07/17/2024 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
07/17/2024
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, Kelvin Hicks, Eva Dickey, and Fran Neeley. Also present
were Library Director Connie Lawman, Assistant City Manager Doug Harris, and
Friends of the Library representative Audrey Mathieu.
II. Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
III . Ap p rova l:
The minutes of the June 12th, 2024, board meeting was approved with no
corrections. Melanie Loughmiller made the motion to approve, with Kelvin Hicks
providing the second.
IV. New Business:
a. Member Introductions.
With July being the first meeting of theyear forthe advisory board, all voting
and non-voting members introduced themselves. The two new members to
the board are Fran Neeley and Eva Dickey. Fran introduced herself to the
board, stating this is her 5th cycle serving on the library advisory board and
that she is an avid reader. Eva introduced herself to the board, also a
previous board member and stated that she loves to read as well. Doug
Harris introduced himself to the advisory board, stating that he has been
assigned to the library and he is always available to the board members for
any questions or concerns.
b. Election of Officers.
Chairman: Myers nominated Steve Hellmann to sit as Chairman of the
board. Kelvin seconded that motion, and all members were in favor.
Vice Chairman: Fran nominated Melanie Loughmillerto sit as Vice Chairman
of the board. Kelvin seconded the motion, and all members were in favor.
Secretary: Myers nominated Jennifer Cullum to sit as Secretary of the board.
Kelvin seconded the motion, and all members were in favor.
c. Strategic Planning.
Steve summarized the strategic plan forthe new board members. Following
his summary, the board then began discussions forthe next stage, which
was decided as prioritizing items from the list as goals fortheyear.
Connie stated that overall, the library is already doing allthe items on the list
in some capacity. However, she would like to prioritize assisting the
underserved populations.
Fran asked how the move to 4 -day school weeks would impact the library
and Connie responded, saying that her programming has altered to respond
to the change. Mondayand Friday will have children and teen centered
programs, with Thursday being the quiet day for library staff to plan. Connie
does notwantto add too much to programming until she can assess what
changes with the 4 -day week.
Spanish language patrons: Connie also has staff begin moving allthe
Spanish language collection to one localized area in the library and will begin
notifying patrons of the update. This was done to expand access to non-
native speakers at the library and highlight the variety of Spanish language
options. Audrey asked what the percentage of Spanish speakers and Connie
said that she hasn't begun surveys for patrons to determine that numberyet
but one of the library staff who is a native Spanish speaker has done an
excellent job in providing a voice for this underserved population in the
community.
Visually limited patrons: Connie would also like to expand access to visually
Limited readers with an update to talking books.
Teenage patrons: Connie is working on providing access for teenage patrons
to ride the city bus using a pass. The library can provide a safe space for
teens to come and enjoythe community of the library. Steve asked what the
path for progress on this goalwould be forthe current year. Connie said that
she hopes this can be attained this year. Myers asked if the librarywould
offer extended hours forthe teens, which Connie responded, stating this
could be possible. Steve asked if the bus route could begin within Paris ISD,
since the city already services this portion of the population. Fran asked if
the students would show their library card as id, and Connie responded,
stating she would like that. Doug stated that this concept could be had with
Paris Metro, who are receptive to new ideas.
Audrey then asked for an update on the children's library expansion. Connie
stated that the expansion would not be completed this year, due to
budgeting constraints. To create more space for the area, a wall must be
removed. For FiscalYear 2025, the children's library will have all new
carpeting and paint.
Fran asked for more information on the basement project. Connie stated
that the libraryhas an engineer coming to look at the cracks but told the
board that before looking at other buildings, she would ratherfocus on the
current building because it needs a lot of structural and financial help. Myers
suggested that the board not completely negate the idea of a basement
expansion, but to push itto a 10 -year plan option instead, to which the board
agreed.
Within the discussion above of the prioritized strategic plan, the following
points from the strategic plan were addressed:
1(d): Making the library more accessible in the community by easing access
to get to the libraryvia public transportation with particularfocus on teen
patrons.
1(h): Serving underserved populations such as teens, visually limited/blind
patrons and native Spanish speakers by providing content and services
catering to their needs and interests.
2(c): Refreshing the building and facilities through targeted renovation and
modernization of both the facilities as well as the available collections.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
a. Historic tree update: Speaking on behalf of the Friends, Myers updated the
Library Advisory Board on the status of the fallen tree. The woodworkers who
have retained a large portion of the tree stated that they are in the process of
drying it. This process can take quite some time because the slice is 44" in
diameter.
b. Decorative outdoor lights: Audrey stated that the lights cannot be placed on
the library until the roof has been repaired. Audrey asked if this project
should be negated. Connie responded, stating that she isstillworkingon
finding an appropriate contract to have the roof repaired, with Doug adding
that the city is working on having an official analysis of the roof damage and
this could take some time. Audrey asked when the replacement forthe roof
would happen, if that was needed and Doug said that all depends on how
much it would cost. Fran asked if it would be possible to have a fundraiser
from the citizens, to help assuage the cost of the roof replacement. Myers
asked if there was some grant funding from the state available. Connie
responded, stating that there is funding from the state, due to the valuable
collection the library houses.
V1. Director's Remarks:
Connie did not have anyfurther remarks to add to the discussion.
VII. Statistics and Budget:
a. Statistics. Connie stated that the stats area LLhigherthan the previous month
because of the summer reading program, which has been very successful.
The numbers look great, especially the number of books checked out. Myers
asked if the number of new library cards was accurate, to which Connie
responded yes. Audrey asked whythe number of summer readers was being
tracked, to which Connie replied that it shows the usage and importance of
the summer program to the community.
Audrey then asked what the plan was forthe vacant Children's Librarian
position. Connie states that so far, five applicants have applied, with one
being a local person. Steve asked about the education requirement, and
Connie responded, stating that a bachelor's degree with Library certification
is required. Doug included that this position has been posted on the city
website.
b. Budget. The board reviewed the budget, with current expenditures at
$710,327.72, which is 84% of the FY 2024 budget. Myers asked what would
happen if the library should go over the budget. Connie stated that if that
were to happen, it would be due to an unexpected cost, such as a roof
replacement, and Doug responded, statingthata budgetamendmentwould
be made.
With no further items to address, Melanie madethe motion to adjourn, with Myers
providing the second.
The next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will be held on August 21 St,
2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secreta ry