Library funding

A library employee described wage stagnation, unaffordable insurance, and staff cutting groceries and medical care, urging a budget increase for cost-of-living raises.

A library associate and single mom described relying on SNAP and WIC while working at the library and delivering for DoorDash, asking for more than a 5% increase.

A library worker and member of the recovery community described living two weeks from being in the red and asked for a budget increase.

A newer lending-desk employee urged passage of the 10% amendment, saying retention requires wages that let staff live in Portland.

The library's first archivist, priced out of the West End after 37 years, asked that the increase exceed 5% for staff sustainability.

A 15-year library veteran said staff are now priced out and commute from Biddeford to Lewiston, asking the council to prioritize the increase.

A former library worker described colleagues forced out by low wages and urged the amendment — while needling the mayor to also cut Axon funding.

A Nasons Corner resident with no library affiliation urged funding library staff as a 'value bundle' serving literacy, immigrants, teens, and seniors.

A 55-year-old librarian described being unable to afford Portland or homeownership and listed the library's community programs.

A heavy library user and sociologist argued investment in skilled librarians is needed to combat disinformation.

A Deering mother and small business owner urged passage of the 10% library amendment.

Executive director of Portland Outright called the library a lifeline for LGBTQ youth and urged funding it as a moral budget priority.

A West End resident urged investing in community well-being programs over reactive policing, including cutting Axon funding.