Putnam County commissioners appoint Dr. Meyers and Mary Lee Booker after packed public comment on library oversight

Putnam County commissioners voted to appoint Dr. Meyers and Mary Lee Booker to two three‑year seats on the Putnam County Library Board after a packed public comment period and an extended exchange among commissioners about appointment process and library materials.

The meeting, which drew a large audience, featured five public speakers who urged the commission to consider the qualifications and community representation of nominees. Dr. Patricia Phillips, introduced herself as a library professional and urged commissioners to respect the library board’s vetting process and the qualifications of its nominees. Jack Gil urged the commission to appoint Miss Booker and Dr. Meyers to “bring an independent perspective” to the board and to restore public confidence in library oversight.

Commissioners debated the authority and the role of the county in appointing trustees. Commissioner Mullins cited Tennessee Code Annotated § 10‑3‑103(b), noting the legal authority of local legislative bodies to make library appointments. Several commissioners — including Williams, Pinto and Mullins — emphasized that the library board’s internal selection policy is advisory to the appointing bodies and does not bind the county commission or city council.

The meeting included specific concerns about library materials. Commissioner Mullins and others referenced a title described in the meeting as "It's Perfectly Normal," noting it had been available in juvenile non‑fiction; Mullins said library staff reviewed titles and moved roughly 178 items to the adult section after review. Library Director Dr. Katherine Weisinger confirmed staff had reviewed materials and relocated certain titles to the adult stacks when appropriate, saying those moves were made by library staff, not by the commission.

Each commissioner was allowed two votes among three nominees. The clerk announced the tally: Dr. Meyers 24, Miss Reese 3, Miss Booker 21; the commission declared Dr. Meyers and Mary Lee Booker appointed. (Procedurally, commissioners each cast up to two votes; totals therefore exceed the number of commissioners.)

Commissioners who spoke urged civility and de‑escalation of online rhetoric. Several said the city council and county commission could later consider clarifying the interlocal agreement or appointment process to reduce future controversy. The commission also encouraged continued public engagement on library policy while noting that formal policy decisions remain the purview of the library board and staff.

The appointments conclude the immediate controversy and place two new trustees on the Putnam County Library Board; the board and director retain responsibility for collection and operational policy unless and until the appointing bodies change those authorities.