PCPL launching Library Express service

Tri-County Bank & Trust CEO Chuck Dixon presents a $500 donation to Director Matt McClelland (middle) supporting the Putnam County Public Library’s Library Express Initiative recently. Present for the occasion are (from left) Tri-County Office Manager Paige Hoover, Vice President of Operations Marilyn Wehrman, lender Della Eastep and Vice President Steve McLaughlin.

Courtesy photo

RUSSELLVILLE — The Putnam County Public Library recently placed the first of several planned outreach stations for patrons across the county.

Beginning in February, residents around Russellville can pick up or drop off library materials at the Library Express location at Tri-County Bank & Trust. At the opening of the initial Express stop, Tri-County’s CEO Chuck Dixon and team members also presented a $500 donation to the library.

The Library Express stations are the culmination of a year of work on the project, as well as partnerships between chosen locations and the library.

The stations house material pick-up lockers, a free community book exchange shelf and a dropbox for returning library materials. This will be in addition to the library’s existing outreach delivery service.

The funding for the construction of the Library Express stops was provided in memory of Elizabeth Baughman.

“We are really excited to have a physical presence in several communities outside of Greencastle,” said Library Director Matt McClelland. “The Express stops will allow patrons to pick up and return library materials when it is most convenient for them and their schedules.”

McClelland added that a “big ‘Thank you’” was owed to Dixon and his team for their cooperation in making Tri-County the first location and for their donation.

The Russellville location is the first of four locations planned for the county. The library’s outreach coordinator will deliver and pick up materials on a regular schedule.

Since the library announced its movement to being a fine-free library last April, materials dropped off in the Library Express dropboxes will incur no fines, even if they are returned or picked up late.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to making new connections throughout the county with patrons who would prefer a delivery service,” said Circulation Manager and Outreach Coordinator Conni Neiswinger.

To learn more about the Library Express stations or to place an order for materials, persons may call the library at 653-2755 or email staff at outreach@pcpl21.org.

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.