The Reading Public Library System will soon get a much needed upgrade to their security camera system. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams presented a check of $55,867.30 to the library system Wednesday afternoon to support the technology upgrade.
The library system had almost a quarter million visitors entering their building in 2019. According to Adams, several incidents have occurred in the vicinity of the library buildings and in the libraries themselves, prompting the need to upgrade the security cameras at all library branches in Reading.
The new security cameras are being funded by the Berks County District Attorney’s Forfeiture Fund and the City of Reading. The system is expected to be installed by the end of 2021.
“I cannot think of a better institution to receive funding from our drug forfeiture fund to make the use of resources of our library system safe” said Adams.
“This contribution will deter people from committing crimes on or near our libraries and will serve as protection for people utilizing the library to enhance their education or job searches or any reason they need to use the resources of the Reading Public Library System.”
Executive Director of the Reading Public Library System Bronwen Gamble stated, “the four Reading Public Library branches are busy community hubs for our residents. The safety and security of patrons and staff while using the library is vitally important. The Board of Trustees and Library Administration are grateful for the support of District Attorney John Adams in upgrading our security camera system to a high-tech, easily managed platform.”