I am a stay at home mom to 6 lovely children.  On January 14th, 2022 my 4 youngest children and I went to the Canfield branch of the The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.  They have a lot of nice resources for children and with the weather getting cold we were looking for something indoors to do to get out of the house.  The plan was to play, do some of the table top activities, and read some books there.  

We were in the play section and I was approached to put on a mask by a library employee.  I explained to her I could not wear a mask due to having postpartum congestive heart failure.  To my surprise I was told that if I can not wear a mask, I have to leave.  I brought up that even the state mandate offered exemptions and that not everyone can wear a mask.  There are many reasons a person cannot wear one.  I was informed that is their rule and they need to require masks so people feel safe to come to the library.  Since I am not able to wear a mask, I packed up my children and we left immediately.

I would like to let the library know that their policy is arbitrary.  Masks should be optional for any person, but especially those with medical conditions that are unable to wear one.  It is an ADA violation and discrimination.  

They are also tax payer funded.  They not only receive tax payer money from The Public Library Fund, but they are also one of 50 libraries in Ohio to also receive funding from the property taxes of the local residents in Mahoning County.  

Link so you can check this out: https://www.libraryvisit.org/blog/news/library-funding-and-the-ohio-biennium-budget/

Please sign this petition to let the library know everyone should have the ability to access the library’s resources.  And curbside pick up is not a fair accommodation for a family wanting to experience the indoor activities that are offered at the library.  Let them know we want the mask requirement lifted and to make masks optional for everyone.