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Library staff ask board to disable audio in library; board seeks written request
Summary
Library staff told the board the security system—s audio picks up conversations and restroom noise; board members said audio can be disabled in the library if staff submit a written request on letterhead and discussed retaining audio on the community-center side for security.
Library staff and board members debated whether the building—s security-audio feed should remain active in the library space.
A library representative told the board that staff and patrons find the ability to listen to audio "unsettling," saying restroom and conversational sounds can be heard outside the library area. "The invasion of privacy is just unsettling," the speaker said during the meeting.
Board members responded that disabling audio coverage for the library is technically possible and suggested a procedural path: the library should submit a written request on official letterhead asking the town to disable audio in the library space but keep the cameras and audio on the community-center side for building-security purposes. One board member said keeping a written request on file preserves the town—s ability to retrieve audio evidence if a break-in or incident occurs.
Members asked staff to follow up: confirm what spaces are recorded, verify whether offices or bathrooms have microphones (both are not recorded), and accept a written request from library leadership if they prefer audio off in the library area. No formal policy change was made at the meeting; staff was asked to receive the written request and bring options back to the board.
