Changes in Library Board Membership

Submitted by Anna Lyle

The Library Board of Trustees consists of five members appointed by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners (BOC), our sole local funding entity. Like the five Commissioners, each member represents a specific district. Library Board members serve staggered four-year terms. The Library Board is a legal entity with the authority to make policy and govern the affairs of the Library.

Florencia (Flo) Valdes was appointed to the Library Board at last Tuesday’s BOC work session. This appointment is expected to be ratified at this Thursday’s regular meeting of the BOC.

Ms. Valdes will replace Kristin Morrissey as the District 2 representative on July 1st. In making the nomination, BOC Chairman Alfred John shared that Ms. Valdes has an interest in underprivileged communities. She spent a decade in youth ministry with an emphasis on troubled youth and is currently a small business owner. She has a passion for education and life-long learning and has served as the president of the Denmark HS PTSO and the secretary of her community HOA. Chairman John noted that Ms. Valdes “believes libraries are the learning hubs of the community, providing invaluable resources and fostering lifelong learning for everyone.” Her priority will be “ensuring the safety of library patrons and maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

She has been married to Mike Valdes for 20 years and has three children. She loves American history and is currently reading The Radium Girls by Kate Moore. Her favorite series is the Killing books by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard.

Kristin Morrissey’s 16-year tenure on the Library Board will end on June 30th. She was elected chair of the Search Committee (for the next FCPL Director) at that committee’s first meeting last week, so she will continue that role with the Library for several months.

Please refer any questions about Library Board appointments to your supervisor, Ann, or Anna.