Beyond Books: Enhance Safety and Community Support
Culver Union Township Public Library (CUTPL) was established in 1915, and the first security cameras were invented in 1926 (albeit as classified military technology). So, what do libraries and security cameras have in common? Through the decades they have both come a long way, adapting and advancing to society’s needs and interests. Culver’s library, its historical Carnegie structure and the modern addition built in 2002, remains a valued community hub. Security cameras, no longer “top secret” technology, are accessible to the public sphere with capabilities to store and retrieve footage. Now, for the first time in their history, CUTPL has been equipped with this state-of-the-art technology too.
Joe Fox, CUTPL’s executive director, has been working with the town, in both small and grand scale initiatives, to continue bringing more users from across Marshall County to the library. Many projects have already been rolling out, including a unique rebuild of their StoryWalk with interactive panels that expand near the library, across the northern shore of Lake Maxincuckee, and to the edge of Culver Military Academy. Along with these outdoor experiences, an interior remodel is underway with potential to incorporate green initiatives and other new technologies.
The fully implemented installation of security cameras is already one of those new additions. CUTPL had never utilized a system of video surveillance before. In preparation, Mr. Fox talked to staff members and used their input to propose a considerate and balanced plan, “Libraries want patrons to feel safe, not ‘watched,’” he said.
While there may not be a lot of crime in the area, crime isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding on security cameras. Cameras can provide useful evidence in the case of falls and other potential property liabilities. For example, exterior cameras are often directed to watch parking lots and stairs. Another use of cameras, especially those from the interior, can assist staff when personnel is limited, allowing them to watch from a monitor and see patrons that might need attention.
Once a plan was approved, Mr. Fox began searching for vendors. One of those vendors was AVC Technology. “Earlier in 2024 we reached out to five vendors providing surveillance systems for municipal entities such as libraries… we settled on AVC noting the reasonable price for installation and considering things like data usage and the ease of adding more, if we choose to.” AVC installed 13 cameras linked to a unified system that can be monitored or played back from a computer.
Most of their cameras were strategically placed on the exterior of the building while two were placed on the interior. Those on the inside were properly placed near the circulation desk and the lower-level lobby.
“While Culver isn’t a high crime area by any means, I saw it as a nod to the 21st century and a service to our neighbors as well. The library is flanked by residences on one side, a bank, and a busy Main Street commercial area on the other. The cameras extend all the way around the building so if a crime does occur, or a fender bender, or an injury, we will likely be able to record the occurrence.” In this way, the library is inadvertently serving the wider community, not just visiting patrons.
Why choose AVC? We offer a one-stop solution for all your technology planning and support needs across multiple areas. From physical security, such as our robust camera systems, to cybersecurity and IT management, AVC provides comprehensive services that keep your library running smoothly and securely. Our team ensures that every aspect of your library’s technology infrastructure works together, reducing downtime and enhancing overall performance. We also offer continuous support and maintenance, so you can focus on serving your community, confident that your technology is in expert hands. Whether you need assistance with digital transformation or staying ahead of tech challenges, AVC is your go-to partner.