11/15/2023 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
11/15/2023
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 p.m.
Board members present were: Steve Hellmann, Jennifer Cullum, Amy Watson,
Melanie Loughmiller, Kelvin Hicks, Myers Hurt 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 Jeannie Walter.
II. Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
III. Approval: The minutes of the October 181h, 2023 meeting were approved with no
corrections. Myers made the motion to approve, with Melanie providing the 2nd.
IV. New Business:
a. Staff Intra:
Louise Webb was introduced to the board. She has worked for the library for 41
years. Currently, Louise helps with the book drop, the electronic department,
and archives for events held at the library. As a longstanding employee of the
Paris Public Library, Louise has been working here since before the addition and
has worked with at least 7 directors with various methods of running the library.
Steve asked how has the library changed, which Louise said that it has changed a
lot. There used to be a card catalog, which students learned how to use, the
library used to show films on Saturday mornings using the 16mm projector.
All board members agreed that the library wouldn't be the same without Louise.
b. Seed Library:
The Lamar County Master Gardeners reached out to Connie, in hopes of starting
a Seed Library. The library will have a seed catalog organized by drawer with
identification cards, with the hopes of people taking seeds and bringing some
back. Connie will donate the card catalog to be used and this will be placed in
the lobby. She is counting on the Master Gardeners to help with this program.
c, Library Technician Job Posting:
Connie stated that Jerry Jarrell is retiring at the end of the year. The job has been
posted with the city and applications are coming in already, though no
interviews have taken place. DeEtte asked what the job description was, to
which Connie replied that it would be duties as assigned, to include circulation,
the Interlibrary Loans, etc. Connie wants all the staff to be cross -trained.
Holiday Calendar:
Connie stated that the Bob Ross painting idea was a huge hit, with 3 backup
signup sheets. There will also be a Christmas Wrapping party where the space is
provided for anyone who needs a place away from family to wrap their presents.
Art Club, Teen Craft, Teen Book Club, Lego League, and Story Time are also on
the calendar for December.
V. Friends of the Library Report
Storybook Walk
The Friends are working on finalizing the process. They have yard signs and will
place them at Bywaters Park. The book selected was The Not So Very Merry
Pout -Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen.
b. Tree Lighting Update:
Audrey and Rob Vine commented, stating that there was an arborist assessing
the health of the tree. It's a Heritage Tree so a valuable part of the library, but
still may have to come down. Audrey noted that safety is an issue if the tree is
not healthy enough to keep from being a hazard to people coming to the library.
Flooring Update:
Jeannie said that the flooring project is moving along and measurements have
been made.
d. Newsletter:
The newsletter went out in October for all members of the Friends. DeEtte asked
how many members there were, which Jeannie replied, stating between 85-90.
The average donation is about $100, and the funds will be used to pay for
programs.
VI. Director's Remarks:
a. Team Building:
Connie said that the employees would have a team building activity at the PTX
Studio after library hours, to make something as a group.
b. Beginner Typing:
Audrey provided Connie with the idea of a beginner typing class for children
aged 9-12. This would have to take place in the Computer Lab, so scheduling is
still being worked on, with hopes of starting this in January.
Library Remodel:
Steve asked for an update on the library remodeling process. Connie said that
she is working on a survey that will be released to the public, with Tracy, Ron,
and Rob all previewing the information on the survey. Steve asked for the Library
Advisory Board to be included in the process of creating the survey. Connie said
that the survey will go out to all of the public, and Steve replied that he would
like the data collected on the survey for the advisory board to review.
Connie noted that the library is struggling to progress from the feel of the
libraries ofthe '90's and there is limited space. Melanie added that it can be a
challenge to go through the process of weeding out old books, in order to have
enough space. Audrey replied, stating that the building next door is needed, to
help alleviate the space issues.
Connie stated that it's important to keep up with the times and that Tracy has a
lot of current books but not enough space.
Steve was concerned about the circulation was cut in the Children's Department,
because it's the biggest portion served in our library. Connie stated that about
25% of the books in the Children's Department would be culled. She also noted
that in order for a book to be culled, it would have to be on the shelf for 3 years
without being checked out to qualify. Rob noted that the book removal process
is driven by data. Audrey also stated that the purged books would go to the Book
Sale up front. This could be a huge fundraising event.
VI 1. Statistics and Financials Report:
a. Statistics
Physical books in circulation for October 2023 were similar to that of October
2022. Volunteer hours and programs have doubled from 2022.
b. Financials
Current financials show $134,435.56 spent, which is .16% of the $842,999.00 FY
2024 budget.
With no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m., with Melanie 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 January
10th, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secretary