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shebang_bin_bash t1_j91hicf wrote

The auditor sounds like a dick with an agenda. Private orgs use libraries all the time for meetings. It’s one of the services they provide.

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i_live_in_maryland OP t1_j91insw wrote

He does... but the library also acted pretty shady which makes me wonder what really happened.

> "Private orgs use libraries all the time for meetings."

How often do they close the library for these, though? (Honest question, I don't actually know but I would assume they don't usually do that.)

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shebang_bin_bash t1_j91kwq3 wrote

I respectfully disagree that they were acting shady. The library is not actually part of the county government and it is questionable whether the auditor has any authority over them. If someone were hauling my employees in and interrogating them, I’d put an end to any good will indulgence was granting the auditor.

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No-Organization6449 t1_j924sdb wrote

Do these events require closing to the public during normal operating and use of paid library staff? Petty corruption has become acceptable with Corrupt Calvin in charge.

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CookieMonster932 t1_j9271t4 wrote

The library holds events for private organizations all the time. The only points of possible contention the article brings up is that the library closed 4hrs early for set up (not sure if that is common for events or not) and a promotion said it was "invite only" which may or may not violate whatever event rules the library has.

Even IF those were contrary to official policy, which it's unclear if it is, who f**king cares. It's so insignificant and a waste of taxpayers dollars to "investigate."

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i_live_in_maryland OP t1_j94d17a wrote

I think this is one of those cases where (you're right) it was really insignificant. But rather than just cooperate with the auditor for, at worst, a minor finding, they decided to fight against oversight and then double down on it.

IMO oversight is important even if the stuff they find is usually trivial. The fact the library system thinks they're beyond oversight is a problem, and I hope the county council deals with that problem. I don't care one bit about what actually happened with this party/event. It's the "cover up" that bothers me.

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runlikethewind5 t1_j97tb61 wrote

Check the link I posted. It’s supposed to be open to the public.

edit: It matters. If someone committed an illegal act on the taxpayer’s dime, it matters. Names need to come forth.

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telmar25 t1_j95ef68 wrote

It does seem strange for a public library to host a private event free of charge and close 4 hours early to do it. That does not sound like a good tradeoff for the people who would otherwise have tried to use the library that day. If it weren’t for the closing early part, the question would be whether the library should provide use of its facilities for free for private, closed events. Many libraries charge.

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seminarysmooth t1_j943tr3 wrote

The county funds about 82% of the library system’s operating budget. Additionally, the budget is submitted to the County Exec for review and approved by the County Board.

“But library staff, including President and CEO Tonya Aikens, would not fully participate in the inquiry and steered auditor questions to its lawyer. It says that as a state agency it is not subject to oversight by the county auditor, and library staff have denied any wrongdoing.”

I’m confused as to how they are state employees.

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runlikethewind5 t1_j97sxtj wrote

https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/reserve-room

Had to be open to the public?

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CookieMonster932 t1_j98gh98 wrote

Seems like that link specifically talks about the reservations for meeting rooms. Not sure if different rules apply for renting the entire library.

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runlikethewind5 t1_j9b6ocx wrote

Seems like if you are reserving space during normal open hours, the room reservation should apply. That they closed early for a private event on the taxpayer’s dime is not ok. And if it’s private, they need to RENT the space.

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