Santee branch manager highlights role of San Diego County Library in community

Liz Vaghani, Librarian 3 and branch manager at the Santee branch of the San Diego County Library, told meeting attendees that "books just open the world up" and described library staff as committed public servants.

During a public comment period, Vaghani framed libraries as community problem-solvers, saying staff can "identify a need that someone has and then I have the ability and the resources and the support to find a solution to that and make life better for people who live here." She said the best part of working in the library is serving neighbors, friends and family in the community.

Vaghani said that "public service and love of books make a Venn diagram and right in the middle are all of the people who work really hard in the library every day," emphasizing staff commitment rather than requesting a specific policy action or funding change. The transcript records this comment during the meeting's public-comment time; no formal motion or board action related to the remarks is recorded in the transcript.

The comment highlights the Santee branch's role as a local access point for materials and staff assistance. Vaghani did not cite specific programs, budgets or policy proposals during her remarks. Because the transcript captures only this public comment, no related agenda items, votes or staff responses are recorded in the available record.