Politics & Government

Library Board Candidates Discuss State Cuts, Future of Libraries

The Oakland County League of Women Voters hosted a voters forum Wednesday night at Baldwin Public Library.

Three of the four candidates for the Baldwin Library Board faced off Wednesday night in a forum hosted by the Oakland County League of Women Voters at .

, and (fourth candidate was not able to attend) answered questions from league member and forum moderator Tara Moon. Tera and Suhay are challenging incumbent Underdown.

Following are highlights of what the candidates had to say on issues from staffing levels to the future of libraries and what’s important for those who want to lead the in the years to come.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Should the library be open to political forums?

All three candidates were in favor of libraries hosting nonpartisan political forums, such as the candidates forum Wednesday night.

Tera stressed he wouldn’t support specific political groups or individual candidates using the library for a rally or meeting. Underdown disagreed with him on that point. “It’s a good part of our democratic process to have the forums,” Underdown said.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Suhay went even further, noting the future of libraries lies in them acting as community centers and places for residents to meet.

Should newly hired library employees receive city-funded benefits?

All three candidates were in favor of library employees receiving benefits from the city, with Tera noting that the city and library have been working together “wonderfully” lately.

Protecting the library from state aid cuts

Tera and Suhay noted the best way to prevent state cuts to libraries is to lobby and petition state representatives in Lansing. Tera, who has worked on the Oakland County Library Board in the past, said Baldwin can work with Oakland County Trustees Association to complete this task.

Until then, Suhay said the library should continue to keep costs as low as possible and improve efficiency.

Are staffing levels, hours sufficient? 

“The staff around here is pretty thin right now,” said Suhay, adding he thinks Baldwin Public Library can’t take any more cutting where staff is concerned.

As part of the 2011-12 budget, Baldwin had to cut three full-time and one part-time staff positions.

To achieve this, Suhay and Underdown noted it’s crucial the , allowing them to become a Baldwin contract community. With the additional revenue, Baldwin may be able to restore the three full-time positions lost this year, Underdown said.

Tera said the remaining staff does a phenomenal job. He said he would like to see the library restore later hours on Thursdays as well as Sunday hours in the summer.

Fee for resident patrons?

All three candidates were opposed to imposing a fee on residents, with Tera saying, “A free public library has become an institution of American life.”

In addition, Underdown said the funds raised by charging such a fee would hardly make an impact on the library’s operating budget, with Suhay noting residents already pay for the library through taxes.

Public libraries' future in world of technology

Tera said based on his experience with the Oakland County Library system, libraries certainly have a place as long as they stay ahead of the curve and continue to adapt.

Suhay echoed that sentiment, noting that though he’s sure check-out of hard material will continue to decline at libraries across the country, libraries can stay relevant if they become a place for the community to gather and learn. Baldwin is already ahead of the curve, Suhay said, offering books and music for download.

Underdown said he doesn’t believe the desire for physical books will go away.

More election coverage

Check out Patch's coverage of the candidate forums for:


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Birmingham