04/16/2025 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
April 151�, 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 5:01 p.m. Board members present were
Steve Hellmann, Abigail Frank, Melanie Loughmitler, Fran Neely, Eva Dickey, and
Jennifer Cullum. Myers Hurt was absent. Also in attendance were Friends of the
Library representative Jeannie Walter, Library Director Connie Lawman, Deputy
City Manager Rob Vine, and City Manager Rose Beverly.
II, Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the board.
Ill. Approval:
The minutes of the March 19th, 2025 meetingwere approved, with no
corrections. Fran made the motion to approve the minutes and Melanie provided
the second.
IV. New Business
a. Strategic Plan
Connie informed the board that the Strategic Plan has been prepared to be
presented to the City Council. Abigail asked Connie how much longer the
Library would have access to the EBSCO database if it were not being
renewed. Connie responded, stating that the renewal just took place so the
Library will have access until Janurary 2025.
b. Summer Reading Program
Connie announced that the summer reading program will have its annual
kickoff on May 31St. This will be for all ages, with 0 -12 -year-olds completing
reading logs, and ages 13 and up will complete book reviews. Whataburger
and Caldwell Zoo have already committed as prize sponsors and Connie is
waiting to hear back from more. The theme this year wilt be camping, Connie
has invited the Boy and Girl Scouts to set up tables where they can have
activities at the kickoff. Tropical Snow and food trucks will also be at the
kickoff. Connie is very excited about this year's summer reading program and
is hoping for a big success. Each Friday, there will be different entertainers
which have been paid for by the Friends of the Library.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
Jeannie informed the advisory board that the spring story wall<will get underway
o n Apri l 27th.
VI. Director's Remarks
a. Interior rearrangement
Connie wanted the board to know that some aspects of the Library's interior
design were being rearranged to make way for easier access and bigger
space. Nathan's ILL circle wilt move to an original part of the library, which
will allow for more room when entertainers visit. Melanie thought this was a
great idea and noted that it could help Nathan to accomplish more work.
Abigail also stated that having Nathan's desk near the Teen Room would help
keep an eye on that area of the library.
b. TLA
Connie said that some of the library staff went to the Texas Library
Association Conference. She said that the staff came back and gave a
presentation, with great ideas for programming. They stated that they really
enjoyed going. Melanie added that this was a great use of Library funding.
c. New Employee
Connie informed the library board that she hired a new employee named
Denise. She recently moved from North Carolina with her family and has
experience with library cataloging. Connie is very excited to have her.
With nothing further to address, Melanie made the motion to adjourn at 5:25 p.m., with Eva
providing the 211d. The next meeting of the Paris Library Advisory Board will be held on May
21, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m.