HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-2022 Fairhope Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes (Final)
Fairhope Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Monday April 17, 2023
Attendance: Anne Johnson, Tamara Dean, Debra Langham, Andy Parvin, Randal Wright, Dan
Stankoski
Absent: City Council Liaison Jimmy Conyers
Also present: Nan Denson, Treasurer, Friends of the Fairhope Library; Treasurer for the Capital
Campaign
Called to order at 4:03pm.
Ms. Nan Denson reported on the status of the Capital Campaign. The total in the Campaign
account as of 4/17/23 was $432,260.38. With several undeposited checks, the current total
would be $434,438.08.
Minutes of the 2/20/2023 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.
Monthly Statistical Report: Tamara continues to report increasing numbers in many categories:
visitors, circulation, computer use and programs.
Employee Report: After interviews with both internal and external candidates, Tamara
reported that the library has been able to promote staff to fill several vacancies, thus creating
two openings in the circulation department.
Financial Report: Tamara stated that it is time to start thinking about next year’s budget and
the need to continue to support staff with an increase in pay. Ideas were discussed including
tapping into the library’s reserve funds.
There being no further discussion, a motion was made to accept all three reports, seconded
and passed unanimously.
Old Business:
Update on the Capital Campaign -
Randal shared that the 5k eight week challenge will end Saturday, April 29, 2023 with an event
at the library to mark the end of the challenge. There is a donor willing to match if we reach
the 5k. At that event, there will also be the symbolic handover of the Foundation’s funds to the
library. Randal also shared that the Friend’s Board decided not to hold the Bay Breeze Bash in
April, but will consider the event in the fall. Randal and Tamara will work the Impact 100 grant
again this year. Volunteer Appreciation brunch scheduled by Friends of Fairhope Library.
Update Director:
Tamara discussed the confusion over the official address of the library and said the parcel
number and the actual address should now be aligned. In other news, the library has an offer
from speaker Rian Hamby to do a series on the hot topic of artificial intelligence. This will take
place in May. The Library staff decided to change the name of the Rare Books and Special
Collection to the Legacy Collection. Finally, Tamara suggested that room rental rates and
photocopy rates be raised to reflect increases in prices. The Board supported the rate increases.
New Business:
National Library Week (NLW) is April 23-29, 2023 and the mayor will attend a brief event
Monday, April 24 to read a proclamation. Refreshments will be served afterwards. The Friends
will host a lunch for all staff on Tuesday that week in honor of NL Workers Day.
The Southern Writers Conference Anniversary is November 17 & 18, 2023 in Fairhope and the
library has been asked if the Giddens could be used to host the event. This would entail after
hours rental, some staff time and the use of alcohol. The Board felt this was an appropriate use
of the meeting room assuming all normal fees and rules applied and voted to allow the event.
Comments from the Chair – Anne reiterated the importance of Board members being visible at
library events as well as in the community and that part of our role is to advocate for the library
at every opportunity.
Elections of Officers: Re-elected were Anne Johnson as Chair, Andy Parvin as Vice Chair, and
Randall Wright volunteered and was elected as Secretary. The vote was unanimous.
The Board voted to move the June meeting date to Tuesday, June 20th at 4:00pm due to the
Juneteenth holiday on Monday that week.
Meeting adjourned: 5:11 pm
Respectfully Submitted: Debra Langham Secretary, DNP, FNP-BC