Residents urge library to reconsider community Shakespeare read-aloud program

Two members of the public used the non-agenda public-comment period at the start of the May 22 meeting to urge the library to approve a community Shakespeare play reading program.

"I have 6 more signatures to support the Shakespeare play reading program... So far, there are 16 signatures in total," said Christine, a Carlsbad resident who said she had already collected signatures from community members and offered to present to local book groups if library administration approves the proposal.

Kathleen Turkin, who described herself as a Carlsbad resident and a member of multiple book clubs, said the program would be particularly valuable for seniors with reduced mobility and could bring together seniors and high-school students for intergenerational conversation. "I'm primarily in support for the program and the opportunity to re-engage with other people," Turkin said.

Christine told trustees she was willing to meet with library administration to discuss the proposal. Trustees noted the item is a non-agenda public comment and that staff must confer with administration as appropriate under Brown Act rules.