My name is Brad, and for years I've been a dedicated volunteer at the Wyocena Public Library. On October 12th, a devastating decision was made by our library board and village board to close this essential resource due to ongoing issues with hiring decisions and a shrinking operations budget. This decision threatens to leave our small community without its last public access resource, a situation that would have profound negative effects on our residents.

The Wyocena Public Library is more than just a building filled with books; it's a cornerstone of our community. It's a place where families gather for storytime, where job seekers use the internet to search for employment opportunities, and where students can find a quiet corner to study. For many, the library is a haven—a place of learning, growth, and community engagement. Its closure means the loss of these opportunities, leaving a gap that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.

The issues leading to this decision—poor hiring practices and budgetary constraints—require immediate attention and action from our community leaders. Instead of shutting down this invaluable resource, we must explore every possible solution to keep our library open. This might include revisiting staffing models, seeking additional sources of funding, or initiating a community fundraising effort to bridge budgetary gaps.

Our community thrives on the connectivity and knowledge that our library provides. Its role is vital, not just for individuals but for the collective spirit of Wyocena. Closing the library abandons those who rely on its resources the most, including the elderly, students, and low-income families who don't have other options for access to information and technology at home as well as community connection groups utilizing our space.

I urge our community members, elected officials, and stakeholders to reconsider this decision and work collaboratively toward solutions that preserve our library's operations. It's time for us to come together and show that we value and support this crucial public resource.

Please sign this petition to save the Wyocena Public Library. Let's join hands to advocate for a decision that supports literacy, education, and equal access for all. Our library deserves our support, and with your signature, we can fight to ensure it remains a pillar of our community.

Kim Bauer

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