SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, October 20 at 9:30 AM for the Board of Supervisors Meeting. While privatization will no longer be an agenda item, we will still be in attendance to let them know we value our public libraries.
The Friends of the Fresno County Public Library oppose the idea of privatizing the Fresno County Public Library, based on our concern for our beloved Library professionals, our desire for financial transparency, our fear for the wellbeing of the San Joaquin Valley Library System, and our worry that programs, services, and materials may not be as culturally relevant or high-quality as what Fresno County patrons are used to under the auspices of a private, for-profit corporation.
If you, too, are concerned about this suggestion, we invite you to learn more and join us in taking action in support of our public libraries!
If you'd like to write a letter or email to your Supervisor but you're not sure what to say, we have some talking points you can use! You can also use these to inform yourself and your friends, family, and community about how privatization with Library Systems and Services (LSS) has gone for other library systems and why it's not likely to be a good choice for Fresno County. All letters may be sent to 2281 Tulare Street #301, Fresno, CA 93721, but you can find other contact information at the "Contact Your Supervisor" link below.
Printables
Print your own fliers and postcards to help us spread the word! You can access a PDF of the infographic flyer here, or save the images below. These work best as half-sheets due to the size of the text but can be used as quarter-sheets.
For postcards, print on cardstock. One standard letter-size paper can yield two postcards when printed 4x6 or 5x7. (Keep in mind that anything over 4.25x6 will require a regular forever stamp, not a postcard one.) You can access the files here.
Media and Events
"Bredefeld suggests 'privatizing' Fresno County's library-- before banning it from LGBTQ+ Pride," YourCentralValley; May 12, 2026
"Amid years-long culture war, Fresno County looks at privatizing its libraries," Fresnoland; June 26, 2026
Letter to the Editor: "Fresno Supervisor Bredefeld's push to privatize library is distressing," Fresno Bee; July 19, 2026
"Friends of the Fresno County Public Library: Supporting and Defending Our Local Libraries," Kings River Life; July 25, 2026
"The Fight for Fresno's Libraries: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Privatization Threat," Paul Flores, Writer; August 13, 2026
Letter to the Editor: "Privatization of the library system in Fresno County is a bad idea," Fresno Bee; August 16, 2026
"Will Fresno library be privatized in county culture wars? 'It is not woke,'" Thaddeus Miller, Fresno Bee; September 11, 2026
"Fact check: Where Fresno County D1 candidates stand on privatizing libraries," Thaddeus Miller, Fresno Bee; September 26, 2026
"‘Very bad idea’: County, city officials pushback against library privatization," Sydney A. Charles, YourCentralValley; September 28, 2026
"‘Stupid.’ ‘Terrible.’ Fresno officials, Friends of Library hate the idea of privatization," Thaddeus Miller, Fresno Bee; September 28, 2026
"Group opposes proposal to privatize Fresno County library system," Stephen Hawkins, KMPH FOX 26; September 28, 2026
"Fresno County pulls library privatization talk from October agenda," James Mora, KMPH FOX 26; September 29, 2026
"Fresno Officials Say Privatizing Libraries Is a 'Terrible' and 'Stupid' Idea," Jahz Tello, GV Wire; September 29, 2026
"Fresno leaders sound alarm over possible privatization of county libraries," ABC 30; September 29, 2026
"Possible Privatization of Fresno County Libraries Placed On Hold," KMJ; September 29, 2026
"As city, union leaders mount opposition to library privatization, Fresno County delays debate," Pablo Orihuela, Fresnoland; September 30, 2026
Past Letter Writing Parties
Sunday, August 16 at La Querencia Common House, 2658 E Alluvial Ave in Fresno, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, August 16 at Root Access Hackerspace, 1476 N Van Ness Ave in Fresno, 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, September 4 at First Mennonite Church in Reedley, 6:30 PM