Merced County officials deny plans to privatize libraries, say no changes planned
Merced County stated Thursday that staff in the chief executive’s office is in the early stages of a routine review aimed at improving departmental efficiency, including in the library system.
However, the county emphasized in a statement that “no decisions have been made” and “no changes to library operations are currently underway.”
The statement was released to the Sun-Star following an email sent Monday by former longtime Merced County librarian Susan Walsh to the Merced County Times. In the email, Walsh claimed that library privatization could happen as soon as before the planning of next year’s county budget and that a majority of the Board of Supervisors were privately voicing support for it.
Walsh, a member of the League of Women Voters and Friends of the Library, told the Times she spoke with Supervisor Josh Pedrozo over the weekend, who expressed concerns about the potential privatization of library services and its impact on the community. She also said she had learned from another source that county Librarian Amy Taylor and several local government officials were aware of the ongoing discussions.
“Merced County is always seeking ways to optimize services that benefit taxpayers and the community, but there are no plans or discussions to close libraries or to reduce services in any way, shape or form. Libraries are essential as they provide access to knowledge, foster lifelong learning, and offer a space for individuals to connect, grow and thrive,” reads the statement from the county.
Merced County posted the statement on its Facebook page, drawing comments from people who are doubtful and upset.
“This is a very weirdly worded statement. No where in this statement do you deny the exploration of privatization for the libraries. You just say it hasn’t happened yet,” wrote Emily Wallace.
“Over the years there’s been many attempts to close down the library and the services. It’s such a love-hate relationship between the Board of Supervisors and our public library. It’s also a waste of taxpayer dollars to even direct staff on trying to figure out how to privatize,” commented Alejandro Romo Carrillo.
A few referenced the upcoming board meeting and a District 2 town hall, both Tuesday, and encouraged people to attend and voice their concerns. The board meeting is at 10 a.m. and the town hall is at 6 p.m.
The Merced County Library has five locations: Atwater, Delhi, Livingston, Los Banos and Merced. It provides services including community support, group tours and library services for people with print disabilities.
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
