Library closure

Argued bluntly that 'we have to pay for what we want' and defended free public libraries as foundations of democracy and literacy.

Argued closing the library is a budget choice, not inevitability, and asked the council to show side-by-side costs of the library versus other commitments like the in-house city attorney.

A renter who said renters pay property tax through rent and supports the fee, noting the library serves those least able to afford technology.

Library advisory board president publicly backed the library staff and called the referendum bad-faith and misleading, urging whoever controls it to withdraw it.

Blamed former city manager Greg Ellis for both the civic center debt and the referendum, and shared a personal story of relying on libraries while growing up poor.

Supported keeping the library open, said a vote against the fee isn't necessarily a vote against the library, and suggested reducing police funding before closing the library.

Former longtime city manager who signed the referendum petition; called the budget flawed ($10M sources error claim), proposed offsetting the fee with a utility rate reduction, and said the city has bad information.

A library storytime volunteer described the library as a lively community gathering place and asked the council to imagine the town without it.

A mother of young children who said the library was a selling point for her house and her lifeline postpartum; cited Oregon's poor literacy ranking and Central School District reading levels.

A Central High School student who said library closure worries students, called for more transparency and communication, and floated the idea of an independent audit.

Said the divisiveness is hurting the community, attended budget meetings and believes the fee was the best solution, and invoked the late Councilors Morton and Nancy Lodge's vision for the library.

Called the library 'the truest form of the third place' and said losing it would damage the community's identity; voted for the failed levy and supports the fee.

A retired Monmouth chemistry/physics teacher who read a book recommendation list and said closing the library would be 'unconscionable, shocking, and morally wrong.'

A disabled elder on a modest income who noticed her water bill rise $14 a month and still fully supports whatever it takes to keep the library open.

A young boy who stayed late just to speak, loves the library's programs and book savings, and asked whether it will close.

A retired construction engineer and Marine veteran who recounted shipboard libraries, said the $200/year fee is 55 cents a day, and declared 'civilization costs money.'

A business owner who criticized former managers Greg Ellis and David Klein for mismanagement, thanked the council, and said he's willing to pay the fee for equal access to services.

A grandfather and Army veteran who spoke emotionally about libraries teaching children to learn from the past and defend themselves.

A city janitor, off the clock, praised the council's care, recalled relying on the library as a single mom, and worried about kids in a neighboring town with no library.