The library which voters recently agreed to support with a dedicated tax apparently has issues with emptying trash.

The Coplay Library Board spent at least an hour of its nearly three-hour meeting June 13 discussing how staff should empty a trash can and how the library should obtain its supplies.

Board Secretary Jane Gillespie said she received complaints from staff about how the garbage can is emptied.

Co-director Maryrose Farquhar said she does not always change the trash can liners and, instead, empties one can into another in order to save supplies.

"I never said anyone has to do this so I don't understand why that's an issue," Farquhar said.

"You don't have to put your hand in," said bookkeeper Teri Halderman.

"It was brought to our attention that it bothered somebody," said Gillespie.

Board members discussed whether the can could be emptied without someone actually touching the trash.

"Why can't you pick up the basket and dump it? I don't get this," Halderman said.

Board members said they want the trash can liners changed every time the trash is emptied.

They also questioned Farquhar about the purchase and storage of supplies, saying they had complaints from staff and patrons about supplies running out.

"Somebody had said there weren't paper towels here to dry their hands," said Gillespie.

Farquhar said that's not true.

"No one has ever gone without supplies," she said.

Farquhar said she purchases supplies in bulk using her own personal membership to a warehouse club on Airport Road. Because she also makes the purchases on her own time in her own vehicle after work, she goes home and then brings in the supplies at another time.

Because of limited storage space and issues with supplies "disappearing," she does not always bring in all supplies the next day, she said.

"If the board is paying for supplies, they should be here," said board President Michele Gruber.

"Then you're going to have to get someone to deliver supplies," said Farquhar. "If you have someone bring it in, it's going to be substantially more expensive."

Halderman said in the past the library has had problems with patrons taking extra supplies such as toilet paper and paper towels left in bathrooms.

Gruber also said she heard complaints that the coffee the library offers to patrons is not always available.

Farquhar often donates coffee, which is sold as a fundraiser.

"I bought a huge quantity and it was too much for me to use," she said. "Should I not donate anymore?"

Farquhar said another reason she sometimes takes supplies home is the issue of lifting and carrying large containers.

A related issue is the library credit card is in Farquhar's name – not the library's – making it impossible for another staff member to get supplies, said Halderman.

"She's the only one with the card. She's still the delivery person," said Halderman.

Gillespie suggested calling borough public works employees to assist with carrying large containers of supplies.

Board member Neil Mumma said Farquhar shouldn't have to unload cases of supplies herself.

Gruber said the library should look into buying supplies from office stores which offer free delivery for orders over $50.

Farquhar said she prices such stores and found them to be about twice as expensive as purchasing from a wholesale club.

"You can go that route. That's fine. But you're going to be spending a lot more than we're spending now," she said.

Gillespie suggested Farquhar get a list of needed supplies to board member Janet Eisenhauer who also has a warehouse store membership.

Halderman said purchasing supplies is a function of the library staff, not the library board.

"You'll have to get a system in place and figure it out," Farquhar told the board.

"We had to deal with it because we got complaints about it," said board member Faye Schreiner.

"Just because someone perceives a problem doesn't make it a problem," said Farquhar.