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Paris Public Library Advisory Board <br />07/19/2023 <br />Meeting Minutes <br />Call to Order: <br />The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by <br />Chairman Steve Hellmann at 5:00 p.m. <br />Board members present were: Steve Hellmann, Jennifer Cullum, Amy Watson, <br />Melanie Loughmiller, Kelvin Hicks, and Myers Hurt. DeEtte Cobb was absent. Also <br />present were Library Director Connie Lawman, Friends of the Library representatives <br />Audrey Mathieu and Jeannie Walter, along with Assistant City Manager Rob Vine. <br />II, Citizens Forum: <br />No citizens addressed the library board. <br />III. Approval: <br />Minutes of the June 21, 2023 meeting minutes were approved with no corrections. <br />Amy Watson made the motion to approve, with Melanie Loughmiller providing the <br />second. <br />IV. New Business: <br />a. Staff Intro <br />Vivian Beasley, the new Teen Paraprofessional was introduced to the board. <br />Vivian has previously worked at the library in Sulphur Springs for 8 years, and <br />stated that she has felt very welcome by everyone in the library. She said that <br />Connie is eager to have more programs for teens, and currently, the biggest <br />program is Book Club. Initially, the book club began with 4 members and has <br />grown to 11 in one month. <br />Amy Watson mentioned that Vivian has already made her daughter feel very <br />comfortable. <br />Steve Hellmann asked Vivian to describe her role and challenges so far. Connie <br />responded, saying that Vivian fills the void between children and adult interests <br />and also brings Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and other unique genres in a safe environment to <br />the library. Vivian spends % day at the circulation desk and the other % floating <br />in the building. Connie also says that Vivian is easy to work with, innovative, and <br />self -driven. <br />Vivian responded, that she is very excited to be here and is already developing <br />connections with the teens. She is ready to begin working on introducing graphic <br />novels and Manga to the library patrons. Connie noted that graphic novels are <br />very expensive to purchase but she is working on it. <br />