"We're incredibly frustrated, verging on angry," says a spokeswoman for the union representing striking Essex County library workers.
Lori Wightman says they're not alone either. The tone of community support may be changing.
"It used to be people were sad that their libraries were closed, and they felt badly for us," Wightman says. "Now, from the messages and the emails and the people I talk to, people are angry. People are angry at elected officials that aren't listening to them."
The latest example, she says is a member of the public who tried to speak up at Wednesday night's Essex County Library Board meeting.
Wightman says those around the table weren't sure if they could accept the delegate. After a brief recess, they decided they couldn't hear his motion calling on the two sides in the strike to get back to the bargaining table.
"We researched. There's no procedure anywhere to apply to speak to the library board," she says. "They don't have those rules published anywhere for the average public person to try and figure out how to speak to them."
Another development from Wednesday's meeting, the possibility of talks on the horizon, but if talks are in the works, Wightman hasn't been told.
"I would assume that I would be one that would know or be told 'Hey, this is coming up'. I haven't heard anything yet," Wightman says. "I'm hoping it's sooner rather than later. We're on day 125. It's cold out here."
