Pima County is considering a new proposal that could significantly impact its public libraries, including downsizing the Joel D. Valdez Main Library in downtown Tucson and closing two other branches by the end of the year.
The proposal suggests closing the downtown library for renovations in December, a move that has sparked concerns among community members who rely on the library as a safe space, especially during the hot summer months.
Library Director Amber Mathewson explained that the renovations aim to improve the library’s ability to serve the community. “There are many things that need to be renovated with a very high price tag,” Mathewson said. “This is an opportunity to look at how people are currently using the space and what we might do to better serve the community.”
The plan also addresses ongoing staffing shortages, which have been a challenge for Pima County libraries for several years. “We’ve been dealing with staffing shortages for several years,” Mathewson said. “We’re trying to figure out the best way to serve the most people in the community with the staff and resources we have.”