Surveys resemble PCPL plans

Putnam County Public Library Director Grier Carson informed the Library Board recently that while no one attended the three community forums scheduled throughout the county, several patrons did fill out surveys available in the library and online for the strategic plan update.

Carson explained previously the five-year strategic plan is updated periodically and each time the public is invited to learn more about the library's current projects in order to provide input for future projects.

"We have gotten some good feedback from the community surveys," Carson said "What we have gotten from the community is good and for the most part pretty consistent. It's also consistent with some of the goals we've outlined for ourselves in discussions amongst ourself in the past year."

He said some of the suggestions included expanding outreach services, connecting with area schools and providing teens with "engaging and meaningful things to do at the library after school."

The plan will be shared with department heads, then presented to the library board at the Dec. 16 meeting. He will seek approval for the strategic plan at the January board meeting.

The bookmobile is no longer sitting at the Putnam County Public Library.

The Friends of the Library, who acquired the vehicle from the library recently, sold it to a group which will be using it as a mobile health clinic in Colorado.

In addition to the former bookmobile being used in a positive way, it was noted the sale was able to raise some income for the Friends of the Library group.

The new outreach van is currently parked in the spot.

Carson said he was happy with the outcome of the Imagination Library program Nov. 12, which featured the reading of "Llama, Llama Red Pajama."

Patrons participated in llama-themed activities and were encouraged to wear their own pajamas.

Carson stressed this is a good way to reach out to parents and have them interact with their children.

The Imagination Library program provides 60 children's books to participants, starting at the age of two. PCPL plans to host similar events in the future.

Sarah Myers, who has recently served as the youth services and reference assistant, was hired to serve as the reference manager.

"Sarah is a rare talent. She brings a very unique combination of local connectivity and local commitment, with a pretty cosmopolitan view of what a library should be doing," Carson said.

He noted there was a pool of strong candidates and the decision was a difficult one to make.

The hiring process for a new youth services manager is set for next week and Carson said he is optimistic about the applicants.