Palmer Branch Library Looks to Expand

The Palmer branch of the Easton Area Public Library needs to expand.

According to branch manager Stephanie Supinski, there isn’t enough shelf space for books. So the library wants to move the circulation desk in an effort to utilize the space for additional books.

The plan is to move the circulation desk closer to the front door near the library manager’s office and children’s reading room.

“They [the library] get rid of books every so often to make more space,” said Palmer Township Manager Robert Anckaitis.  “It used to be three years, now they get rid of them [books] after one year.”

Books that show high circulation data are usually the ones sold off after one year.

Supinski said relocating the front desk would also help reduce noise complaints from library patrons.

“I think it’s a good plan and gives them [the library] a lot of extra shelf space at little cost,” said Anckaitis.

But before any changes can be made the library must first get approval from the  library board of directors and the township. Supinski will present a formal plan to the library board on April 12.

On Thursday, the township Board of Supervisors approved the idea. But there were a couple of areas of concern, such as potential cost to the municipality and security.

No specifics on how much the plan will cost have been provided. Plans still have to be drawn out and finalized by branch officials.

Computers will be locked up behind the desk and only two computer monitors will be visible to the public. The township will move electrical and computer lines, and additional shelving already in the building will be used.

“I think it’s a good plan and it’s not going to cost us a lot of money,” said Anckaitis.

Once approved, the changes should take three to six months.