01/15/2025 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
01/15/2025
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,
Eva Dickey, Myers Hurt, Abigail Frank, Fran Neely, and Jennifer Cullum. Also in
attendance were Friends of the Library representative Jeannie Walter and Library
Director Connie Lawman.
Il. Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
Ill. Approval:
The minutes of the December 04, 2025 board meeting were approved with the correction
of Section V, in which the feather flyers could be made available for library events, rather
than would. With the correction noted, Fran made the motion to approve the minutes,
with Eva providing the second.
IV. New Business:
a. Fine Free Proposal
Connie informed the board that she addressed the City Council about having the
library become fine -free for everyone. The vote was unanimously in favor of
supporting Connie's request. Connie said that going fine -free meets the
standards of the American Library Association. Other public libraries such as
Commerce have already gone fine -free and Commerce can confirm that they
receive their books back. Connie also pointed out that this is something that
would benefit patrons with low mobility from getting to the library on time, or for
those who can't afford groceries to not have to choose between paying their
library fines or other bills.
Connie clarified for the board that books that are "late" are different from books
that are "lost." A "late" item that is returned will not have any fees associated with
it and the patron will still be able to check out other books. A "lost" item is a book
that has not been returned within 91 days. The patron will not be able to check
out any new books until a lost book is returned or replaced.
Steve asked if there was a way that patrons are notified if their books are
designated as lost versus late. Connie replied, stating that the library system
Atrium sends out 3 emails before the books reach the 90 day late threshold.
Fran suggested that this change in library policy be placed in the newspaper.
Connie responded, saying that the city manager recommended waiting to see
how the public initially felt about the change before pushing it on social media
platforms and plans on hanging a banner in the library above the circulation desk
to publicize the change would help. Steve said that the people who have stopped
coming to the library because they owe fines would not see the banner. Eva
agreed and said that there could be different types of reaching out to inform the
public of the change. After more discussion, Fran made a motion with Melanie
providing the second, that the board is excited for the new policy change and
looks forward to sharing the information with the public. All board members
present were in favor.
b. Strategic Planning:
Steve began the discussion, stating that he felt confident the first two year
programs were laid out from previous meetings. The next months would focus on
Years 3, 4, and 5.
Connie discussed the concern with previous statistics and the need to have an
overhaul. More than one employee at the library works on stats but not everyone
uses the same methodology to tally, Connie wants to have one system with a
scorecard to see specific details of growth and not simply year to year
comparisons. The current method is outdated for most of the staff. If the board
wants something specific listed as the new method for measuring statistics is
being created, Connie asked to have requests made.
Steve asked what the most valuable statistics are to the library and how that data
can be shown to measure its health. Connie responded, stating foot traffic,
programs, and circulation are the most important data for the library to measure.
Steve asked if Year 1 and 2 goals can be measured in a way that it shows if the
library is on track with meeting those. Connie stated that Outreach can be
measured in a variety of ways, including having outreach hours with a goal per
year and tracking the public events in which the library shows up to and has a
presence.
Fran suggested reaching out to City Square and Eva responded stating that the
library does have a presence there, Abigail noted that the presence for outreach
doesn't have to be books; it can be crafts and'other methods to connect to the
public.
V. Friends of the Library report:
Jeannie asked if there was anything the library needed and Connie responded, stating
that the library needs the same items. Jeannie stated that there was not much else going on
currently for the friends.
Vi. Director's Remarks:
Connie notified the board that the library would be closed on Saturday January 18th so
that the bathroom flooring could be replaced. The old tiles were put down in 1986 so it was time
for new grout and tiles.
Connie also reminded the board about the upcoming adult computer classes for
non-English speakers that Mauricio is giving. Connie spent $150 on Facebook to boost the post
but so far, only one person has signed up for it. Eva offered to spread the information to the ESL
class that she teaches. Abigail asked if there were other methods of outreach and Connie said
yes. Jeannie asked what the class did and Connie responded, stating that Mauricio provides
intro to computer information and how to search the internet safely. Fran commented, stating
that this was a great thing for the library to do.
With nothing further to address, Eva made the motion to adjourn at 5:52 p.m., with Myers
providing the second. The next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will be held
on February 19th, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jennifer Cullum
Secretary