We are saddened to learn that Kathy Sullivan, who has worked at our local Malibu library and bookmobile for 17 and a half years, was recently fired. Kathy Sullivan has done so much for our library over the years, not to mention our community, that we are shocked by this injustice. Kathy should be given an award for service, not a letter in the mail announcing her dismissal. No previous discussion, no warning, no personal call, not even severance pay, nothing but a cold letter in the mail with no reason given for her dismissal. All part-time employees of the library sign a waiver saying they can’t contest a dismissal so Kathy has no recourse.
Here is just a partial list of the many civic duties related to the library Kathy has performed, (she has done many others for our community as a whole) most without any pay whatsoever: In charge, with one other person, of One Book, One City for Malibu for nine years; in charge of the Speakers Series at the library for Women’s History Month for 11 years; member of the board of Friends of Malibu Library for 10 years, seven-plus years as secretary; helped start the Library Task force seven years ago and has served on it the entire time.
This “reward” for Kathy’s service is mean-spirited and wrong. Is this how we reward people for their selfless service to Malibu and our library? This does not sound like the Malibu where we live. Perhaps those in charge should rethink their position and acquaint themselves with our community and how we treat people here.
Malibu needs Kathy Sullivan at the library doing all she does for our community. We, as a Malibu family who have enjoyed our library for years, and Kathy in particular, want her reinstated immediately.
Carla and Leigh McCloskey Famil