The library is a vital public resource that serves families, students, seniors, job seekers, and residents who rely on it for internet access, education, and a safe community space. Its role in supporting literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement cannot be overstated. Closing or restricting the library would cause lasting harm to our community.

Many residents have requested information about contract negotiations and proposed changes but have not received clear or timely responses. Important discussions appear to have occurred without adequate public notice nor opportunity for community input. Decisions of this magnitude should be made transparently and with meaningful involvement from the people they affect.

Libraries must remain welcoming spaces that protect privacy, intellectual freedom, and civil liberties. Requiring staff to monitor behavior or activities beyond the library’s core mission undermines public trust and contradicts the fundamental purpose of a public library. Access to information should never come at the cost of personal freedoms.

Public safety in surrounding parks and public areas is the responsibility of the City and law enforcement, not library staff or library policy. The future of the Omak Public Library should not be contingent on issues outside its control. We are asking for the following actions:

• Reinstate the original operating contract with no changes and keep the Omak Public Library open for all
• Remove all negotiation terms and demands related to how NCW Libraries operates that are not part of existing contracts
• Honor all contracts, MOUs, and Building Use Agreements for their full, originally agreed-upon duration
• Allow NCW to fully proceed with renovation plans for the Reimagining Spaces remodel as already agreed upon in the existing MOU, a $1.5 million investment paid for entirely by NCW and grants, costing the city and taxpayers absolutely nothing
• Conduct all current and future negotiations transparently and with public involvement
• Protect the rights, privacy, and access of all library users

Our library matters, and so does the voice of the community it serves. Please listen to your residents and take decisive action to preserve this essential public service for everyone. Thank you.