The Public Library Debate

NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

When citizens have a voice in library decision-making, it builds trust and strengthens relationships between the library and the community. Citizens are more likely to support a library that values their input and actively seeks to address their needs and concerns. Like many places throughout the country, the public library in Erie, PA, is becoming a constant battleground around book banning and privatization. Today, a concerned group of citizens is speaking out about an arrangement to lease library space to a faith-based, private institution on the heels of protests around diversity and inclusive representation. Is it beneficial to the citizens and the right thing to do? Tune in and listen.