Freedom to Read Nevada

Library Board

You can sign up to provide in-person public comment at the library trustee meeting, or e-mail written comments to Jamie Hemingway at JHemingway@washoecounty.gov by 4pm the day before the meeting. You can also use the ‘Raise Hand’ feature to provide public comment over Zoom. We encourage you to speak in-person if you can, but understand that everyone has a different capacity. Try and bring a friend!

The Zoom webinar is accessible through the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84224131597. If prompted, use the following passcode: 889408 Please note: the Zoom link option will require a
computer or phone with internet access or the Zoom application with audio capabilities.

County Commissioners

In-Person:

Create an account and register in advance to provide public comment or sign up in-person at the meeting.

Pay close attention to the meeting. Wait for the committee chair to announce the public testimony proceedings and begin your public comment when called upon.

Virtually:

Create an account and click on the meetings tab in the top menu.

Look for the Board Meeting for an upcoming date then click an agenda item.

Click eComment to provide electronic public comment.

Developing your public comment

Giving public comment is a powerful tool that you have as a citizen to inform legislators, policymakers, and other power holders about proposed policy’s impact on your community. Making your public opinion known can make commissioners and trustees aware of implications of a piece of policy that they may not have considered otherwise. Below is a quick guide to preparing and giving public comment for constituents.

Public comment is 2 minutes long, so be sure to practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to stay within the time frame.

Introduction	First, address the chairperson and thank them for the opportunity to testify today. Ex: Mr. Chair / Madame Chair / Members of the Board, Trustees, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
Identify yourself / your credentials.	Introduce who you are and details about what connects you to the library. Ex:  My name is John Doe, and I’ve been a resident of Washoe County for over 20 years. I regularly get books from the library for myself/my children/my students/my community.
Identify the agenda item you’re discussing, then state your position.	State your position on the policy or agenda item and identify the specific item you’re discussing.  Ex: I am speaking in favor/support of the library at large/diverse library materials/funding for our libraries.
Deliver your key points using personal experience.	Develop 2 or 3 key points that you want to convey to the board. Once you’ve decided your key points, intertwine them into your personal story. As you state or list 2 or 3 key points for your position, start with the most important or compelling points. Include any facts, figures, or statements to support your position.
Conclusion	Thank the board for hearing your testimony. Reiterate your position on the policy.  Ex: Thank you for hearing my testimony. I urge you to continue making our libraries awesome.

Talking Points to Support the Library

Stimulate Imagination – bookmobile services, expanding collection, book promotion

Provide Welcoming Spaces – renovations at Sparks & Northwest branches, staff training

Workforce Building – workforce training, online resume services, rentable rooms, legal services kiosk, housing kiosks

Lifelong Learning – events for seniors, expanding current services, museum passes, research databases

School Support – homework help spaces, library cards for kids, Dolly Parton books, Give the Gift of Reading campaign

Celebrate Our Diverse Community – outreach programs, bilingual story hour

Promote the Library – Library on the Go bookmobile and kiosks, advocating for library funding