01/10/2024 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
01/10/2024
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairman Steve Hellmann at 5:02 p.m.
Board members present were: Steve Hellmann, Jennifer Cullum, Amy Watson, Kelvin
Hicks, and Myers Hurt. Board members absent were Melanie Loughmiller and
DeEtte Cobb. Also present were Library Director Connie Lawman, Deputy City
Manager Rob Vine, and representatives from Friends of the Library Audrey Mathieu
and Jennifer Hollje.
Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
III. Approval:
The minutes of the November 15th, 2023 meeting were approved with the
correction be made under Section VI(c) Director's Remarks: Library Director Connie
Lawman agreed to provide the results of the public survey for the library remodel.
With no further corrections, Amy made the motion to approve, with Kelvin providing
the 2nd
IV. New Business:
a. Library Advisory Board Bylaws:
As Chairman, Steve led the board through a refresher of the advisory board
bylaws and duties. The board reviewed the information point by point. Some of
the key points were that meetings will be held once a month, and special
meetings may be called when necessary. The Advisory Board Chair, Co -Chair, and
Secretary are all voted on by annually by the new board in July.
The board also reviewed specific points regarding the constitution, including that
the board shall be made up of 7 members, if there is a vacancy the board can
make a recommendation to the Paris City Council for appointment of a new
member. The Ex -officio members are the Library Director and Friends of the
Library, who have no ability to vote on board decisions.
When necessary, the board may meet with a quorum of 4 members. The board
will follow Robert's Rules of Order when in session. The duties of the board are
to provide direction, community outreach, and help advise the Memorial and
Gift Funds.
b. Memorial and Gift Funds
Connie stated there is currently $15,640.60 from memorial and gift funds.
Anytime a check comes in with the request that the gift or memorial be "For the
love of" a specific reading genre, Connie attempts to purchase materials in that
genre. Connie also purchases a nameplate to commemorate the donation and
sends a thank you note to the family. Connie mentioned she would have to
speak with the Director of Finance for the city, to clarify how much funds are
actually available to use.
Audrey mentioned finding a replacement tree for the oak that was taken down,
as a type of memorial. Audrey noted that local nurseries would be willing to
donate a new one to the library. Connie responded, stating that she would like
to keep the stump. The board discussed the possibility of removing the stump
versus leaving it in place and no immediate action was taken.
V. Future Business
a. Mission Statement
Connie is working on developing a mission statement for the library. In order to
do so, she also must create a strategic plan.
b. Strategic Plan
Connie has requested that the Library Advisory Board come to the February 2111
meeting with some ideas for what each person would like to see for the library
as future goals. She would then like everyone to share those ideas and have a
group discussion about the direction of the library.
VI. Friends of the Library Report
a. Friends stated that Bookflix is now up and running, and Connie responded,
stating that she loves the new source.
b. Beginning on February 151, there will be a Library Speakers consortium
c. Flooring: Audrey asked Connie if she would like to continue pursuing new
flooring for portions of the library. Connie stated that she would because the
space is heavily used. Jennifer Hollje asked if vinyl would be acceptable and
Connie stated that she is willing to consider it.
d. Audrey said that the lighting around the building roof line is still happening but
she's waiting on updates from the contractor. Rob said that the process may
have been stalled due to the problem with the tree being struck by lightning.
e. Audrey also said that the astronaut visit has been finalized and he will be in Paris
on March 21. She is currently working with Paris ISD to draw interest. Jennifer
Hollje also mentioned that he would be available to speak to homeschool
children during a visit to the library.
f. By Her Own Design author Piper Huguley will be available to speak to an
audience regarding her new book. Audrey would like to host the author at the
library. Connie is open to the idea and stated that anytime an author wants to
speak, she will never turn them down.
VII. Director's Remarks:
a. Calendar:
Connie provided the board members with a copy of the February calendar. There
are a large variety of programs listed, for all age groups. Therapy dogs, Teen
Video Program, Knitting, Kids BINGO, etc. are all on the calendar.
b. Reports for November and December 2023
Connie noted the number of card holders on the reports at about 12,000.
Circulation was about 2,500 for adult materials in each month, and about 2,700
for juveniles. Connie would like to add an additional line item to the circulation
category to be Young Adult. The volunteers have been wonderful, Connie noted,
and she also informed the board that the library hired a previous volunteer
recently. Myers noted on the budget that there are still two line -items for
finances and fixtures. Rob noted that the issue is being addressed.
With no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m., with Amy making the motion
to adjourn and Myers providing the 2nd
The next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will be held on Wednesday
February 2111, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secretary