WEMU offered the opportunity for any candidate appearing on a ballot in Washtenaw County in the 2018 general election to submit a campaign message directly to our audience. Bethany Kennedy is running for Ypsilanti District Library Board as a nonpartisan. What follows are the audio and remarks the candidate wanted to share with you.
Author Doug Wilhem wrote, “A library is a house of hope. It’s a place where we all, whatever our situation, can feed our ideas and develop our dreams.”
Hello WEMU listeners my name is Bethany Kennedy and I am a librarian running for Ypsilanti District Library Board on November 6th.
I want to make sure the ‘house of hope’ Wilhem wrote about is available to all Ypsilanti District Library residents.
Ensuring that we all have access to the valuable resources available in our library is my goal. From your favorite books, digital access to research materials, unique, local historical records, community focused programming to space for meeting with a group or hosting an event. The Ypsilanti District library has something for everyone and is for everyone.
As a 25 year resident of Ypsilanti Township I understand what a large area the Ypsilanti District Library serves. We are a unique and diverse population spread across two townships and encompassing the city of Ypsilanti. I will seek out and listen to the needs of our community to help inform board decisions.
Thirteen years as a librarian and library administrator has taught me the value of connecting with partners in our community. YDL prioritizes community partnerships and I will support those existing connections, encourage the development of new partnerships and draw on the support and professional connections within my own sphere of influence.
It is difficult to anticipate what the future of our community will look like. I will work to ensure the library adapts to the changing needs of our community- whether that comes in the form of technology advances, library specific trends or facilities. As an Ypsilanti Township co-chair of the Vote Yes for Our Library committee I am already working to support the future needs of YDL.
On Nov 6th, flip the ballot over and vote Librarian Bethany Kennedy for Ypsilanti District Library Board. For all Ypsilanti area residents to “feed our ideas and develop our dreams.” Thank you.
http://www.facebook.com/bkennedy48197