Opening
Good evening, Council members and neighbors. My name is [Speaker Name], and I live just a few blocks from the Greenway Library. I’m a parent, a regular borrower—and, like many of you, I rely on our library as a quiet anchor in this community.
Central message
I’m here tonight to ask for a simple, low-cost step: a six-month pilot to keep the library open two evenings longer each week. Because for working parents and job seekers, the library’s 6 p.m. closing time cuts off our access just when we need it most.
Supporting points
Last winter, during a power outage that lasted three days, my daughter and I came to the library to use the homework room. It was warm, well-lit, and the librarian stayed late to let us finish. That evening access wasn’t on the schedule—it was a kindness—and it showed me how much we need reliable evening hours.
The librarian here recently conducted an informal evening survey, and it showed that many residents, especially parents and those looking for jobs, struggle to reach the library during standard working hours. The survey is a local snapshot, not a citywide statistic, but it points to a real gap.
I’m not asking for a full overhaul. Just a small pilot—two extra evenings a week, for six months, with modest costs. It could be a safe after‑school space, a place to apply for jobs after work, and a chance to test if evening hours work for our neighborhood.
Transitions
That story of the power outage brings me directly to the reason I’m here…
And the librarian’s survey reinforces what I saw firsthand…
So a pilot feels like the right next step, and here is why it makes sense for our budget…
Close
In that dark winter week, the library became our home for learning and connection. I hope you’ll consider approving a six-month evening-hours pilot so that more families and job seekers can count on that same welcome after dark. Thank you.
Delivery cues
Pause for two seconds after finishing the power‑outage story before beginning the next sentence.
Emphasize the phrase “six‑month pilot” by slowing the pace slightly when you say it.
The neighborhood acronym “Greenway” is already a proper name; no spelling needed. Keep sentences short and natural—aim for 140–160 words per minute.
Total delivery time should be about three minutes; rehearse with a timer.
Speaker review
✔️ Confirm your name and street name before speaking (placeholder used: [Speaker Name]).
❓ The librarian’s evening survey—check who conducted it, its exact date, and that you have permission to mention it. No citywide data is claimed.
❓ The winter power outage story—verify the dates and that the librarian indeed stayed late that night.
❓ The neighborhood is “Greenway Library”—verify the official branch name (spelling, acronym).
❓ No personal details about your daughter (name, age, school) have been included—keep it as written unless you choose to add them and verify consent.
❓ The pilot cost is described only as “modest”—do not quote a figure unless you have council data or a budget estimate.