My family and I moved to Ypsilanti Township in 2019, and one of the first things we did was go to the Whittaker Branch of the Ypsilanti District Library and get our cards!

I’ve been a public library user my entire life. Some of my earliest memories of the library were using the card catalog and exploring the stacks unaccompanied. I would check out books that were definitely above my understanding, but the library staff never cast any judgement on the tween checking out physics books.

After almost a decade in the Navy, we lived in a small village in Upstate New York, where I was active in the community. I was fortunate enough to be appointed to the library board, and loved the opportunity I had to give my time and energy to the community to improve the services it provided.

I’m looking forward to meeting as many residents and library patrons as possible before November, and look forward to serving the interests of the community as a Trustee!

Issues

  • I am firmly against any attempts at book banning in public libraries. Book bans can come in more forms than just removing a book from the shelves. Redaction, restriction, relocation, and removal are all ways that libraries in the US are banning books. Our libraries should contain a wide, rich collection of materials with access for everyone. I will do everything in my power to push back against any book bans.

  • Our workers are the lifeblood of the library! From the clerks checking you out at the desk, to the children’s librarians organizing story times, to the individuals helping seniors with tech issues, all of them have a critical role in the Ypsilanti District Library. It’s important that we find ways to improve our support for the on-the-floor workers, especially those that may want extra mental health resources to process situations they experience while working.

  • Our library system has historically been transparent with meetings and finances, but I want to continue to expand this and find new opportunities to engage with the public. I believe that we should have board meetings available on Zoom, as well as getting feedback on budgeting from community members.

  • The Michigan Avenue branch (downtown Ypsilanti) is currently undergoing repairs. Once reopened, it will be important to monitor and assess the usage by the community, and make deliberate efforts to bring the branch back to the public. The people that would normally use the Michigan Avenue branch have been without their local library for too long, and we need to ensure it is meeting their needs and they are excited to come back.

And MORE!

Want to talk about ideas to improve on a library experience? The empty cafe space at the Whittaker Branch? Electric bookmobiles? Budget priorities? Reach out to me and let’s chat.

Endorsements

Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr.

Michigan State Representative, 32nd District

Desiraé Simmons

Ypsilanti Council Member - Ward Three

“I am confident that Chris Tebbens would be an invaluable asset to the Ypsilanti Board of Trustees. His vision, expertise, and dedication are precisely what any public library needs to thrive in these trying times.”

Andrea Simmons, Director Ballston Spa Public Library

Contribute to My Campaign

I don’t plan on having many campaign expenses, but I appreciate any donation you would be willing to give. Help offset my website hosting and campaign material!

Contact Me

If you would like to get ahold of me, please email the address below, or use the contact form.

Chris4YpsiLibrary(at)gmail.com