PCPL Board OKs resolution changes

With it being the first meeting for the Putnam County Public Library’s new director, its board of trustees approved various measures in new business Wednesday evening.

The board approved a resolution to update the library’s HR policies with regard to staffing. The updates include removing Columbus Day as a closing holiday, but also adding Black Friday as well. Additionally, staff will now be allowed five days of bereavement instead of one.

This resolution also including upholding late fees for retired staff members, as well as a change to how merit-based increases are meted out.

The board also approved a resolution to update the library’s circulation policy to comply with the transition to the new Evergreen system. This change recognizes that books can be returned to any library within the Evergreen consortium, and that books can be transferred between them.

The board also approved a resolution allowing for alcohol to be served at three upcoming events in April and May. It was said that the Swizzle Stick would bartend, and thus have the proper alcohol licenses.

The board also gave its blessing for Director Matt McClelland to consult with Sarah Keister Armstrong & Associates on a strategic long-term plan for developing the library. This will address projecting outreach and marketing within the community in the next five years.

In other business, Board Treasurer Lisa Barker said that the library’s finances were “comfortable” at this point with about 80 percent of its budget left. She also related that PCPL recently purchased two new chairs and two new laptops.

In general, McClelland that the library’s new website had been received positively by patrons thus far. He said that while there were some hiccups on the back-end, he recognized PCPL’s technology department for working through them with little interruption.

Finally, the board approved for its April regular meeting to be held in the Local History Department. The meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 29.

Board President Alan Zerkel and board member Tona Gardner were absent. Board Vice President David Taylor presided over the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room.