04/20/2022 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
04/20/2022
Meeting Minutes
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by Vice
Chairman Myers Hurt at 4:04 pm.
Present:
Board members present were: Myers Hurt, Jennifer Cullum, Melanie Loughmiller, Lauren
Mathews, DeEtte Cobb, and Steve Hellman. Library Director Tim DeGhelder, Assistant City
Manager Rob Vine, and Friends of the Library President Audrey Mathieu were also present.
Board members absent were Eva Dickey and City Council Liaison Linda Knox.
Citizens Forum: No citizens addressed the library board.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 16th, 2022 meeting were approved
with Melanie Loughmiller making the motion and DeEtte Cobb providing the second.
III. New Business:
a. Friends of the Paris Public Library new president introduction:
Tim introduced Audrey Mathieu to the board as the new Friends of the Library
President. Audrey is very excited to be the new president and updated the Board
on the current Friends happenings. The Friends publishes a newsletter twice a
year, they recently received about 50 new members from the Christmas drive,
and the Friends have also raised $3,000 recently for the library. Audrey also
stated that she feels it's important to hold a thank -you reception to the outgoing
president, Amanda Greene, for her 16 years of service to the Friends of the Paris
Public Library. All board members present were in favor of a reception to honor
Dr. Greene.
After Audrey provided the board with a quick review of the Friends events, she
asked if anyone had any comments or suggestions. DeEtte Cobb mentioned that
she missed having Friends luncheons. Tim responded, saying that he has hopes
of reinstating luncheons at the library, so the Friends members can witness what
their fundraising efforts go to. DeEtte also mentioned that she enjoyed having
speakers come and provide book reviews. Audrey also stated that she too would
like to begin having luncheons again.
b. Library Building Strategic Plan List
Tim updated the board on the Strategic Plan list, with specific regard to the
building. He created a three-page list of things that he would like to have done to
the building and if those items are feasible within the budget.
IV. Old Business:
a. Art Appraisal Results
The art appraisal has been completed and fully insured. The total appraisal
amount is roughly $608,000.00. The library has taken digital images of all art and
is in the process of uploading to the library's web page for the public to view at
their leisure. This will be called, "Art at the Library." Steve asked about the
security coverage for the valuable items and Tim stated that the library has
alarms on at night, with cameras recording everything inside the library.
V. Presentations
a. Budget Report
Tim noted that the $500 donation listed came from the Friends for the purchase
of the new laptop. Total expenditures for the month were not accumulated and
not reported. Expenditures will be updated for the month of May.
b. Statistical Report
The Children's Program participants increased dramatically from 66 in 2021 to
455 so far in 2022. Overall circulation is up to 9,580. Downloadable audios are
also up from 426 in 2021 to 1,009 so far in 2022. Tim made a specific note
regarding Teen Programming, stating that he is researching how he can reclassify
an employee for being responsible for Teen Programming. DeEtte asked if there
was a way to find out what books patrons want that are on the digital book
waiting list, so that she can donate those specific titles to the library. Tim
recommended making a financial donation because it is more efficient for the
library to buy a book rather than a patron. Myers suggested having a type of
Angel Tree that patrons list which titles they want and people can then donate
the cost of those titles to the library and the library can purchase the book.
Audrey asked if the library owns all of the titles or if they are leased. Tim stated
that the library owns all of their titles.
VI. Friends of the Library Report
The Friends want to celebrate the Paris Public Library's 901h birthday. Tim is hoping
that this can reenergize some of the Friends members and work to create a gift to
give to the library. The date for the party is to be determined. Melanie suggested
creating a commemorative ornament. Audrey said that she will speak with Glee
Emmett for suggestions on ornaments. DeEtte suggested finding Lamar County
artists to decorate the ornaments and then selling them to the public. Audrey ended
the Friends update, stating that she will provide more information regarding the 901h
birthday celebration soon.
VII. Director's Remarks
a. Flood Damage: An old seal on a toilet broke and caused flooding inside the front
entrance of the library building. A professional crew came out and are currently
working on removing water from the walls, floor, etc. The game table that was
purchased by the Friends was also damaged. Tim is currently tallying all damages
and costs to put in a claim for insurance.
b. Teen Room: Tim is working on replacing the carpet and hopes to have the May
meeting of the Library Advisory Board inside the updated room. There will be a
big screen tv, iPads, new chairs, and a gaming system purchased from a grant
that Tim received.
c. Reorganization: Tim has also recently reorganized portions of the library to
provide better services to the patrons. New shelving has been added in some
parts of the library. The movies have also been moved to make them more
noticeable to the patrons.
d. Trivia Night: Tim would like to host an annual Trivia Night, with the proceeds
benefitting the library. He has been successful with this type of fundraiser in
previous locations and would like to try it in Paris. The library can have sponsors
and silent auctions to provide the costs of the prizes. The Friends will sponsor
this event so that all proceeds will go directly to the library.
e. Laptop: The new laptop is up and running, with Wifi connection. This laptop is
available to anyone who would like to use it for meetings or other appropriate
usage.
f. Strategic Plan:
i. Building: Tim received a quote for the basement expansion, which
was $920,000.00, plus the cost of furniture. The basement is
8,000 square feet, at $135 sq. ft. to finish. Tim noted that the
basement can fit 500-600 people, so the library could eventually
profit from hosting gatherings in the basement. The City Council
will have to decide if that is a current option. Tim also stated that
if this were approved by the City, it would be a 2-3 year project.
ii. Carpet: The carpet is 25 years old and Tim would like to update it
and also replace some of it with tile.
iii. Lighting: Tim would like to consider replacing the lighting in the
library.
iv. Cement + Lot: The steps have been resealed but some of the
parking spots are worn and need to be monitored.
V. Furniture — PC and Branch: The computer furniture is in poor
condition. Tim would like to purchase 10 new chairs to go with
the computer stations, with material that is easy to wipe down.
vi. Foyer Area: Tim would like to update the circulation desk area.
vii. Bathrooms: The grout is worn and the tile needs to be updated.
viii. Budget Request for Next Year: The request is due in May. Tim will
pull items from the Strategic Plan for different year projections to
include in the budget request
The meeting adjourned at 5:18, with Steve Hellman making the motion and DeEtte
Cobb providing the second.
The next meeting will be on May 25th, 2022
Submitted by: Jennifer Cullum, Secretary