Fresno County Librarian Demotes Himself for ‘Personal Reasons’

Raman Bath has been demoted as Fresno County librarian by his own request.

“For personal reasons, I feel it would be best if I stepped down from my position as department head. You require someone unfettered by some of the issues that have been plaguing me both personally and professionally and I feel in my current state of mind, I can continue to support the County as well as my beloved Library in another capacity,” Bath wrote in a resignation letter to County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland.

Bath did not reveal what those “personal reasons” were. He was named librarian in 2019, and has worked in the county library system since 2003. He will remain with the library “in a supervisorial role” the county said in a news release.

Gomez Named Interim Librarian

Sally Gomez

The county named Sally Gomez as interim county librarian. She has been with the library system since 2006, save for a five-year stint with Fresno EOC, according to her LinkedIn bio. She started in her new role on Monday.

Bath took criticism from Clovis City Councilwoman Diane Pearce this summer over LGBT books that she said were inappropriate for the children’s section at the Clovis library.

Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau said he plans to introduce a resolution for age-appropriate books in the library at the Nov. 7 meeting.

But, sources with knowledge say that is not the reason Bath stepped down. Bath did not respond to a request for comment.

Related Story: Do LGBT Kids Books Belong in Public Libraries? Clovis Councilwoman Stirs Strong ...