Opening Statement of Councilmember David Grosso, Chairperson

Committee on Education Public Roundtable on

PR23-113, Board of Library Trustees Leif Dormsjo Confirmation Resolution of
2019; PR23-114, Board of Library Trustees Shanel Anthony Confirmation
Resolution of 2019; and PR23-115, Board of Library Trustees Victor Reinoso
Confirmation Resolution of 2019
March 19, 2019

On February 11, 2019, the Mayor formally re-nominated Mr. Leif Dormsjo and Mr. Victor
Reinoso for additional terms on the Board of Library Trustees. The same day, the Mayor
formally nominated Mr. Shanel Anthony to a full term on the Board of Library Trustees.

The terms for each of the nominees ends January 5, 2024.

The Board of Library Trustees is comprised of nine unpaid District Residents, appointed by the
Mayor for a maximum of two five-year terms, and sets policy for the library.

The District of Columbia Public Library operates and maintains branch libraries in all 8 wards
throughout the city, as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library which is currently
under construction for modernization and will be a gem in the heart of downtown.

The Library system provides many great services such as computer training classes, GED
services, early childhood learning programs, and adaptive services for our visually, audibly, and
physically disabled residents.

For some individuals, our libraries are the only place where they have direct access to the
internet and books. They provide important resources for our economically disadvantaged
residents and growth opportunities for our youngest residents. The libraries also give
individuals access to the world outside of their neighborhood and supports creativity,
innovation, and research.

I would like to thank the nominees for their willingness to serve the children and families of the
District. To continue making our public library system the best in the nation, it is vital that we
have strong leaders with clear visions.
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