Plains Public Library burglarized

PLAINS – The Plains Public Library was broken into sometime on Thursday, November 28.

Librarian Carrie Terrell said sometime after the library closed its doors on Thursday, someone broke in through the back window and took some of the donation money. The time of the break-in has yet to be pinpointed.

According to Plains Police Chief Shawn Emmett, the break-in occurred sometime between 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 28 and 5 p.m. on Friday, November 29. The library was closed on Friday and because of this, the break-in was discovered later in the day.

Terrell said a line of cash could be traced to the back window.

“They didn’t take the change or not most of it. They took the bills,” said Terrell.

Emmett said approximately $40 was estimated missing, although the exact amount was not known.

The call came in to the town hall after a patron noticed the back window of the library was left open. According to Terrell, the broken glass had propped the window open and the suspect was unable to close it again.

“I thought it was bizarre. We don’t even open the window back there,” said Terrell.

After the call came in, it was determined the window had in fact not been left open and that instead the closed window became the entry way for the suspect.

“They had broken the window and lifted the bar or whatever they had securing the window and went through the window,” said Emmett.

Emmett believes local youth were to blame in this situation. He is currently investigating the situation and he did say that he has physical evidence.

“I do have some physical evidence that is person specific so it just takes a matter of questioning these guys,” said Emmett.

Emmett did not disclose what physical evidence was discovered because of the ongoing investigation.

“It bothers me that we are a free service supported by tax dollars and they take the extra money that we buy books with,” said Terrell.

However, good things seemingly always come out of the bad times.

Terrell said community members have come into the library and many have donated money to help fill the loss.

“That was just wonderful. They did it from the kindness of their hearts,” said Terrell. “They certainly didn’t have to do this and certainly not at this time of the year when everyone is so strapped with the holidays. It’s just wonderful.”

Terrell said she was appreciative for those who had donated.

Emmett does not believe the crime is connected to other recent burglaries in the area .