Without quorum, no action by PCPL board Wednesday

With no quorum, the Putnam County Public Library’s board of trustees was unable to approve any action items at its first in-person meeting in at least a year.

However, Board President Kayla Flegal, Vice President Tona Gardner and Secretary Shannon Green heard a report from Library Director Matt McClelland on various topics.

McClelland said the library’s StoryWalk initiative, where laminated pages from children’s books would be attached to displays installed along an outdoor path, had received most of its funding granted from the Putnam County Community Foundation.

He added that the projects, which would be installed in Greencastle, Roachdale and Cloverdale, would be delayed due to uncertainty with lumber and steel manufacturing. This being said, the hope is that the Greencastle and Roachdale StoryWalks could be under way this fall.

McClelland also elaborated on new masking guidelines at the library. He reported that as of Tuesday, all library staff were fully vaccinated. In general, patrons who are vaccinated would not be required to wear a mask. However, staff would be required to wear them when generally interacting with children and visitors.

It was acknowledged that some patrons may still not feel comfortable being inside the library. As such, the library could continue to provide curbside service.

Related to personnel, McClelland said there were two positions open at the library in its Technology Services and Adult Reference departments. He also announced that interviews for a new assistant director would be held next week. The chosen candidate will replace Treasurer Lisa Barker, who will be retiring.

Lastly, McClelland said that progress had been made on strategic planning for the library’s goals and vision moving forward. He said a draft of the plan could be presented to the board next month, with its overall completion expected in the fall as well.

In other business, Barker reported that the library’s remaining balance for 2021 was “really healthy.” She reported that PCPL’s total assets were at $750,723.29, while its operating cash balance stands at $270,000.

The next regular meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for Wednesday, June 23 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room at the library.