<div>Hello, my name is Jacque Gonzalez, and I am a library patron fundraising on behalf of Mrs. Rhea Young. I've known Mrs. Young for over 25 years, since before I could even read. She was my elementary librarian growing up, high school student council advisor, and until most recently Executive Director for my local public library system. Mrs. Young has always been an exemplary person and librarian. She takes pride in all that she does and is an example of putting the community first throughout her entire library career.
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<div>Our library system has been impacted by censorship at the county level and misguided directives from a committee filled with political appointees, a conservative agenda, and a lack of formal library science education. As a result, librarians advocating for the freedom to read and upholding library best practices have faced increasing pressure to censor topics and limit access to literature.
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<div>On January 29th, 2025, Mrs. Young was fired to be replaced by someone who "shares the values of the community, respects the direction of the commissioners' court and represents the people of this county,” per Montgomery County Judge Keough. It's very important to note that she was NOT terminated for tardiness, substandard work, absenteeism, rudeness, or other.
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<div>This Gofundme is intended to support Mrs. Young as she navigates unemployment. Please donate as you are able to; anything is appreciated.
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<div>If you’d like to read more about what has been happening in the Montgomery County Library System, read about it in the links below:
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<div><a href="https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=80624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=80624" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=80624</a></a>
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<div>Citizens Review Committee
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<div><a href="https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/03/28/critics-advocates-challenge-controversial-citizen-committee-that-will-review-montgomery-county-library-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/03/28/critics-advocates-challenge-controversial-citizen-committee-that-will-review-montgomery-county-library-materials/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/03/28/critics-advocates-challenge-controversial-citizen-committee-that-will-review-montgomery-county-library-materials/</a></a>
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<div>Example of Montgomery County Citizens Review Committee's attempt to rewrite history:
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<div><a href="https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/books-libraries/2024/10/22/503643/montgomery-county-committee-incorrectly-categorized-historical-book-as-fiction-publisher-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/books-libraries/2024/10/22/503643/montgomery-county-committee-incorrectly-categorized-historical-book-as-fiction-publisher-says/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/books-libraries/2024/10/22/503643/montgomery-county-committee-incorrectly-categorized-historical-book-as-fiction-publisher-says/</a></a>
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Melissa Parker

Anonymous

Carole Blossom

Teresa Hamm

Lisa Brown

Sara Zurita

Lauren Stevens

Sarina Tung

Alicia Vasquez

Blakley Bassel

Nick Sears

Audrey Nelson

Jessica Powell

Cassandra Williams

Frances Corban

Valerie Hoodjer

Katie Yancer

Rally for Rhea Young's Library Legacy

Rally for Rhea Young's Library Legacy

Still $2,990 to go. Help us build momentum.