Library board approves two Library of Things policies with edits and attorney review

The Marion Library Board voted to approve two policies adding items to the library's Library of Things collection: a blood pressure monitoring kit and an induction cooktop. Tina Pignatelli, presenting the governance committee's recommendations, said the county attorney had reviewed the draft waivers and that the committee supported the policies with minor edits.

Board discussion focused on liability and who may use the items. A board member noted a waiver typo and recommended the blood pressure kit be restricted so the patron who signs the waiver is the device's only authorized user. "I think they may not be used by any other person," the member said, prompting the governance presenter to agree to bring wording changes to the health department and the county attorney. The board approved the blood pressure kit policy by voice vote with that clarification.

On the induction cooktop, members debated whether the policy should allow minors to borrow or use the device and whether the borrower's signature line should capture a child's name when a parent signs on their behalf. The board approved the induction cooktop policy "subject to the county attorney weighing in on that signature line for children," and directed staff to implement whatever final language legal counsel recommends. The motions were passed by voice vote.