In a good faith effort to bridge the current divide and foster productive dialogue, Samuels Public Library has voluntarily withdrawn its legal filing that was scheduled to be heard in court on May 2, 2025. This decision was made in the hopes of renewing negotiations with the Warren County Board of Supervisors toward a new Library Funding Agreement or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

However, the outcome of last night’s Special Board Meeting of the Warren County Board of Supervisors raised serious concerns about the future of these negotiations. During the meeting, the Board announced its intent to begin negotiations with Library Systems & Services (LS&S), a private, out-of-state company owned by global entity Evergreen Service Group, which is based out of California. More specifically Evergreen houses LS&S under their Cedar Solutions Group which primarily focuses on services for the national defense sector. LS&S has a history of outsourcing local jobs to remote workers.

When asked where LS&S would conduct its operations, Mr. Jacques of the Warren County Library Board indicated that services would be performed at the current library facility using existing library assets.

This statement came as a shock to Samuels Public Library. The Library operates at 330 E. Criser Rd. under a 30-year lease that extends until 2038, and it has no plans to vacate or discontinue service at that location.  Furthermore, all assets belong to Samuels Public Library, paid through private monies and grants.

Despite ongoing attempts by a 4-1 majority of the Board to discredit the Library, the community has responded with unwavering support. Residents have voiced their concerns through public appeals, letters to the editor, attendance at Board meetings, expressions of outrage, and generous donations.

Samuels Public Library remains a cornerstone of the Warren County community. For decades, Samuels has served as a nonprofit partner dedicated to education, free access to information, and community enrichment. The overwhelming majority of residents have affirmed their trust in Samuels Public Library and encouraged the Library’s Board of Trustees to continue standing strong against efforts to privatize library services. 

The Warren County Board of Supervisors now faces a consequential decision: whether to continue working with Samuels Public Library, a historic and trusted local institution, or to enter into a 10-year contract with a private out-of-state company whose record has raised concerns nationwide. Outsourcing public library services to a for-profit entity brings with it serious questions about cost, transparency, service quality, and long-term accountability.

We respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to reconsider the draft MOA submitted in March and to genuinely engage with the widespread community feedback that has been expressed over the past several months. Samuels Public Library—its Trustees and staff—remain committed to the long-term future of library service in Warren County and are eager to move forward in the spirit of cooperation and shared public service.

Let us return to what we do best: providing exceptional, free, and equitable library services to the people of Warren County, as we have proudly done for generations.