05/17/2023 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
05/17/2023
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairman Steve Hellmann at 5:01 p.m.
Board members present were: Steve Hellmann, Eva Dickey, Amy Watson, Melanie
Loughmiller, DeEtte Cobb, and Jennifer Cullum. Lauren Matthews was absent. Also
present were Library Director Connie Lawman and Friends of the Library members
Audrey Mathieu and Jeannie Walter.
Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the library board
III. Approval:
Minutes of the March 15, 2023 meeting were approved with corrections to the
incorrect naming of board member Melanie Loughmiller's last name on Item III and
board member Amy Watson on Item VIII. DeEtte Cobb made the motion to approve
the minutes with Eva Dickey providing the second.
IV. New Business:
A. Summer Reading Program
i. Kickoff. The summer reading program will kick off on June 3, with the
library hosting a large outdoor party. Connie says there will be food
trucks, Tropical Snow, and Touch a Truck in the parking lot, while the
library outdoor deck will have a DJ playing Beach Boys style music and a
limbo line. Non -profits will be set up as well. The majority of the library
building will be closed this day, to allow for the staff to focus on the sign-
up event and helping the public during the party. Connie also added that
tables will be set up for face painting, balloon twisting, and a membership
drive table too.
Reading Logs
The kickoff party will also be the first day to pick up the new summer
reading logs. There are 4 different age groups, with prizes offered in each
group. As each person completes their reading log, they will submit it to
the box in the library. On the last day of the reading challenge, the
completed logs will be drawn for prizes.
Eva asked what age the teens were for, and Connie said 12 and up. Steve
strongly recommended that the Texas Rangers ticket promotion to not be
restricted to ages 4-11 because the teenagers enjoy this activity as well.
Steve was also concerned about the lack of momentum for library
transactions if the building is closed during the kickoff. Connie
responded, saying she wasn't concerned. Steve requested that a staff
member be there to help patrons connect their new card to the Libby
account and Connie said that Jerry could do that. Eva Dickey mentioned
that it would be a good idea for the library to create an Instagram
account that would provide more visibility for younger people. Connie
responded, saying that she has met with DeadCat Media regarding the
library's social media presence and is currently working on this.
Previously, the library social media accounts were on personal accounts
and this is not a good practice for government accounts so there is a
procedure to follow which takes time.
iii. Events and Classes
Connie handed out several flyers that the library has, along with a June
calendar. All board members were impressed with the number of events
happening at the library as well as the updated design. There are
numerous programs for young people, including Lego League and
Dungeons & Dragons. Connie noted that the Teen paraprofessional has 2
book clubs, a 3-D printer, a diamond picture craft day, and a teen movie
night. The library is currently on a wait list for a PS5. The adult programs
in June have guided mediation twice, with the focus on mental health
and a table will be set up in the room for supporting mental health. Emily
Cox will be leading the meditation. She is already certified and this class
will be available to ages 18 and over. Bingo has also been very popular
among the adult groups and will be included again during the summer.
Connie also handed out new brochures for the library, printed using
Pickle Printing. The updated brochures offer a glance of what the library
has to offer for services that the public may not know about. Connie is
also working on creating a generic email for the library.
B. New Board Member Process:
Steve Hellmann requested that there be an official orientation for new board
members and a refresher for current board members each year. This would
include a tour of the library, reviewing the bi-laws, attendance requirements,
and role expectations. This would take place annually with the August meeting.
The board was in agreement. Steve would also like for the board to be
acquainted with the library staff and have a staff member come to the board
meeting each month to speak about their position in the library. The board
agreed that it would be good to begin this again starting with the June meeting.
Connie stated that the June meeting would introduce the newest staff member,
Vivian, who is the Teen Paraprofessional. Melanie took this moment to mention
that she spoke with Lauren Matthews and said that Lauren is in fact resigning
from the board.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
Jeannie stated that Friends has about $16,000, with $1,300 dedicated for the
summer children's programs and has given the library $100 a month for craft
supplies. The Friends are currently volunteering to read to the children at the library
and are hoping more Friends will get involved. Audrey also noted that the next
Friends meeting would take place on June 2111, 2023 at Celebrate It, beginning at
6:00 p.m. There will be an author who is going to present to the Friends via Zoom.
An updated newsletter will be coming out soon.
VI. Director's Remarks:
Connie was happy to report that the library now has new toilets and new
sinks in both bathrooms. The current capital projects for the lobby, Fiction
seating area, and magazine seating area received a quote of $45,000. The
roof maintenance will be going with Ibex Construction. It will be $10,00 to do
repairs that were mentioned at a previous board meeting. Connie will end
relations with Quality Roofing, with the reason that there is no contract or
warranty for the roof and the company has not been dependable.
The budget is good for this year and is currently making a new budget that
will reflect the change in public interest like programs. Connie is not asking
for more money but to reallocate funds in itemized locations that would be
of better use for the library, its patrons, and the public at large.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 p.m., with Amy Watson making the motion and
Eva Dickey providing the second. The next meeting of the Paris Public Library
Advisory Board will be on June 2111, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Jennifer Cullum
Secretary