PC Library board weighs decision on bookmobile

Bookmobile librarians say they are happy the old bookmobile is staying in the county after the Putnam County Library Board meeting adjourned Wednesday night.

The board had put the old bookmobile up for sale on June 1. They had received one bid from Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department on June 19 for $5,050. But there were some questions regarding the sale. Board treasurer Ken Heeke explained to the BannerGraphic that the board was approached by Bainbridge to donate the bookmobile. But the trustees felt that they should offer it to anyone who would pay for it since the vehicle was purchased with tax payers' money. When no other bids were received, Heeke asked the board about either giving or discounting the amount Bainbridge offered, because the taxpayers' money is staying in the county.

Dottie Lukenbill commented that not all Putnam County taxpayers support Bainbridge Fire.

"We need to look out for the library," she said.

Vicki Timm was also reluctant about reducing the bid. The board unanimously voted to accept the bid as is.

The board also discussed the need to replace two of library photocopiers, one of which is seeing an increase in cost just to maintain it. Putnam County Library Director Alice Greenburg told the board that she was looking at the differences between leasing the copiers and purchasing the copiers. Lukenbill asked what the advantages were to lease instead of purchasing. Greenburg said that there is less money up front, services are included, and they can upgrade to get a five-year lease.

A recommendation will be made at the July board meeting.

Also, the board's nominating committee has selected board members for officer positions, which will be voted on at the next meeting. Lukenbill has been nominated for president. Becky Barham has been nominated for vice president. Bonnie Nealon has been nominated for secretary. and Heeke has been nominated for treasurer.

Other items on the board's agenda:

-- Adding online courses to be a part of the education benefits for staff.

-- Reviewing the Internet Safety Policy.

-- Discussing how new legislation is affecting libraries.

-- Library activities in May did not decrease even with the changes to the computer system.

PCPL will be closed on July 4 and newspaper columnist Mike Redmond will be coming to speak at the Friends of the Library meeting on Aug. 3.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 in the library's Kiwanis Room. The meeting is open to the public.