01/18/2023 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
1/18/2023
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairman Steve Hellmann at 5:00 pm.
Present: Board members present were: Steve Hellmann, Eva Dickey, Melanie
Loughmiller, DeEtte Cobb, Lauren Matthews, and Amy Watson. Additionally,
Assistant City Manager Rob Vine and Library Director Connie Lawman were present.
Jennifer Cullum was absent.
Citizens Forum: No citizens addressed the library board.
III. Approval: Minutes of the November 16th, 2022 meeting were approved with no
corrections. Eva Dickie made the motion to approve, with Melanie Loughmiller
providing the second.
IV. New Business:
a. Programming News
a. The first Teen program ran by Teen librarian, Lina McEntyre had 15
attendees and was a success. Mostly kids of a pre -teen demographic
composed most of the attendees.
b. Programming theme for February will be "Love your Library" making a
play on Valentine's day. The teen program for example will likely do
something related to "Love Stinks" to tie to this.
c. The ladies craft night filled up relative to a jewelry making event.
d. 14 people have signed up for a new reading book club program. Connie
plans to provide the second book in the series for those who have
engaged sufficiently with the first book.
e. Also considering an anime theme book club for teens possibly in the
spring.
f. A big focus for the summer is expected to be a summer reading program
for all patrons (age 0-99). This will expand the kids' reading program with
a kickoff event being evaluated. This could include a touch a truck
concept if a suitable location for the vehicles can be found near the
library. Weekly meetings are being completed to plan for this event.
b. Donation Policy
a. A draft of a new policy on donations was reviewed. The consensus of the
board was to not have the library assess value of donations provided. No
board members had any objections to the policy reviewed.
b. Connie also plans to draft a separate policy on a content challenge that is
posted at the front desk in case questions are raised. This will likely be
reviewed at a future meeting. Steve recalled the basics of a policy that
was explained by prior directors that had the library director making the
first determination with appeals process to the library advisory board if
needed.
c. Capital Project update — Lobby Ceiling Repairs
a. Bids are in process of being solicited to address lobby ceiling wear and
lighting needs. Also included are about 100 tiles in the greater building
area beyond the lobby area. So far one bid has been received and the
remaining are being awaited.
b. Improved lighting is expected to illuminate the aged carpet which is
intended to be addressed in a future budget cycle.
c. Before work can be started, asbestos testing is being conducted. Samples
were recently taken and test results are expected within a week. Based
on the timing of the part of the building being renovated, asbestos is not
expected to be discovered.
d. Dollar General Literacy Grant — Chromebooks
a. Connie is preparing strategy to apply for this grant as a possible avenue
to fund the Chromebooks she is wanting to purchase. These devices
would provide outreach tools for some possible future programming
events and outreach activities. The grant application is due in mid-
February. Some board discussion occurred around technical options and
needs and the best way to achieve the award.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
a. No update.
VI. Director's Remarks:
a. Connie is now a notary public which means the library now has two people with
this capability.
b. In process of pricing furniture upgrades and options plus some lighting.
c. Really wants to get some tote bags and similar merchandise developed to help
get the library's name out. Evaluating vendors who can help with this.
d. Wants to get a vinyl wrap on the circulation desk. Looking for vendors who can
provide this service.
e. Would like to find some volunteers who could help with tax preparation.
f. Plan to trial a new staff rotation on the circulation desk starting on Monday.
Previously team members would not exceed one hour at a time at the desk. The
new rotation will ensure two people are always present plus provide some
longer duration continuity.
g. Steve asked on the status of the outside Wifi updates to support children's
programming on the patio. Rob Vine indicated he thought this was still 2-3
months out from being completed but it is still in plan. Steve also asked that the
new wifi validation system that is coming will provide a way to get wifi access for
those who do not have a phone number to complete the validation. Rob and
Connie agreed that we should have a manual work around to not disenfranchise
patrons who did not have a cell phone number while still protecting network
security concerns.
VII. Additional Comments:
a. Connie asked about possible future meeting topics. Steve suggested that we
could do some strategic planning discussions on various topics. This would ask a
question on what do we see the library being in five years in a specific area of
service and engage the board members in helping to set the vision versus feeling
like only finished products could be brought to the board for review.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:53pm, with Amy making the motion and Eva providing the
second.
The next meeting will be on February 15, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Submitted by: Steve Hellmann, Library Advisory Board Chair