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Norrell library finalizes main reading-room furniture; cameras installed, one interior camera placed after thefts
Summary
Board members approved furniture selections for the main reading room and were briefed on the South Norwalk first-floor renovation, camera installations at both buildings (not yet operational), ADA review, and a grounds/fence project that has begun work on drainage and egress between parcels.
The Norell Public Library board reported progress July 10 on multiple capital projects, including finalized furniture purchases for the main reading room and installation of exterior security cameras at both library buildings.
Sherrell Harris, board member, said a furniture committee composed of Moina Noor (chair), Patsy Brescia (vice chair), Janie Williams (treasurer), Harris and Cindy Lady (head of adult services) selected seating and work tables from Robert H. Lord Company. Harris said choices prioritized accessibility for older patrons — including chairs with arms to aid sitting and standing — and that the city’s ADA coordinator, Bill Nadeauk, reviewed plans. Harris told the board the furniture is expected to be delivered in September and that the city will pay a voucher up to its budgeted amount with the library foundation covering the remainder.
The South Norwalk (Sono) first-floor renovation is in its final stages, Harris said; contingency funds that are not needed are being used to complete slat walls, canopy tops and select furnishings. Harris said security cameras have been installed on the exterior of both buildings but are not yet operational. She said conversations are underway about routing footage to the police station and providing a laptop for guards, and that building heads will have access to camera footage. One camera was placed on Level 2 at the main library because of prior thefts.
Board members discussed whether to add interior cameras focused on hallways or stairwells to improve visibility. Harris acknowledged privacy concerns about staff-facing cameras but said hallway and stairwell placement could be considered to increase safety. She referenced a recent shooting in Shaker Heights Library (East Cleveland, Ohio) as an example of how camera footage can be used by law enforcement; the board did not vote on a policy change for interior cameras.
Harris also reported grounds work to remove an unsightly fence between parcel 1 and parcel 3 and to address drainage and egress problems; work has started and the city engineer indicated the drainage problem may be resolved, possibly allowing some funds to be returned to the city. No formal vote on capital fund transfers was recorded at the meeting.
