Public Library Board October 21
Two public presentations: one by the digital librarian with an update on e-material projects and services and another by Mr. Pat Raverty, chair of the Boone County Public Library (BCPL) Foundation. Raverty appeared with Barbara Hill, former president of the Board who now apparently works for the Foundation, and updated the Board regarding the Foundation’s work with the Archive and History Center and other capital projects to enhance facilities’ equipment. The Foundation has about $41,000 in its checking account. Little else of importance was discussed.
As part of the Director’s Report, Executive Director Carrie Herrmann informed the Board about staffing challenges related to the Chapin Memorial Library (CML), noting that one of the staff is on vacation and the other resigned. This has now required the Board to “step back” the CML to express library status vs. hybrid status. Herrmann stated the CML is still open with locker availability only, although they have increased the number of computers at the CML to four and still have a commitment from one of the branches to provide story hours for the children.
Herrmann responded to Board member Deborah Dutton-Lambert’s question regarding the $4 million remaining in the budget under the Walton library “tab.” Herrmann indicated the remaining funds will be moved to the capital projects “tab” once all expense items attributable to the Walton branch have settled.
Per the Accountant/Treasurer’s Report, total assets of the library, including fixed assets, are $77,098,000 with $8.1 million in liabilities. About $288,000 in revenue was received in the month of August. Total expenses are $2,500,000. In addition, the independent auditors will be at the BCPL November 11 to conduct the financial statement independent audit.
Per the BCPL attorney, the Boone County Water Commission signed the paperwork for the in-ground water tank and will be closing shortly.
Board President Eric Jackson provided a written BCPL Code of Conduct for the Board’s review with the stated goal of keeping members on track. Board member Dutton-Lambert noted that although there is a value statement for the Board, there is no ethics code. Herrmann indicated she and her staff are in the process of creating a code of ethics for the BCPL system. Dutton-Lambert requested this document include a section on fraud, waste and abuse, which is important in any ethics standards.
Herrmann brought up an existing Facilities Master Plan and Strategic Plan Review, which was provided about five years ago by an independent source focusing on prioritizing capital projects. The Walton branch was given first priority; next on the list is expansion of the Florence branch now that the Walton branch is essentially completed. Herrmann indicated she believes the BCPL should wait a good six to eight months before making any specific plans relative to the Florence expansion to ensure the Walton branch has no issues and the building meets expectations during all four seasons. However, a private residence currently for sale that the BCPL could possibly purchase would allow for the Florence branch expansion. This topic was tabled for further discussion later. Herrmann indicated the Board will meet at the Florence branch in January, which may be a good time to open discussions once the Board has had a chance to view the building.
A list of documents needing to be destroyed was supplied to the Board. Fiscal year 2015 through 2020 budget papers should be destroyed after each audit but have not been. Herrmann confirmed that the BCPL must follow the state’s records retention rules. A motion was made and passed to destroy the documents listed.
Board President Jackson distributed for the Board’s review a document he described as a composite of the previous Board discussions regarding the CML ad hoc committee. No vote was scheduled for this meeting; the Board members will review. President Jackson requested responses from the Board members by November 4 for his review.
Two residents spoke during the public comment period regarding continuing issues with the CML. These residents insist a sign at the library indicates it’s closed despite what CH says. The residents expressed deep concerns at what they feel is the lack of communication between the BCPL and the community. The commenters stated they had no communication regarding story hours continuing and that most of the residents believe the CML is closed. The commenters still believe the BCPL can do better with salaries for the staff so they can staff the library permanently. The commenters, speaking for the community, still feel they are being disenfranchised, and the printer being taken away is still a bone of contention with them.
The other commenter continued to advocate for more conservative publications, volunteering to pay subscriptions to The Epoch Times. Her pleas continue to fall on deaf ears. A Boone County resident has approached one Board member regarding the potential of making a motion and having the Board review the issue, but when the Board member confronted Herrmann, she was told it is important to note that while the Board sets policy, the executive director—i.e., Herrmann—is responsible for day-to-day management of the library, including decisions related to the collection. Herrmann went on to state that on a national level, the BCPL is seeing a significant shift, as many newspapers and magazines either cease publication or transition to digital formats due to declining readership. This, combined with rising subscription costs, has reduced the demand for physical copies. Consequently, the BCPL staff is prioritizing local newspapers, major Kentucky publications, and a select few national papers. At this time, BCPL will not be adding new national or state newspapers to the collection.