06/12/2024 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
06/12/2024
M eeti ng M i n utes
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. Lacking a quorum, the meeting
began with reports until a quorum could be reached, and then officially began.
Board members present were Steve Hellmann, DeEtte Cobb, and Jennifer
Cullum, with Kelvin Hicks arriving to complete the quorum. Also present were
Library Director Connie Lawman, Deputy City Manager Rob Vine and Friends of
the Library representative Jeannie Walter.
II. Citizen's Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
III. Approval: The minutes of the May 15th, 2024 board meeting was approved with
no corrections. DeEtte Cobb made the motion to approve, with Kelvin Hicks
providing the second.
IV. New Business:
a. Strategic Goals
The board was presented with color copies of the notes written on the
chalkboard in previous meetings, listing the thoughts from the Advisory
Board regarding strategic planning. Stevetookthose notes and then created
a Strategic Plan Ideation Summary and a Strategic Plan draft. The board
discussed the documents and how to proceed forward.
Steve asked if after reviewing the strategic plan, the items listed were what
the board saw as important forthe library in the next 5 years. He suggested
that forthe July meeting, the board discuss longterm and short-term items
from the list and to create a score card for how to prioritize.
DeEtte asked about a rural library outreach. Connie responded, stating that
she would begin within the city limits. DeEtte responded, noting that the
rural areas are important. Connie stated that the library plans to have a
partnership with Paris ISD's mobile library. Connie also mentioned the
possibilityofhaving bookdropsin ruralareas,for residentswhocould not
easily make it to the library. Jeannie asked if this was done in other areas, to
which Connie said yes, in many places.
Through discussion of the list, the following edits were made to the draft:
• Item 1.b.: remove theword "adjacent" to "additional
• Item 2.a.: change the word "cross -train" to "cross -training"
• Item 2.b.: change the word "improve" to "improving"
• Item 2.d.: change the word "strengthen" to "strengthening"
• Item 2.e.: (add Item 2.e.) Grow volunteer base to serve more needs and
expand services that can be provided
• Item 3.b.: change the word "utilize" to "utilizing"
Steve asked the board if there was anything on the list that was a "no" for the
strategic plan. Connie responded, stating that everything on the list has
weight, and that to some degree, the library is alreadyworking on the list.
Jeannie asked how the list would be prioritized. Steve then suggested that
the next step would be to being the method of prioritizing the items. The
board members present agreed.
With no further discussion on the topic, the motion to adopt the strategic
plan was made by Kelvin Hicks, with Jennifer Cullum providing the second.
All board members present were in favor.
b. Library Board Recommendations
Previously, there was confusion regarding the libraryadvisory board's role in
new board member appointments. Steve said that it is right by the board to
make recommendations. The bylaws direct the board to do this action. Steve
suggested to not specifically recommend candidates, but instead, to provide
information on candidates based on interactions board members may have
had with each person.
Connie stated that there were four candidates applying forthe two available
positions on the library advisory board: Millie, Abigail, Eva, and Frances. The
board offered each applicantthe opportunityto introduce themselves to the
board, with Millie and Abigail accepting the invitation.
After discussing the candidates, the board agreed as a whole, that it looks
favorably on all four candidates. The board would like to acknowledge that
Millie and Abigail accepted the board's invitation to introduce themselves
and speak a bout why they a re interested in joining the advisory board.
V. Friends of the Library Report
Jeannie spoke on behalf of the Friends, stating that there wasn't much to report
on. They are currently working on another storywalk that would take place in the
fall. There will also be a fall newsletter and the Friends continue to receive
donations.
DeEtte asked how many members there are, and Jeannie responded, stating
that there are usually 100-150 members.
DeEtte asked if the Friends could collaborate with City Square because she
feels that there needs to be activities for older women. Connie stated that the
library is working with Paris Pregnancy Center, with one story time a month and
other activities. She also stated that she would love to meet with the new
director of City Square, to begin working with them. Kelvin stated there was a lot
of need at City Square.
V1. Director's Remarks
a. The summer reading kickoff on June 1 St was well-received bythe public. On
the first day, roughly 300 people signed up and the program continues to
grow. Thanks to the Friends and the 3-D printer, there are 24 prizes to give
away. Connie stated thatthe stats forthe summer reading program would
not reflect untilthe July meeting of the advisory board, but she is very excited
to see them.
b. Connie informed the board that the Children's Librarian, Tracie Clark had
resigned. The position will post in June, with the city collecting applications
through the summer and Connie hopes to interview candidates in the fall.
DeEtte asked what the responsibilities would be for the position. Connie
replied, stating that the person would need to stay current on library trends,
the children's programs, and a variety of other tasks that are expected of a
children's librarian. The paywould be the standard for a person with a
master's in library science.
Steve asked how this would impact the library during the busy summer
months, and how would Connie ensure continuity of service. Connie
responded, stating that the library staff is already in the children's library
space all the time and story time would continue with more people taking on
the role. Connie hopes to have community leaders come in to read to the
children, as heroes.
c. Budget and Statistics Report:
The expenditures for currently stand at $652,261.84, which is 77% of the FY
2024 budget.
Stats show 129193 library cardholders, 309 requests for reference
assistance, and 93 requests for computer instruction. Circulation has grown
by 1,533 comparative to FY 2023. The children's program has doubled since
2023 and a memorial of $40 was provided in May.
As one final remark from the board, Steve thanked DeEtte Cobb for serving the last three
yea rs.
With nothing further to discuss, Kelvin Hicks made the motion to adjourn, with Jennifer
Cullum providing the second.
The next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will be held on July 17th, 2024,
beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secreta ry