Library Board Meeting Update (1/20/2026)

Submitted by Sara Higgins

The Library Board met on Tuesday for the regular January meeting.

Highlighted agenda items include:

Announcements

Adrianne Junius shared the Fall 2025 Library News magazine by Georgia Public Library System (GPLS), which highlights the economic value of Georgia’s public libraries and features Forsyth County Public Library volunteer Bruce Koehler.

Activities Report

Deputy Director Ann Decherd presented the Public Service Activities Report for November and December. Programming highlights included Children’s Book Week, Wacky Winter Photos, the Elf Book Walk, and the Winter Reading Challenge. She also shared upcoming programs, including Great Decisions, Lunar New Year, and Forsyth Reads Together with Liz Moore.

Friends and Advocates Report

Director Adrianne Junius presented the FCPL Friends and Advocates Report, highlighting their November 2025 Fall Celebration Lunch, during which they celebrated their accomplishments from the year and set goals for 2026. Since the closure of Baker & Taylor, the Friends are looking for sturdy boxes for their book pickups.

Financial Reports

The Board voted unanimously to adopt the financial reports for the Library’s General Fund and the Denmark Construction Fund, presented by Director of Support Services, Tonya Wallace.

Fiscal Year 2025 Audit and AUP Reports

The Board voted unanimously to accept the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit and AUP reports. This is the third year in a row with no findings. “This is a huge triumph for our Director of Support Services, Tonya Wallace, and everyone in her department. This was also very important given the change of Library Directors last year, demonstrating all of the hard work staff does to ensure that policies, internal controls, and best practices are followed at all times,” said Library Director Adrianne Junius.

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Adjustment

The Board voted unanimously to increase Federal revenue and Operations by $37,066.50 to reflect additional funds received through the Digital Connectivity Grant to purchase remote hold lockers for the Post Road Library. Holly Barfield stated at the Board meeting that she anticipates receiving these lockers in February.

Holly also applied for a matching MRR grant of $1,750.00, with a plan to use these funds towards a recent plumbing repair at the Cumming Library. The Board voted unanimously to increase State revenue and Operations by $1,750.00 to reflect additional MRR Grant funds received.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Tonya Wallace provided a preview of the FY2027 budget. The Board voted unanimously to move the voting to approve the FY2027 Budget to the February 9, 2026, Library Board Meeting.

2027 County Budget Request

Due to the rising operational costs, FCPL staff recommended that the Board requests $45,000.00 from the County for FY2027. It was also recommended that the request include a pay increase (COLA) for Library staff if one is provided to County staff. The Board unanimously opted to move the 2027 County Budget Request to February 9, 2026, with the FY2027 Budget vote.

MOU between FCPL and FCPL Friends and Advocates

The Board voted unanimously to approve an updated MOU between Forsyth County Public Library and the Forsyth County Public Library Friends and Advocates with the following changes:

• Library Sponsorships
  The Friends agree to serve as the conduit for all financial and in-kind sponsorships that support FCPL programs, services, and activities. The Friends retain final approval authority for accepting or declining all sponsorships.
  
  
• IT Equipment Use
  The Friends and Advocates group is responsible for ensuring that volunteers using the IT equipment in the bookstores follow all applicable FCPL policies and procedures. 

Post Road Library Road Widening Project

Holly Barfield presented an update on the Post Road Library road widening project. Vendor quotes are ongoing, and the formal packet is being assembled for approval at the February 9, 2026, Library Board Meeting. The project is scheduled to start in August–September 2026 and is expected to take 4 years to complete.

General Discussion

Adrianne Junius discussed a plan for reviewing the FCPL Constitution and Bylaws and presented suggestions for updates. The deadline to complete the review is in May.

Two patrons addressed the Board with a proposal to add vending machines to the branches. Adrianne Junius will provide the Board with more information on the history and logistics of vending machines at FCPL, and Flo Valdes suggested discussing further at the regular Board meeting on March 16, 2026.