Your nearest Salt Lake City Public Library Branch: Sprague

What are your thoughts on the increase in book challenges and bans around the country?

As an educator, I firmly endorse the crucial role books play in fostering a deeper understanding of diverse experiences, perspectives, and landscapes within our society. Books are invaluable tools for both learning about the world and cultivating empathy by allowing readers to step into the shoes of others. While I respect the rights of parents to engage in joint learning experiences with their children and share personal values, I do not advocate for the removal of books from libraries. 

I believe that communities should embrace opportunities for inquiry and diverse book selections, as this fosters intellectual growth and contributes to the development of a more robust and informed city. Book challenges and bans hinder this process by limiting access to a variety of viewpoints, ultimately impeding the enrichment and understanding that literature can bring to our communities.

Libraries are a refuge for people from all walks of life, including our unhoused neighbors. How would you propose supporting unhoused residents as well as library staff in addressing the growing need for public spaces that are safe and accessible for all?

I commend the Salt Lake City Public Library for its proactive approach in training staff for first aid response and integrating licensed clinical social workers to assist citizens, particularly those experiencing homelessness. As a City Council Member, I am committed to reinforcing these initiatives with necessary funding to ensure the continued provision of inclusive services. It’s imperative that our libraries remain welcoming spaces for all community members, serving as places where people can gather, grow, and learn, irrespective of their housing status. 

To address the growing need for safe and accessible public spaces, my proposal includes further investment in resources that specifically cater to the unhoused population. This encompasses enhanced social services, collaboration with local shelters, and initiatives promoting community engagement. Additionally, I advocate for ongoing staff training programs to equip library personnel with the skills needed to create an environment that is not only safe but also conducive to the well-being and growth of all library patrons, including those facing housing challenges.

What do you see as the future role of public libraries?

The future role of public libraries in Salt Lake City is pivotal to community development. I envision libraries as dynamic hubs, retaining their core function as gathering spaces for fostering knowledge and empathy. However, their role will expand to address evolving needs, particularly in the realm of digital equity. With a shift towards increased digital information, libraries will play a central role in educating citizens, including seniors, refugees, and children, on accessing digital resources. This involves providing essential resources such as Chromebooks and hotspots for checkout, ensuring that all members of the community have equal opportunities to engage in the digital landscape. 

Embracing this transformation while honoring the historical significance of libraries positions them as indispensable assets in promoting inclusivity, education, and connectivity. The future of public libraries in Salt Lake City is bright and I believe in our ability to adapt, serve diverse needs, and remain at the forefront of facilitating community growth and understanding in an increasingly digital age.

What is a book you love that everyone should read: 

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

My fourth grade teacher read it aloud to us as a class, and inspired me to read it at home to my little brother. Years later, he gifted me that book going into my first year as a teacher. It’s a treasure that I recommend to everyone.