Public Library closes on its new property

The Putnam County Public Library Board voted Wednesday to close on the house and property at Walnut Street and College Avenue at a cost of $78,000.

Director Carson speculated that it would be used for additional building or parking. He was granted permission to sign all related documents.

In other developments:

-- Adult summer reading program: There were a little more than 50 participants in the first adult summer reading program.

-- Adult literacy program: The first adult literacy program is expected to launch next fall.

-- Book clubs: Two new book clubs have been created, bringing the total to four.

-- Harry Potter book release party: The Harry Potter book release party saw more than 400 participants.

-- Library open house: The library will host an open house Sept. 24 from 12 to 5 p.m.

-- Proposed 2017 budget: The proposed 2017 budget will be presented at the next meeting.

-- Parent tech classes: The library will be hosting tech. classes for parents starting in September.

-- Hour changes: The library is seeking to change its hours. No decision has been reached, but changes are expected to take place in January.

-- Policy changes: The board approved changes and updates to the library policy concerning use of the PCPL credit card, patron dress code and meeting room use and reservation.

-- Circulation assistant: The board granted permission to hire a part-time circulation assistant.

-- FOL liason: Vice President Diana LaViolette volunteered to be a liaison between the library board and the Friends of the Library. President Alan Zerkel volunteered to got when she couldn't.

-- Board retreat: LaViolette brought up the need to set a date for the board's retreat.

The next PCPL board meeting will be Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Conference Room.