Coplay Borough Councilman Charles Sodl continues to challenge the Coplay Library interim director's use of the library credit card.

During the Coplay Public Library Board of Directors' Sept. 12 meeting, Sodl asked interim library Director Maryrose Farquhar if she understands the proper procedures for using the library credit card.

"My point is, you Maryrose, are not to pay the credit card with your personal funds," Sodl said. "I have no problems with that Discover card if it's handled properly."

Farquhar responded to Sodl's request to speak to her further about his concerns although she said she had already explained her actions.

"You gladly can because there is nothing untoward that happened there," she said. "I told you what happened."

During the library board's June meeting, it was discovered Farquhar was using her personal funds to purchase necessities for the library. At that time, Sodl directed Farquhar to discontinue using her own monies for such purchases and begin using the library credit card.

Sodl said he noted late fees and electronic back charges on the card. He said Farquhar is to place receipts with the statement when paying the credit card

Farquhar again explained to Sodl her decision to pay the credit card with her own funds was due to her wanting to save time.

"It was simply a matter of a time issue," Farquhar said. "The quickest way for me to do it was to pay it. It won't happen again. I told you that."

"No you didn't," Sodl responded. "When you have an employee taking a business statement and taking it home and paying it with their funds, that bothers me. Why would an employee do that, and not just for one month, but two months and three months?"

Farquhar told Sodl her paying the credit card with her own funds was not a regular practice. She said it wasn't an issue as the library received a no-interest loan for two months.

The credit card is currently in Farquhar's name and she retains authority to use the card for library purchases.

In other business, the board unanimously approved working on performance reviews and completing reviews of all employees within the next month.

"Our goal is to make sure we get all the reviews done by the end of October," board President Janet Eisenhauer said.

Eisenhauer also announced during the meeting the library locks will be changed soon. The board approved distributing nine keys – five to staff members and one each to maintenance, the police department, board president and vice president.

Coplay Councilman Bill Leiner Jr., who was also at the meeting, complimented the library board on the Sept. 7 Volunteer Sign-Up Day at the library.

"It was great," he said. "It was refreshing to see all those folks. It's enormously important."

At the conclusion of the meeting, Eisenhauer asked board Solicitor Jack Stover to quickly explain the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law and when information is considered confidential.

"Anything discussed in an executive session is nonpublic and confidential among board members and should remain so," Stover said.

Also announced during the meeting, the library will hold a yard sale Oct. 11, noon to 4 p.m., and Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The next library board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Coplay municipal building, 98 S. Fourth St.