Letter: Priorities wrong at Putnam Library

I have attended Putnam County Library board meetings since 2009. When the building process began, $500,000 was transferred from the general fund to the building fund as an emergency measure. This money was to be returned to the general fund when the building phase was complete. This has not happened. The two latest purchases are a large illuminated sign, costing approximately $15,000, and six computer table lamps costing approximately $650 each.

A sign will be nice, but couldn’t we do without this sign until finances improve, especially since there are foot high letters above the entrance, designating it as the Putnam County District Library?

Director Ward has stated that we need lamps because they include an outlet that laptops can be plugged into, preventing cords from trailing over the table edge if they are plugged into floor outlets. Good point, but you could also place power strips on the table, as some other libraries do, accomplishing the same result for a lot less money.

Meanwhile, we are still closed on Fridays, staff wages are frozen, several magazine racks stand empty and seniors are asking for more large print books. What are the priorities?

I know that most county residents don’t have the time to attend board meetings, which are held at 4:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Ottawa Library. However, I would encourage you to offer your opinions to board members.

Board members are Dale Nienberg, Beth Myers, Mary Lieb, Virginia O’Malley, Janice Crawfis, Paulette Smith and Dennis Mumaw.

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