12/04/2024 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
12/04/2024
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 5:00 p.m. Board members present were: Steve Hellmann,
Eva Dickey, Myers Hurt, Abigail Frank, and Jennifer Cullum. Also in attendance was
Library Director Connie Lawman.
II. Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
III. Approval:
The minutes of the October 16, 2024 board meeting were approved with no corrections.
Myers Hurt made the motion to approve and Jennifer Cullum provided the second.
Iv. New Business:
a. New Employee Introduction; Skylar Hines
Skylar is working on her masters in library science with Texas Women's University and
was hired as a library technician, with some of her current responsibilities listed as shelving and
processing. Connie stated that she plans to delegate other duties such as crafts and circulation
soon.
b. Strategic Planning; Second -year priorities
The priorities listed were finding new ways to connect with the community, create more
access to books, and create more programs.
Steve asked the board for thoughts on what needs to be in place for the reality of Year Two.
Connie responded, stating that marketing and outreach would be improved by having a person
with a come -and -go vehicle to bring materials to the public. She feels that it would be
reasonable to purchase an auctioned vehicle from the city. Steve asked if grants were possible
for this purchase, and Connie said that this is something the Friends of the Library could partner
with the library on either purchasing the vehicle or paying for the upkeep. Asking the county to
pay for some of the costs of transportation was another option discussed, with more information
needed to discuss in the future.
Additional teen programming was discussed, with possibilities of teaching basic skill
classes such as sewing and gardening. The concern was finding innovative ways to reach the
public regarding the programs. Myers suggested offering the programs on a rotational basis, in
case a person missed it the first time. Abigail noted that online marketing receives a lot of
traction, but not all people are online. Connie agreed and added that it's challenging to push out
information when the library is often the resource for information. Eva recommended that the
library market in the places where kids are likely to go, such as schools, City Square, the Boys
and Girls Club, etc. More information on this strategy would be discussed in the future.
Steve stated that most of the Second Year goals are attainable, with the only concern
being appropriate funding, so grant research would be a priority. Connie agreed and said that
once the new City Manager is in place, the library can discuss the funding access with them.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
Myers spoke on behalf of the Friends and stated that the feather flyers would be
available for events that the library wanted to market. Connie appreciated the offer and said that
they would be great for special occasion marketing. News regarding lights for the building
suggests that the library is second in line for the update, for the second tier of the building.
VI. Director's Remarks:
a. Memorial Account: Connie reminded the board that it is possible to utilize the funds from
the interest in the memorial account. Recently, a person named Joyce Rhodes passed
away and included the library as one of four beneficiaries to their estate. Once the
assets are liquidated, there will be further discussion on how to proceed. If there is a lot
of funding available, it is possible that the money could be used to operate the mobile
library in her name.
b. Remodel: The remodeling of the children's room was a big project to take on, but
fortunately, the PJC baseball team, some trustees, Jeannie Walter, the Public Works
department and library staff worked to create an updated, inviting room for the younger
library patrons. There is all new paint, a fish tank, a book bin for easier access, among
other updated items. Abigail mentioned that the paint colors helped to bring the outside
world indoors, including a tree mural, designed to honor the tree that was lost in the
storm.
c. Stats Overhaul: Once Judy becomes settled in her new position as Library Supervisor,
the stats sheet will be revamped. Connie states that the library is losing valuable
statistics on items that are not currently being tracked.
Connie asked the board for suggestions on what the board would like to see on the stats
sheet for each month's review. Steve responded, stating that it's difficult to tell with the
current report how the library is doing. It would be great if there was a scorecard to
compare months. Steve also asked that a portion of the stats have a way to demonstrate
the yearly goals and how the library is on track with completing those goals, using key
metrics. Myers included that it's important for the library staff to suggest what would be
important statistics from their point of view. Myers would also like to see this done with
the budget reporting sheet as well. Eva asked that the statistics show what we want our
vision to be and how we are working to reach it. Connie responded, stating that she
wants the statistics to be up to date and relevant.
d. Chromebooks: Connie informed the board that the library now has 12 Chromebooks with
a charging cart. Mauricio is going to have bilingual computer classes for adults beginning
in the new year. Chromebook classes will take place in the library meeting room.
With nothing further to address, Myers Hurt made the motion to adjourn at 5:53 p.m., with Eva
Dickey providing the second. The next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will
be held on January 15th, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secretary