To the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors and the Rappahannock County Library Board of Trustees:

We, the undersigned citizens of Rappahannock County, petition the Library Board of Trustees to decline the proposal to relocate the Rappahannock County Free Public Library to leased space in Rush River Commons II for the following reasons:

• Protect the Library’s independence. A free public library should remain in a publicly owned facility, accountable to the citizens it serves. A potential 80-year lease with a private landlord would create unnecessary dependence on a private owner, impose continuing contractual and operating obligations, and jeopardize the Library’s independence.
• Focus on the existing Library’s maintenance and upgrades. The Board of Trustees should first address routine and preventive maintenance, accessibility requirements, and other needed improvements at the existing building using available funds. Options for additions or further improvements could then be evaluated and supported through a grassroots fundraising campaign.

By signing this petition, I am asking the Library Board of Trustees to decline the Rush River Commons II relocation proposal and retain the Rappahannock County Free Public Library at its current publicly owned location.