127 - Book Bans at FVRL and Gary Wilson

librarypunk

We’re talking with Quill and RiotDad about the community side of the response to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library and local school board issues surrounding transmisia, book bans in school and public libraries, and how to push back. Salary petition, board email/phone, and template email are in the notes.

Email [email protected] (Template email below)

Trustees phone contact: 360-906-5011

Attend meetings through FVRL website fvrl.org/board/trustees

Sign petition for FVRL staff salaries: https://www.change.org/p/it-s-time-fvrlibraries-pay-your-staff-a-living-wage?original_footer_petition_id=34850778&algorithm=promoted&grid_position=5&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uABhQQQIAAAAAZbwMe%2FqWz6hhNDJhOWQwNw%3D%3D

Readings

https://www.columbian.com/news/2022/dec/06/opposition-to-drag-queen-story-hours-roils-fvrlibraries/

FVRL Board Meeting 2/20/2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_r6NqOlEi0

• FVRL employees testimony

https://keepthelibrarysafeforchildren.com/author/keepthelibrary/

Librarian Calls Police On Mom (Olga Hodges) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqqg-TBqPw0

2023 voters pamphlet (page 50)

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/zzEpV9QEAG

Email template for FVRL Board of Trustees

Dear Board of Trustees,

I am writing to express my ongoing support for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) and its commitment to inclusivity for queer and trans community members. Members of the community have inspired me by attending Board meetings to counter misinformation regarding the Drag Queen Story Hour and other LGBTQ+ materials. I applaud their dedication and now wish to add my voice in their support.

Also, during a recent meeting, dedicated FVRL employees and WPEA union members shared their struggles with low wages and an unsustainable workload due to high staff turnover. Starting salaries at minimum wage and capped wages force many to live in poverty. Employees are burdened with performing duties outside their job descriptions simply to keep branches functioning.

I stand with these employees and the WPEA. I urge the Board to take immediate action to:

• Address the wage disparity by offering fair compensation commensurate with the cost of living.
• Invest in staff retention by providing competitive wages and benefits.
• Maintain the dedicated workforce required to keep libraries as vital community hubs.

Furthermore, I encourage the Board to:

• Uphold the freedom of information by ensuring diverse materials representing all communities are readily available.
• Counter misinformation by providing accurate resources about LGBTQ+ topics and inclusivity efforts.
• Prioritize both the well-being of its staff and the needs of all members of the community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name/Group Name]