[MSN] As a result of the Martin Luther King weekend library vandalism, the Palo Alto High School administration is considering installing security cameras in the library as a deterrent towards similar acts in the future.

[MSN]

Library considers adding security cameras


Posted Fri March 14, 13:07:54 PDT 2008
By Alex Greene of The Campanile


As a result of the Martin Luther King weekend library vandalism, the Palo
Alto High School administration is considering installing security cameras
in the library as a deterrent towards similar acts in the future. 


The damages from the vandalism amounted to less than $500, Paly Librarian
Rachel Kellerman said. While the monetary damages may seem small, the money
used to repair the damages must be taken from the small amount set aside for
buying books, posters and library services. 


"We don't want to have to spend money on things like this," Kellerman said. 


In addition to monetary damage, small changes will be made in the library. 


"One change due to the vandalism is that the library is opening a little
later in the day," Kellerman said. "[Library Assistant Deborah] Henry and I
have to make a complete loop around the library every morning [to make sure
no vandalism or theft had occurred during the previous night]." 


So far, no formal plans have been made to install a security system,
according to Kellerman. 


"The cameras are just an idea," Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson said.
"There is no timeline." 


Other ideas are also being discussed with the administration. 


"We could change all the locks on the doors and install motion detecting
lights on the outside of the library," Berkson said. 


According to Berkson, the cost of the potential cameras would be under $1000
dollars. 


A major concern of Kellerman's is how the vandals entered the library, most
likely through a hatch in the roof. 


"We want to keep kids safe," Kellerman said. "We need to make sure there is
a deterrent. If kids think there is a security system [in place] it will
hopefully help." 


Students around school have had varying opinions about the effectiveness of
cameras. 


"I don't think there is a way to prevent these types of things," Junior Amin
Ronaghi said. 


While a variety of options are still on the drawing board, there is no clear
solution to preventing future vandalism. 


"The biggest and best deterrent is the student body," Kellerman said. 





This story originally appeared in The Campanile on March 17, 2008.