Cookeville-Putnam Library Seeking Additional Funding To Support Digital Programs

Putnam County Library approved for an additional $30,000 in the next fiscal budget by the city of Cookeville to help expand the library’s collection.

Director Kathryn Wisinger said they are wanting to add more books to the library both physically and digitally. She said they have seen an increased demand, especially after giving every child in Putnam County a digital library card.

“After the pandemic, after COVID, people sort of got used to using our online platform and getting things digitally which was awesome, it’s a great thing,” Wisinger said. “But we didn’t have the system in place, we didn’t have enough in place for people. Now we’re sort of trying to catch up and make sure they still have those resources available.”

Wisinger said the digital expansion also greatly aids the individuals who cannot make it into the library. She said while the digital platform is a great resource, it is also very expensive.

Wisinger said the funds will go towards buying new software as well as the implementation of new digital programs the library offers. She said she thinks it is wonderful that there is a need at all for the expansion of these services, because it shows a demand from the community.

“I’m so excited about and I like to say we’re the most important place in town because I think we do offer the community so many resources that they can’t always get everywhere else and it’s free,” Wisinger said.

The budget was approved on first reading by the Cookeville City Council Thursday night.