Reports, updates round out PCPL board meeting

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Held on a Monday evening instead of the regular fourth Wednesday of every month, the Putnam County Public Library’s board of trustees had multiple reports and updates on its agenda last week.

According to a narrative provided to the Banner Graphic by Board President Alan Zerkel, the board focused on several news programs coming in the next month, as well as service and outreach.

It was reported that 89 new patrons received library cards last month. The adult reference department also recently acquired many items, including new non-fiction and fiction books, 10 audiobooks, and four new Playaway programs.

The board also heard that the library’s outreach team saw 60 visits throughout Putnam County in September, including the first effort to visit Russellville.

The library’s programming department reported on several highly attended programs in September, including Jessica Briones’ presentation “My Trip to Auschwitz with Eva Kor.” The Manhattan Short (Free) Film Festival viewings were also reported as having drawn large audiences.

As part of PCPL’s “How Do I Do That” program, the library will offer the Cypress Resume service on Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This will be an opportunity for patrons to complete a resume either on their personal computer or a public computer.

The library’s youth services department related it was looking forward to offering “Dinovember” programs in November which will focus on dinosaurs. The department also reported that it is working with the Early Childhood Education class at Area 30 Career Center.

Upcoming events in November include a vegan pitch-in luncheon on Nov. 14, as well as a viewing of the film “Anthropocene: The Human Epoch”on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.

An Author Talk is scheduled for Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. as well, with Stu Fabe introducing his new book “Copper Evening.”

The library will also hold a first-ever game night for adults on Friday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. when it will debut a new board game collection. An escape room will be set up with prizes for those who can escape the fastest.

Admission to this event is free. Alcoholic drinks will be available at a cash bar catered by Almost Home, and water will be provided without charge. Attendees must be 21 or older with a valid ID.

In other business, the board approved resolutions setting its meeting dates for 2020, as well as closing dates for holidays. The body also approved a resolution recognizing the Friends of the Library for their efforts in supporting the library.

Interim Director and Business Manager Lisa Barker also reported that the library’s finances were looking up as the fiscal year comes to an end.

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