Wilkes Library Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2017
Members present: Becky Ball, Carol Childers: Wilkes Friends of the Library president, Bill Davis, Julie Church Faw, Rosalind Gilreath, Rick Harvin, Gwen Minton, Ola Norman: Traphill Friends of the Library president, Beth Foster Tharrington, Brenda Willis, Wilkes County Librarian: Julia Turpin, Appalachian Regional Librarian: Jane Blackburn, County Commissioner: Eddie Settle
Chairman Rick Harvin called the meeting to order at 10 am in the Friends of the Library room.
Minutes of the January 11, 2017, meeting were circulated and reviewed. Motion for approval was made by Becky Ball with second by Brenda Willis. The minutes were approved.
Jane Blackburn noted that there was no correspondence to report.
Wilkes County Librarian, Julia Turpin reported that recent activities have elicited positive public relations response, especially from the local newspapers. The Winter Blues event, music, dinner, and dancing provided a sociable atmosphere and resulted in $3,400 to benefit the summer Imagination Café. Several volunteers have expressed enthusiasm for the program and the opportunity to be a part of such an effort to benefit the community. The free lunch program will be extended to the Traphill branch this summer, with local volunteer help.
The first ringing of the Literary Bell is greatly anticipated. Susan Blackburn of Wilkes County schools has offered encouragement and solicited involvement of teachers. The bell-ringing ceremony will be the third Monday of each month at 5:30 pm.
Other events and programs of note are: Participation in a state-wide program, Candid Critters, allows library patrons to check out tracking cameras to use on their state-owned property for one month. The NC Kids digital library, sponsored by NCPLDA, offers downloads for children. Rudy the therapy dog has returned. Traphill and Mountain View Elementary Schools will be included in Brittany Barbour’s pre-k alphabet ready visits. HVAC units are being repaired with unbudgeted county funds covering $4,200. The library paid $20,000 out of the fund balance. The budget request to the county is being prepared. $652,640 for which we are asking is $109,606 less than allocated in 2008.
Looking ahead: NC Poet Laureate, Shelby Stephenson, will entertain on April 20. Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 8, will be a partnership with many local agencies and Kids’ Fishing Day, April 15, will be in conjunction with the Town of Wilkesboro.
Regional Librarian, Jane Blackburn noted that the region is currently full staffed. She is working on a performance program to be completed by the end of March. Time-keeping software is being researched in hopes of simplifying the method currently in use. The 2017-18 Wilkes local library budget proposal was made available. We are requesting $7,000,000 from the state to return to the 1999 level with cost of living increase. Part of this amount will be for children’s ebooks and additional titles to satisfy a state initiative.
Two grants are being prepared:
The Alpha-Ready project is an early literacy program to be taken into the schools. Testing scores will be shared by the schools showing those who participate in the program versus those who do not. The Community Read program “Involving Books” is a link to non-fiction books with ties to projects or interest in a specific area.
Library space-use consultant, Ed Sherry, who was funded by LSDA, will present his report March 16, to the regional board.
New Business was presented by Jane Blackburn. The 2017-18 Wilkes library budget proposal was made available. The amount requested will be a return to the 1999 level with a cost of living increase. Part of this amount will be for children’s ebooks and to add titles to regular books. It was suggested that we call our state representatives and mention that public libraries really make good use of funding and personnel. County commissioner Eddie Settle commented that more state funding should be requested because, unless we get it, the projects and programs will be unfunded and on the county.
From county funds, a 2% increase in salary for employees will be requested. Two part-time employees are needed and then we are not at the 2007-2008 level. Wilkes Friends of the Library covers all programming costs. The state health plan insurance is satisfactory so those costs are contained. Eddie Settle asked if the board had lobbied the town of North Wilkesboro for increased funding. It was determined that it is too late now since their budget decisions have been made. He suggested that the town of Wilkesboro also be asked. Bill Davis suggested that $10,000 be requested and Julia Turpin agreed to ask again this year. The county has a work session and budget meeting the end of this month which includes all commissioners and Jule Hubbard. Bill Davis asked what we need to do to enhance our chances of increasing the likelihood of getting county funds. The request of an additional $60,000 is about a 10% increase, whereas, last year we received around 4%. Response by Eddie Settle noted that the school system will get more money because of state requirements. He also stated that we need to cite specific needs so that he has ammunition to speak in the budget meeting. The county commissioners are invited to the March 16, Regional Library board meeting. Julia Turpin asked how she couldget the commissioners involved.
Confidentiality of Patron Records Policy was presented in a handout for review. This is not a change in the statute, but a change in policy for clarification. Jane Blackburn will research the meeting room policy and bring the issue to the regional board for consideration. A motion to that effect was presented by Carol Childers with second by Bill Davis. The board approved the motion. Eddie Settle mentioned that someone needs to look at the open meeting law and Bill suggested that Eddie ask county attorney Tony Triplett to look into it. Eddie committed to do so.
Wilkes Friends of the Library president Carol Childers reported on the success of the Chocolate Extravaganza. As a membership drive, it increased membership to 150. The monthly book sales, held the second weekend each month, are going well, producing $1,000 or more each month. Research is beginning on a speaker for the November 5, 2017, annual dinner meeting.
Traphill Branch Friends of theLibrary president Ola Norman reported the fall yard sale earned $300-$400. Repair of the light in the meeting room was mentioned and Julia promised to take care of this.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Foster Tharrington, secretary