Fresno leaders sound alarm over possible privatization of county libraries

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A group of Fresno-area leaders is raising concerns about the possibility of privatizing some local libraries.

Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi and Fresno County librarians gathered outside the Sunnyside Regional Library on Monday to oppose outsourcing library management.

Chavez said a report scheduled to be presented at the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 20 will outline ways to save $8 million.

He said the report appears to promote reducing library hours, cutting locations and laying off workers.

Chavez also said a private company approached him with interest in helping operate libraries in the community.

“Our public libraries are public and should stay public. We don’t need private corporations coming in and laying people off and censoring material,” Chavez said.

Karbassi also spoke out against the possibility of privatization.

“This is a very bad idea: privatizing our public libraries, cutting hours, cutting services, cutting access is a terrible idea. It’s regressive, and we’re not going to stand for that,” Karbassi said.

Residents are being encouraged to attend the Oct. 20 Board of Supervisors meeting to express their feelings about the privatization option.

Karbassi also plans to introduce a resolution at the next Fresno City Council meeting asking councilmembers and the mayor to oppose privatization and protect access, equity and service in Fresno County’s libraries.