Submitted by Joanie Goforth
Library Board Meeting Update (09/16/24):
Monday morning, the Library Board met at the Sharon Forks Library. Highlighted agenda items include:
Activities Report:
Deputy Director Ann Decherd presented July and August's Public Services activities report. Ann highlighted the Summer Reading Finales, which, across the system, brought in nearly 1,000 attendees. She pointed out that adult registrants increased by 16%, adult minutes logged increased by 89%, and adult rewards redeemed increased by 1700% (due to incremental sticker rewards).
Ann explained that each branch hosted a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten storytime in August, bringing in 397 attendees to enjoy crafts, photo opportunities, puppet shows, stories, and a special recognition for those reaching milestones. She shared that as of September 14, there had been 2,744 votes cast online and in the branches by patrons and staff eager to weigh in on the new library card design. Ann also gave an overview of our Information Services and Youth Services Training Days and highlighted the Barry Stewart Mann performance at Pine Ridge, one of Outreach’s big bookmobile stops. She invited the Board to attend our upcoming Staff Day themed “Thrive.”
Denmark Library update:
IT and Facilities Manager Holly Barfield gave a construction progress update on the Denmark Library. The Board got to see the most recent views of the exterior of the building. Now that crews are in the “finishes” stage of construction, Holly also shared photos of the vibrant study room colors and the dramatic pavers installed at the back patio, Friends Terrace, Bookworm Garden, and amphitheater.
Check out the Denmark Library website for the most recent site photos and activity.
Outdoor Spaces Policy:
The Board voted to approve the amended Outdoor Spaces Policy, effective September 17, 2024. This policy provides initial guidance for managing the new spaces at the Denmark Library and addresses the existing Story Strolls and gardens at our other locations. In addition, the policy defines all FCPL outdoor spaces, identifies their locations, and outlines acceptable uses and behaviors for staff and the community.
The policy references existing policies regarding Patron Behavior, Smoking, and Solicitation. Individuals reserving the space must comply with the Rooms for Public Use Policy - Meeting Rooms and Conference Rooms section, with the following exceptions:
Food is permitted in the Amphitheater.
No amplified sound is allowed.
Election of Officers for Library Board of Trustees:
The Board voted to elect Christy Winters as Chair, Lisa Stortzum as Vice-Chair, and Kathy Thomas as Secretary/Treasurer effective September 16, 2024.
Award of HVAC bid:
We received a surprising seven bids for this contract. After reviewing the presentation of the bid assessment process and various factors staff used to make a recommendation, The Board voted to award the Cumming Library and Hampton Park Library HVAC replacement contract (four units included in Projects #1 and #2 Alternate) to Debalski Heating and Cooling, in the amount of $90,562.00.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget adjustments:
Three budget adjustments were approved at Monday’s meeting. The Board voted unanimously to:
Decrease Personnel expenses by $82,116.00 to correct the July 15, 2024 budget adjustment for County funding. These expenses related to SHBP were included in the original FY2025 budget approved on January 16, 2024.
Increase State revenue and Operations expenses by $30,950.33 to reflect the FY2025 LibTech grant.
Increase Donations revenue and Materials expenses by $500.00 to reflect a donation from the South Forsyth Rotary Club for books in honor of Rotary speakers.
The Board entered an executive session to discuss personnel-related matters. During this session, three of the semi-finalists for the Director position were interviewed by the Board via videoconference. Finalists will be invited to on-site interviews on October 8 and 9 in hopes that a decision can be made before the November 18 meeting.
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