03/20/2024 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
03/20/2024
Meeting Minutes
I. 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, Jennifer Cullum, Myers Hurt,
Melanie Loughmiller, and DeEtte Cobb. Also present were Ron Hervey for
Connie Lawman, Deputy City Manager Rob Vine, and representatives from the
Friends of the Paris Public Library Audrey Mathieu and Jennifer Hollje. Board
members absent were Amy Watson and Kelvin Hicks.
II. Citizen's Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
III. Approval: The minutes of the February 21 St, 2024, board meeting was approved
with no corrections.
IV. New Business:
a. Staff Intro: Sophia Pitman was recently hired and has been focusing on the
library's website. She also works in circulation and shelving, with her desk
located in nearthe Teen Room. Ron stated that she stepped in and quickly
became an assetto the library. The library is very luckyto have her.
Steve asked what her background was. Sophia responded saying that this is
her first experience working for a library. Previously, she held positions such
as a paralegal intern and a tax assistant. She is already helping library
patrons with tax return forms. She also earned an Associate of Science in
Political Science from PJC. Melanie added that the skill set is a nice, varied
amount, that makes a good blend for a position at the library.
b. Strategic Goals:
Ron stated that since Connie was out sick, the discussion of strategic goals
would be tabled until the April meeting.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
Audrey stated the newsletter was sent out to members. On March 21 st, the Book
Talkwith Madeline Millerwill be held at 6:00 pm at the library. The spring
meeting will be on May 2nd.
Audrey stated that the staff appreciation luncheon will be on April 9t", but she
wanted to confirm with Connie before announcing it.
The Friends are using Square Space for their website and are working on an
update.
Jennifer Hollje said that the tree contact person will split the cost of the old oak
tree removalwith the Friends. He is going to take a slice and preserve it. This
should take about a yea r to prepare for public presentation.
Audrey stated that the flooring estimate is more than expected. Hollje suggested
a localflooring company might be able to do the project for less money. Audrey
said that Connie is open to options. The amount of space needed to be covered
is 1,000 sq ft.
V1. Director's Remarks:
a. Stats and Budget:
i. Budget: Ron stated that there's no budget report because the city is
still working on updating that.
ii. Stats: There is a rise in attendance in programs, to which Ron credited
Connie for. Melanie said that shevisited the library during Spring
Break and the library felt refreshed and had a nice atmosphere.
b. Audrey mentioned that the Library Speaker Consortium is not accessible on
the library's website. She asked if it was possible to fixthe issue. Rob asked
Audrey to send him the link and he would make sure that it was taken care
of. Steve suggested including the service in asocial media post for the
Library, to help drive attention toward it.
With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m., with Melanie making
the motion and Myers providing the 2nd.
The next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will be held on Wednesday April
17th, 2024, begi n n i ng at 5:00 p. m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secreta ry