Library investigating misuse of bookmobile for Sanders campaign

The Fresno County Public Library is investigating whether its bookmobile was illegally used to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

County Librarian Laurel Prysiazny said the bookmobile bus “may have unwittingly been used” Saturday to campaign for the Vermont senator in violation of a county ordinance.

County employees are forbidden from knowingly permitting any county premises, property or facility to be used for any political activity in connection with any election, according to county code. There are exceptions if the use of county property is needed in the administration of elections or the activity fits within the county code.

“Library administration was unaware of this activity, and an investigation is underway to determine appropriate action,” Prysiazny said in a statement Tuesday. “We wanted people to know because we do know that members of the public saw the bookmobile in a situation where there might have been some political banners.”

Prysiazny would not comment on the situation further, citing personnel laws and the ongoing investigation.

Sanders campaigned in Fresno and Visalia last month.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 4:59 PM with the headline "Library investigating misuse of bookmobile for Sanders campaign."