At its June 12 meeting the Surprise Library Advisory Commission debated whether to remain focused on outreach and volunteerism, or to expand into formal advocacy, trainings and representation at conferences.

Staff presented a range of possible roles — from shelving and local outreach to serving as citizen advocates in political or funding arenas — and said the commission could choose multiple paths rather than one exclusive approach. Staff told commissioners that one funded option is to apply for a citizen-advocate spot through a cooperative arrangement (a program paid for by a multi-library council) that would include travel to Washington, D.C., with library representatives.

Commissioners emphasized training and confidence-building if members pursue advocacy. Several members said they wanted field trips to see other libraries’ operations, suggested meeting other commissions, and proposed outreach tied to community events such as a hospital presence or Veterans Day activities that could align with the town parade.

Staff said it would compile options over the summer and return with more definitive proposals and possible training opportunities; no formal policy change or vote was taken. The commission agreed to an annual check-in to decide whether to scale advocacy or stick primarily to outreach and volunteering.