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New policies and procedures manual approved for Peters Township Public Library

By Harry Funk staff Writer hfunk@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
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When the new Peters Township Public Library director came aboard in October, one of her priorities was to draft a manual for policies and procedures.

On Monday, Lacey Love’s project received approval from township council by a 6-1 vote. Robert Lewis said he agreed with most of what is presented in the manual, but not with a provision to “allow wine and beer at limited programs,” according to the document.

The intention is to be able to serve alcohol at fundraising events “or partner with a local brewery or winery to do tastings,” Love said, adding she has spoken with Maura Kelly, president of the Peters Township Library Foundation, about the possibility of reviving Taste of the Township fundraisers.

Within the policy and procedure manual are sections addressing the library’s collection, circulation, facilities and operations, patron behavior, and internet and social media. An appendix contains further information, including the township’s youth protection policy.

A point of discussion during the council meeting was a provision regarding the library’s MakerSpace, which features equipment including a die-cut machine, electronic digital cutter, embroidery and sewing machines, and three-dimensional printers.

“Children younger than seventh grade must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian,” the manual states, “as the MakerSpace can contain potentially dangerous tools or small parts not suitable for young children.

Council member Monica Merrell questioned whether such relationships between children and adults need to be ascertained, for reasons related to liability.

Solicitor John Smith, though, said that probably is not possible.

“In terms of anybody coming in, it gets a little intrusive as to, who are you? Are you here for profit, or are you a parent? Are you an uncle, aunt, guardian? It’s somewhat cumbersome along those lines,” he said. “When you do either sign out a room or rent a room, maybe that’s when you can establish the relationship.”

Regarding activities at the library, Love reported a mix of virtual and outdoor programming during the summer.

“The foundation covered the costs of purchasing eight picnic tables for us and a tent rental for the next eight weeks,” she said. “And public works did a really nice job at clearing and weeding the area behind the library. They mulched all of it. So it’s a very nice outdoor space.”

Starting in August, library-sponsored groups are returning to meeting rooms, and by September, rooms and indoor programming will be available to almost everyone.

“Children’s programming will continue to be virtual or outdoors until we have some more information about vaccinations for kids under 12,” Love said. “The virtual programming for the kids has been really successful, so we don’t feel like that’s any kind of issue. Other than that, almost everything else within the library is fully back to normal or on its way.”

She also announced the library foundation’s Novel November program returns this year featuring Taylor Jenkins Reid, best known for her books “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” “Malibu Rising” and “Daisy Jones and The Six.” The event is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Joining Love at the council meeting was Illyanna Logan, who became a member of the library staff in May as assistant director. She previously served as senior librarian and branch manager at Pasadena (Calif.) Public Library.

In Peters Township, the native of Athens, Ohio, is responsible for all adult services, including the local history room, collection development, and subscriptions and databases.

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