Library workers and a patron tell trustees about privacy, safety and pay concerns

Two public comments at the start of the meeting raised different but related concerns for the trustees: one about computer privacy at MLK Memorial Library and one about staff compensation and safety.

"I had brought to the staff's attention on a few occasion my concerns for privacy and safety when accessing MLK computers," public commenter Tangie Lewis told the board. Lewis said emails were not being delivered and that information she had submitted through a federal website related to her son’s abduction had not been received. She asked whether staff would follow up so she could provide details; staff promised to respond and to follow up the next day.

Yonah Brumberg Gaber, who identified themself as a digital navigator (typically at Mount Pleasant Library and temporarily at MLK) and as "recently elected to be the president of Local 18 o 8," urged trustees to support staff in upcoming compensation negotiations and to address staff safety and mental-health needs. "Our top priority is staying rooted in the day to day operations of the library," Yonah said, adding that library workers are focused on being able "to thrive in DC as workers" and on "their physical and mental safety."

Yonah described past union advocacy at the city and federal level, including participation in litigation that preserved some LSTA funding, and asked trustees to coordinate with the mayor’s office as compensation negotiations proceed. Trustees thanked the speakers and noted potential opportunities for library staff and clients to collaborate on navigation and outreach efforts.

These comments were made during the public-comment portion of the agenda and did not produce formal board action at the meeting; staff acknowledged both comments and promised follow-up where appropriate.