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Flathead County Library introduces teen librarian, reports drop in incidents and asks commissioners to track security hours
Summary
At the board's Oct. 9 meeting, library staff introduced Jackie Carl as the new teen services librarian and reported a drop in security incidents from about 250 to roughly 100 this year; staff asked the commission to request documentation of hours spent on security and any court appearances related to trespass enforcement.
Terry Dugan (S5), introduced at the meeting by the chair, presented the Flathead County Library's bimonthly update on Oct. 9 and introduced Jackie Carl as the library's new teen services librarian. Dugan highlighted fall programs, school visits and a newly updated Flathead County Library sign.
Tony Edmondson (public services librarian, S4) provided a security briefing. "We're on track this year to be at less than half of the incidents we had in previous years," Edmondson said, reporting that incident counts have fallen from historical highs around 250 per year to roughly 100 this year. He said the library continues to use contracted security staff, is expanding camera coverage, and documents every security touch point from coaching to permanent trespass actions. "I have been personally involved in five in the last 12 months," Edmondson said, referring to courtroom involvement in trespass cases.
Commissioners asked for more information on resource impacts. A commissioner (S2) asked whether the library could track hours spent on security and requested that the library notify county administrators when staff go to court; staff agreed to provide those reports and said they would raise tracking at the management‑team meeting. Planning and county staff also noted there is a budget line item to help track such expenditures.
Why it matters: Library security affects staff safety, service continuity and county resources. Commissioners said that quantifying staff time and vendor hours spent on security will help the county understand operational costs and staffing needs.
What’s next: Library staff said they will provide documentation on hours and court appearances and follow up with county administrators. Commissioners thanked library staff for the update and for protecting staff and patrons.
