Library officials hope new fund will pay for construction costs

Putnam County Library Board members held a public hearing for the establishment of a Putnam County Library Capital Projects Fund Plan Wednesday evening.

The plan includes planned construction, repair and maintenance of the building, an emergency allocation and the purchase, lease, repair and maintenance of equipment.

Total funds available for the plan for 2009 would be $436,794, for 2010 it is $404,660 and in 2011 it is $437,526

The plan was approved with no public comment.

In their regular meeting they approved a new landscape plan presented by Shrubworks and tabled approving repair of the stain glass windows which are mostly in the history area of the building until a second bid could be obtained for comparison.

The landscape plan includes mulching, adding plants and improving the current landscaping of the library.

Board President Dorothy Lukenbill struggled with other members to compare the three bids, which were very different concepts and designs. One plan called for adding rocks that was quickly voted down by the board.

Not just because of the expense but also for concerns of kids playing with the rocks that would be near windows.

Ken Heeke expressed his concern. "It's hard to determine what to compare it to. We can't compare plants to plants because it's different," he said.

After much discussion the board voted unanimously for Shrubworks.

Library Director Alice Greenburg announced an event sponsored by the Friends of the Library this Saturday, April 26, from 2 -- 4 p.m., for a swinging and winging foot stompin' good time at the Library.

At 3 p.m. the folk singing duo of Mike VanRensselaer and Steve Terry will offer homespun music by various Hoosier composers--such as Carrie Newcomer. Lemonade and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.

Silent auction items such as jewelry, art and books will be up for final bids. Support the Friends of the Library and have a good time! All precedes support library programs.

Greenburg also told the board the library held its first Putnam County Reads '08 program was held at the library on April 17.

The idea behind Putnam County Reads is to share the experience of reading and talking about a book by an entire community.

The book is called an Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg and is set in the high country of Wyoming.

The next meeting of Putnam County Reads will be May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Bainbridge Community Center and is co-sponsored by the Bainbridge Improvement Society.

Meetings are also slated for June 18 at the Heritage Lake House, July 8 at the Library, August 16 at the library (this one is for teens) and September 18 at the Library.

A final meeting will take place in Cloverdale when a date has been determined.

In other business the board

*Second reading g of addition to the human resources plan

*Approved the monthly financial reports

*Accepted Greenburg's recommendation for a new Program Director.