Regional Library highlights new services; supervisors raise concerns about social-media posts

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors heard an update April 6 from a Regional Library representative about services and outreach efforts, including a small "silent booth" patrons can use for confidential virtual meetings or phone calls.

"Patrons use it on a regular basis," the presenter, Ms. Fore, said, describing the booth as "where patrons can go if they need to have a confidential zoom or if they just need to make a telephone call." Supervisors praised the library’s programs and outreach but asked about outreach choices on social media. Supervisor Tracy Moore asked about a Super Bowl-related post and whether the use of a pop figure was a recurring tactic; Ms. Fore said the library had used similar posts in the past to attract attention and offered to provide follow-up usage numbers.

Supervisor Jody Early objected to a separate social-media post referencing artist Bad Bunny, saying, "I took personal offense to the Bad Bunny post that the library had." Ms. Fore replied, "there was no political intent behind it," and said the post was intended to draw attention. The presenter also agreed to gather and report statistics later when asked about program participation figures.

The library presentation included program details and patron feedback; board members thanked library staff for their work but asked staff to be mindful of social-media content and to provide attendance or participation counts when available.