Peninsula Public Library Trustee Candidate: Sarah Yastrab

Residents of School District 15 will be able to vote on a proposed $93,155,150 schools budget and ’s proposed $2,995,135 million budget on May 15. The budget is $82,645 more than this year’s budget.

Voters will also be able to vote for one library trustee. Sarah Yastrab, who was voted into office one year ago, is running unopposed. Patch spoke with her about her work so far.

Why should people come out and vote for you?

Although this year’s election is uncontested, it remains a good time for the voters to reflect on the past, and think about the future.

What have you learned during the last year as a board member?

Over the past year as a board member, I have formed working relationships with my co-trustees, as well as the employees of the library. I have made school visits with the children’s librarian, and am working on an exciting new joint project with the school district. I have attended events such as the monster truck visit this winter. Passionate about technology, I have encouraged increasing the library’s capacity to deliver content electronically to our patrons, and to communicate more efficiently with them.

What are the biggest issues facing Peninsula Public Library?

Though much has been accomplished, more remains to be done. In addition to the limitations of the physical structure of the library, the administrative leadership is in flux, with the retirement of the library’s director, Arleen Reo, at the end of this month. I look forward to working with the board to find a dynamic, strong individual to steer the library through coming years.

What is its greatest strength?

The beauty and strength of the Peninsula library is that it’s a place where everyone feels welcome. All age groups, genders, ethnicities, socio-economic classes, and religious groups have a home in the library. Our staff works hard to ensure everyone’s needs are met in terms of content, and programming.

What changes, if any, should be made in the library's budget?

This year’s budget is a responsible one. The board was unanimously committed to complying with the governor’s 2 percent tax cap, and we were able to accomplish this without cutting services.

Is there any other information you would like to share about yourself or your goals?

Despite the fact that the election is uncontested this year, there is still a budget vote. I encourage voters to come out and show their support for the responsible budget we’ve put together, and for the work that the board of trustees and I are doing.