BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Controversy is growing in a local library over a recent board decision.
A former administrator says she was let go for pushing inclusive, LGBTQ books, but the board claims it was simply a budget decision.
In it’s meeting, the Susquehanna County Library Board addressed the reasoning behind the layoff of Kristina ELY.
Complicating things, if the library doesn’t have an administrator, they may not be able to receive state grants, that totals to around $280,000.
The decision followed ongoing clashes between Ely and the Board, including debates over parental access to children’s library records.
“We need to get some things settled first financially, we need to get our feet on the ground and know where we’re headed with this,” explained Michael Squier, Board President.
“They are claiming that it is for financial reasons that there was a budget projected budget deficit in 2025. That’s nothing unusual, always a budget deficit, and they couldn’t lay me off for that because they are required to have someone in my position according to state regulations,” voiced Kristina Ely, Former Administrator/ Librarian, Susquehanna County Library.
The controversy has sparked strong reactions in the community.
A public meeting is scheduled for March 24.
