Share
Southeast Fresno residents needn’t worry. The Mosqueda branch library isn’t closing.
That’s the word from Raman Bath, who officially took over as Fresno County librarian on July 15.
A social media post went up Friday morning speculating the county might close the Mosqueda branch.
Indeed, a consultant had suggested consolidating Mosequda into the Sunnyside regional library. Another suggestion: fold the Pinedale branch into the Politi branch library near Hoover High School.
But, in a July 9 presentation to the Board of Supervisors, Bath — in his former capacity as the interim county librarian — made it clear the doors will remain open at Mosqueda and Pinedale.
“(I am) not recommending any closures at this time,” Bath said. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
Supervisors Don’t Support Closures
In addition, several supervisors chimed that they wouldn’t give the OK to close any branches or, as the consultant also suggested, replace branch libraries in Laton and Piedra with kiosks.
“Take that study and throw it into the garbage can, and do your own (study),” Supervisor Buddy Mendes told Bath.

“Take that study and throw it into the garbage can, and do your own (study).” — Supervisor Buddy Mendes, speaking to Fresno County Librarian Raman Bath
“Sunnyside is quite a bit aways from Mosqueda,” Quintero said, adding that some residents can’t afford bus fare. “This is where we need to help — the communities with the greatest need.”
Responded Bath: “I agree with everything you say.”
Along with recommending that six branches be consolidated, consultant Architectural Nexus, Inc. suggested the county focus on constructing regional libraries of at least 16,000 square feet.
“Do we really need these 16,000-square-foot libraries now? We have some fantastic smaller libraries that are really serving the public well,” said Supervisor Steve Brandau.
The county paid $150,000 for the study.
A Closer Look at New Librarian
Bath had served as interim librarian since February following the retirement of Kelly Landano. He has worked 16 years in the county library system.
In addition, he has provided oversight of the San Joaquin Valley Library System. That group connects the collections of 10 Valley library jurisdictions, creating easy access to materials.
Early in his career, Bath worked in teen and adult programming at the Caruthers and Riverdale branches.
“I believe the public library’s responsibilities don’t end at our walls but extend anywhere our services are needed to everyone in the community,” Bath said.
He graduated from Fresno State, then earned master’s degrees from CSU Dominguez Hills (humanities) and San Jose State (library information science).
Fresno Man Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years for $4.2 Million Tech Startup Fraud
3 hours ago
Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty in Murders of Four Idaho Students, ABC News Reports
3 hours ago
Fresno County CHP Arrest Two in Interstate 5 Drug, Gun, and Counterfeit Money Bust
4 hours ago
Where Trade Talks Stand With Major US Partners Ahead of Tariffs-Hike Deadline
4 hours ago
DOJ Announces Arrest, Indictments in North Korean IT Worker Scheme
4 hours ago
Fresno Man Arrested in Clovis for Sex-Related Crimes Against Minor
4 hours ago
Clovis Police Seek Public’s Help in Finding Missing 82-Year-Old Woman
2 hours ago
Categories

Clovis Police Seek Public’s Help in Finding Missing 82-Year-Old Woman

Fresno Woman Killed in Head-On Collision, CHP Investigating

Musk Vows to Punish Lawmakers Who Back Trump’s Spending Bill

Fresno Man Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years for $4.2 Million Tech Startup Fraud

Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty in Murders of Four Idaho Students, ABC News Reports
