The library will not replace them unless “electrical issues” are resolved.
“For the past months, we do not allow library patrons and users to bring in their bags, and this is very inconvenient each time we tell a patron that they have to leave their bags at the counter,” Joeten-Kiyu Public Library executive director John O. Gonzales told the Variety.
He said their anti-theft security systems as well as some computers have already been damaged by the transient power surges.
“We cannot afford to buy another set and have it damaged again, and even if the system will be donated by the library’s supporters, they cost a lot,” Gonzales said.
He said a pair of anti-theft security systems cost over $25,000.
Gonzales said library is located at the boundary between the feeders supporting the Chalan Kanoa and the Oleai lines, and any surge or fluctuation in the power supply affects their facilities.
Gonzales said he is finalizing a letter he will send to the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and the Legislature to explain need to have the library’s electrical issues resolved.
“Buying new anti-theft security systems and computers is not the solution and these are not free or cheap. We would like to call the attention of CUC and the government that we need help to resolve this issue,” Gonzales said.
Acting librarian Erlinda Naputi said they had to close the front door of the Children of our Homeland Library and Cultural Center after the first set of anti-theft security systems broke down.
“Users of the children’s library now have to go around and pass through the main door and leave their bags at the counter,” Naputi said.
“For now, we ask our patrons to understand and bear with the inconvenience until we find a solution to the problem,” Gonzales said.
The library has 32,180 registered members.
