Policies referred to are from MPL and State Library. NOV/DEC 2022. Disregarding policy violations by director Rosenblum, public servants (MPL board) vote not to purchase The Epoch Times and The American Rifleman. If not for meeting attendance by Editor Maharry and me, the public would not be aware of the policy violations. Early 2023. Patron objections to the vote, following proper procedure, are dismissed by public servants. FEB 2023. Patrons accept the no to purchase vote. Generous patrons, at personal cost, propose a compromise. APRIL/MAY 2023. Public servants, at the suggestion of State Library public servants, conjure policy, which in fact violates State Library policy. Its intent is to prohibit mention of the 2 titles and/or discussion of previous policy violations henceforth for 5 (five) years. As a result, Statements of Concern are routinely rejected. APRIL 2024. With the first display of ethics from MPL public servants, Pres. Gaffney publicly states hope that “middle ground ” will be found. DEC 2024. Despite numerous suggestions and invitations to public servants to sit and discuss in a civil and untimed manor, capitulation to compromise/middle ground, agreement is yet to occur. Suspicion is that she has been thrown under the bus. Until proven otherwise by example, suspicion is also that public servants Lyons, Bennet, Lindholm, Morrison, Beek, Hall, and Gaffney have been instructed to avoid interaction with patrons. Policy violations by the servants are too numerous to mention in this forum. Full disclosure is available any time anywhere other than in a token 180 second board comment time. Arbitration may be an option.

Quotes from ” Public Participation Procedures at Library Board Meetings ”

1 “The presiding officer may terminate a speaker’s privilege to speak if, after being called to order, the speaker acts in a manner that is discourteous or disruptive.”

2 “It is the responsibility of the Board President, Board members, Library staff, and members of the public to maintain an atmosphere of respect throughout the meeting.”

Items 1 and 2 above disregarded , while at the FEB 2024 board meeting, a public servant/patron berated fellow patrons for holding public servants accountable.

“MISSION: Marshalltown Public Library exists to provide residents of Marshalltown and Marshall County with materials and services that meet their needs for recreation, information, education, and cultural awareness.”