Library moves ahead with security cameras

The Putnam County Public Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved the writing of a policy for security cameras Director Grier Carson hopes to have installed in May.

During the April 27 meeting, Carson said most libraries in the United States use security cameras.

"I see it principally as a deterrent," he said.

Carson first brought up the issue during last month's meeting after reporting that an increase in "unwanted patron behavior" such as raised voices and "belligerent" behavior.

"Most of these cases are people who raise their voices when they shouldn't or don't like being told they can't do something on a computer," he said.

"I wouldn't say that we're dealing with threatening patrons every week, but I would definitely say that we're dealing with belligerent patrons every week. We've had a handful of cases where people have been banned, in some cases indefinitely. And we occasionally call the police. It's usually not for a serious emergency, but, you know, we have some people who won't leave."

During that meeting, it was reported that the cameras could cost between $400 and $600 a unit, and now, with the board's approval, Director Carson will begin testing various models. He emphasized that the video feed could only be kept for 30 days, and he hopes to have them installed in the circulation lobby, reference desk and the children's area.

In other developments:

-- The board unanimously approved the appointment of Cheyanne Maddox as the new marketing director. Director Carson said in his report, "Cheyanne has been a circulation assistant at PCPL since last fall. Cheyanne's education centered around communications and marketing, and she'd done marketing work for area businesses before coming to PCPL."

The library will now seek a new circulation assistant.

-- The board unanimously approved the appointment of Michelle Boller as the new reference assistant in the Adult Reference Department.

"Michelle comes to us from the DePauw library system where she continues to work as an archives assistant," Carson wrote in his report. "She has also worked as a substitute teacher for Greencastle Community School Corporation."

-- The board elected new board appointments, which will officially take effect in May. All appointments were unanimous.

-- President: Alan Zerkel (nominated by Diana LaViolette, seconded by Amy Weliever)

-- Vice President: Diana LaViolette (nominated by Zerkel, seconded by Weliever)

-- Secretary: Lisa Barker (nominated by Tona Gardner, seconded by David Taylor)

-- After the success of the winter program, the library staff has decided to host an adult summer reading program from June to July.

The summer program will be conducted much like the winter program. Adults who read three books will have their entries included in a grand prize drawing at the end of July, and all those who read seven books will receive a small prize purchased by the Friends of the Library.

Adults can read hard copies or e-books, listen to audio books or have books read to them.

In other business:

-- Director Carson reported that total circulation decreased a little more than four percent, which he described as "steady-ish."

-- The board announced that the new mileage reimbursement rate will be 36 cents per mile rather than 44.

-- The board unanimously approved reimbursing up to 50 percent of costs for a staff member enrolled in a library and information science course at an institution accredited by the American Library Association.

--Two independent appraisals for property in Greencastle are to be submitted at the next board meeting.

The next board meeting will be May 25 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room at the Putnam County Public Library.