Description

A plan to convert a library building in the farming town of McFarland in the Central Valley into a police station sparked widespread protest.

Kern County recently expanded the library’s hours to open five days a week. Yet the city leaders of McFarland are doubling down, saying the police need the library building to meet the town’s public safety needs.

At the heart of this debate: What is the role of a library? Who does it serve?

Guests:

• Andie Sullivan, Director, Kern County Library
• Emma Gallegos, Reporter, EdSource

Read more from EdSource:

• Once again, McFarland city leaders lobby the county to turn its library into a police station
• Cities and towns across California only get the libraries they can afford
• Amid community pressure, county blocks McFarland’s plan to convert library into a police station
• A small town in Kern County contemplates turning its community library into a police station

Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.