The Putnam County Commission appointed Dr. Gail Myers and Mary Lee Bucher to the Putnam County Library Board of Trustees during its Monday meeting.
The appointment followed a public comment period where residents expressed differing views on the board’s nominating process and the types of materials available in the children’s section. Commissioner Gene Mullins said the library board had previously reviewed candidates and established a nomination policy to identify qualified individuals.
“I find it interesting that some of the same voices that complain that the County Commission only rubber stamps department requests and never ask questions now want us to rubber stamp a request and not ask questions,” Mullins said. “The same voices that accuse a small faction of forcing an agenda on the county are in turn trying to force their own agenda on the county.”
Commissioner Vinnie Faccinto said the library staff and director have been phenomenal to work with regarding concerns over sexually explicit materials. Faccinto said approximately 178 titles have been moved to the adult section of the library.
“We don’t have a library problem here community,” Faccinto said.
Commissioner Jonathan Williams said the library board’s internal policy for selecting members does not govern the legal authority of the County Commission to make appointments. Commissioner Williams said several commissioners had previously expected Bucher to be resubmitted for consideration after a prior appointment cycle.
“I think this body has a lot better things to do get your wrapped around the axle over library board appointments, although it’s important we’d rather focus on passing budgets, improving the quality of life, upgrading our emergency services, etc etc,” Williams said.
Resident Dr. Patricia Phillips said the library board worked hard to review candidates based on qualifications and their ability to work with the existing board.
“Now I do ask that the commissioners respect the hard work and the qualifications of the library board,” Phillips said. “They have worked very hard to improve everything for the good of the community.”
Resident Jack Gill said the board holds significant authority under Tennessee law and should reflect the broader county community rather than being shaped by its own internal nominating process. Gill said appointing independent perspectives would help ensure decisions are made with the full county in mind.
“Regardless of where individuals stand on those issues, the fact that they have generated this level of concern points to a need for a stronger public confidence in the library board’s oversight,” Gill said. “Under Tennessee law the board holds significant authority to direct library policy and operations.”
The final roll call vote resulted in 24 votes for Myers, 21 votes for Bucher, and three votes for Jerry Reese. Myers and Bucher will serve three-year terms on the board expiring in June 2029.
