11/17/2021 MinutesParis Public Advisory Board
11/17/2021
Meeting Minutes
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by Chairman
Steve Hellmann at 4:02 p.m.
Present:
Board members present were: Steve Hellmann, Eva Dickey, Myers Hurt, Jennifer Cullum,
Melanie Loughmiller, Lauren Mathews, and Library Director Tim DeGhelder. City Manager
Grayson Path was also present. Board member DeEtte Cobb and City Council Liaison Linda Knox
were absent.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 20th, 2021 board meeting were
approved with Myers Hurt making the motion and Melanie Loughmiller providing
the second.
II. New Business: Tim spoke to the board regarding the Kids Read Free initiative. He is
trying to keep the kids engaged in reading and they shouldn't be penalized for late
fees. Steve asked if the library had chosen a designator for which items will be free.
Tim said that only Juvenile items such as books and movies would be on the Kids
Read Free list. If the book is lost, then the person will be required to pay for it. If the
book is damaged, then it will need to be replaced. The idea is to keep the books
coming back. Steve asked if there will need to be a written policy to explain the
change in rules and Tim said that the current policy would have an amendment to
remove the fines for juvenile late fees. Tim also noted that this initiative will be
heavily marketed to patrons, in the hope that this will help bring back more patrons
and keep children reading. City Manager Grayson Path added that he is in full
support of this idea and has Tim on the schedule to speak at the December 13, 2021
City Council meeting. Mr. Path would like to see a new image for the library that is
family -centered and inviting. Melanie Loughmiller made a motion to approve
removing late fees for juvenile items at the library. Eva Dickey seconded the motion.
All were in favor.
III. Old Business:
Tim confirmed that the Polar Express Story Walk would be on December 7th. The
walk will be about 1 mile in length. He will place an article in the newspaper,
challenging citizens to "Come Walk and Read." The walk will consist of participating
stores in Downtown placing a page from the book in their store front. The
participants will begin at the library with Page 1 and move from one location to the
next reading a page from each participating business. The walk will run from 6 p.m. —
8 p.m. Tim is planning on having an app for participants to follow along with, as well
as having an informational video, inviting the public to join.
The library will also be holding their Christmas party on the 7t" as well, with Santa
and Mrs. Claus making an appearance at 4:30. Santa will be taking pictures with
children and Mrs. Claus will be reading Christmas stories. Hot cocoa and cookies will
also be served.
IV. Presentations
a. Budget Report
Expenditures for October totaled $31, 951.12, which is .04% of the FY 2022
budget.
b. Statistical Report
The library currently has 9,337 active library cards. Library visits increased from
2020 to 2021 by 9%. Computer instruction totaled 103. Reference assistance
totaled 190. Web page log -ins were 424. Facebook page visits reached 995 and
YouTube visits were at 87.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
The Friends purchased a digital game table for citizens to enjoy while at the
library. Playing digital board games like Checkers and Yahtzee and coloring pages
are a few of the options that the digital board has. Tim noted that this will be
easier to keep clean than individual game pieces, which will allow the library to
keep out for patrons.
VI. Director's Remarks:
a. Tim invited the board members to participate in the Christmas Parade on
December 4t", as well as the Christmas party on December 7t"
b. Anew Assistant City Manager has been hired. Duties will cover working with the
library in overseeing day-to-day operations as well as any issues that may come
up.
c. The library now has a card payment machine that will accept credit and debit
cards. Tim noted that this will allow people to make donations to the library as
well as have an easier method to pay fines. Donations to the library are kept in
the library fund and not placed in the city's general fund.
d. The library staff is very excited about participating in the Christmas parade and
Tim is in full support of this. The city has provided a trailer and truck for the staff
to decorate. The public is invited to be a part of the library's float.
e. Introduction to Personal Computer classes will begin in January 2022. Ron
Hervey will be leading the classes, from 9:00 a.m. —10:00 a.m., which is before
the library opens so as not to interfere with daily operations. This will be a basic
level class, with plans to have advanced classes with enough interest.
f. With regard to the current Texas Education Agency request for school districts in
Texas to itemize books that have been placed on a list of concern by State
Representative Matt Krause and supported by Governor Greg Abbott for Texas
school children, Tim announced to the board that the Paris Public Library's
mission is to give library services without censorship. The library currently has 69
of the 850 books that are listed as books of concern on the shelves. Tim stated
that it is not the library's place to censure. For parents who are concerned about
the content any book on the library shelves, there will be a complaint that they
can fill out. This form will be submitted to the Library Director and then sent to
the Library Advisory Board for further discussion.
g. Tim provided the board with an example of the Certificate of Appreciation for
board members who complete their term.
h. Tim has joined the Texas Library Association and is trying to get involved at the
state level.
i. The library will soon become a training location for Pet Partners, with the first
certification class on Saturday, February 19, 2022. Tim stated that volunteers
who certify will be eligible to take their trained animal to the library, senior
homes, and other places that participate in the program.
j. Tim is working on a possible $5,000 grant from the power plant. This suggestion
was made by a new volunteer who works at the plant and stated that there are
funds available, if the library applies. Tim said that these funds would go to
replacing some furniture, upgrading technology, and money set aside for other
programs.
k. Time wanted the board to know that a portion of the front lobby has now been
established as the "Friend Zone." This will be a place to market new
memberships for the Friends, plus upcoming events, and a general welcoming
spot for people who enter the library.
The next meeting will be on December 15th, 2021
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 4:52, with Myers Hurt placing the motion and Melanie
Loughmiller making the second.
Submitted by
Jennifer Cullum, Secretary