library open.

Expressed concern over library closures, reduced operating days in Yulee, and the elimination of Saturday hours in Fernandina Beach.

Shared personal family experiences illustrating how public libraries helped her children succeed academically and urged commissioners to keep them fully funded.

Emphasized that libraries serve as essential free public spaces and bridge the digital divide for lower-income residents.

Noted high library cardholder statistics and questioned why library funding was cut despite community growth and previous board proclamations.

Voiced support for libraries as essential community needs and cautioned against cutting books in favor of other county expenses.

Called libraries essential community sanctuaries and asked the board to send the budget back to staff to protect library funding.

Criticized the lack of transparency in library cuts and argued that blaming Amendment 3 avoids answering questions about library funding.

Speaking as President of the Friends of the Yulee Library, asked the board to reconsider library cuts given high resident cardholder rates.

Argued that libraries are a fundamental community need and should not be compromised for millage reductions.

Shared personal testimony about libraries providing safe spaces for youth and operating local mini-libraries.

Expressed deep concern over proposed budget cuts affecting the Yulee Library, emphasizing the vital role of local libraries in community education, literacy, and youth development.

Urged the commission to restore full five-day funding for the Yulee Library and criticized the decision to cut back hours while funding other county branches and facilities differently.

Thanked the commissioners for their past support of libraries and asked them to continue funding library services as an integral part of the community's quality of life.