- April 25, 2024
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Volunteers sought to patrol Flagler library.
Library Director Holly Albanese has had enough.
What used to be a beautiful, screened-in gazebo at the Flagler County Public Library has been stripped by vandals and is now a rickety graffiti-magnet. The litter is difficult to keep up with. Cell phones and bicycles have been reported stolen.
Knowing that there is no funding to have a security guard to combat the problems, Albanese is organizing a Library Watch, which is similar to a Neighborhood Watch, with the blessing of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
As part of the watch, Albanese is seeking volunteers to join Patrons Against Crime. The main principle behind the group is this: “If you see something, say something.”
“We’re asking for citizens to volunteer to become members of Patrons Against Crime to patrol the grounds inside and out,” Albanese said. “I don’t expect them to intervene, but to report what they see.”
The organization is one of several initiatives under way or planned at the library.
Between Flagler County capital projects and crime-prevent grants, Albanese reports more than $100,000 of improvements, including a new automated circulation system, a theft-detection system at the front door to the library, security cameras, brush removal for increased visibility from Palm Coast Parkway, and additional parking-lot lighting.
The improvements have helped reduce the number of items that have been stolen from the collection. Albanese estimates that the library has lost 10% of its inventory yearly in the past; now, that number is likely in the 2% to 5% range, which is more typical of modern libraries.
She said the gazebo will be demolished in the next couple of weeks, and a new pavilion will be built in its place. The cost will be paid for by funds raised by the library’s passport program.
The Sheriff’s Office will lead the discussion of the Library Watch program, and Albanese will seek volunteers for Patrons Against Crime during the meeting, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29, at the library. There will also be fingerprinting and giveaways for children. Call 446-6763.
“People can learn about how they can be involved in taking care of what is theirs,” she said. “The library is theirs. It belongs to the community. Crime prevention does require community involvement.”
