January | February | February Special Called | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October
Board Meeting Minutes for January 14, 2025
|
Minutes |
January 14, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Lynn Flowers-Martin, Vice President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yawntreshia Coleman, Cherie D. Dortch, Nadia M. Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: Willie S. Davis III, R. Jordan Davis, Yolanda Hardy, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The January 14, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Lynn Flowers-Martin at 4:36 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few December programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the December financial report.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston reported on the Central 3rd floor HVAC / air handler project and the East Lake cooling tower.
Langston shared an update on the flooding of the Linn Henley basement.
Langston reported that the heating systems have been repaired at North Avondale and North Birmingham.
Langston shared that through the Mayor’s Office and Cardiac Solutions, two AEDs were delivered and installed at BPL’s Central Branch and Southside Branch.
Langston reported on additional facility updates including BPL security alarms and carpet cleaning.
Langston shared that the Best Sellers Club is celebrating 25 years with a new logo, an updated author list, and the addition of Celebrity Book Club picks.
Langston invited board members to visit BPL on the evening of January 24th from 5 – 7 p.m. for an author event with Mayor Randall Woodfin featuring his new book, Son of Birmingham.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members wished everyone a Happy New Year. Members stated it was a great start to the year, and they are looking forward to what’s to come.
Next Board Meeting: February 11, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:04 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for February 11, 2025
|
Minutes |
February 11, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Cherie D. Dortch, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, John Lyons Jr.
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Nadia M. Johnson, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Chandler Champion, Director of Development; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The February 11, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
A patron requested BPL look into FlexTime on the computers at Southside and Titusville.
Presentations
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few January programs, events, and accomplishments.
Janine Langston presented the 2024 Annual Report.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
Attorney Beverly Scruggs called an executive session in order. All attendees returned to the board meeting after the executive session.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the January financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Personnel Committee
Lynn Flowers-Martin reported on the February 11th meeting.
Lynn Flowers-Martin called for a motion to approve the recommendation of changing the selection process for receiving applicants, allowing them to apply at other reputable job banks in addition to the Career Center.
Lynn Flowers-Martin called for a motion to approve the recommendation of upgrading the pay grade classifications for the BPL Security personnel and the recommendation of deleting a vacant part-time Library Assistant I position and using the associated funds to upgrade three positions.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
Janine Langston shared that the 2025 ALA Annual Conference will be held in Philadelphia on June 26 – 30 and any interested board members should contact her.
The March 11 Board Meeting will be held at the East Ensley Branch Library.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston invited board members to attend the Loud at the Library program featuring trombonist Jacob Elkin on February 18 at 6 p.m. at Central.
Langston shared that BPL is partnering with the Cob Division of Social Justice & Racial Equity to host “Reading with Justice” on February 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Central.
Langston invited board members to attend the special event “Let’s Talk with Lady Woo” on February 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Five Points West Regional Library.
Langston shared A Novel Tasting sponsorship information and forms.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members congratulated BPL on all of the great programs being held. Members stated they were looking forward to A Novel Tasting. Cherie D. Dortch stated she would be working on getting sponsorships for A Novel Tasting. Willie S. Davis III reminded board members about paying their board dues.
Next Board Meeting: March 11, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at East Ensley Branch Library
Adjournment: 5:23 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for February 27, 2025
|
Minutes |
February 27, 2025 |
4:00 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Special Called Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, John Lyons Jr.
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Cherie D. Dortch, Nadia M. Johnson, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The February 27, 2025, special called board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:08 p.m. There was no invocation.
FY 2026 Budget Review
CFO Damein Baity presented the FY 2026 preliminary budget submission and answered questions posed by the board.
Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the FY 2026 Budget Submission.
Other Business
No Report.
Adjournment: 4:44 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for March 11, 2025
|
Minutes |
March 11, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
East Ensley Branch Library |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Cherie D. Dortch, Yolanda Hardy, Nadia M. Johnson, Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Lynn Flowers-Martin, John Lyons Jr., Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office; Kenyata Rodgers, East Ensley Branch Manager
Others Present: None |
||
Call to Order
The March 11, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Yolanda Hardy provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston introduced the East Ensley Branch staff.
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few February programs, events, and accomplishments.
Janine Langston, Ka’ryn Davis-West, and Damein Baity presented the FY 2026 Budget Hearing PowerPoint presentation.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
Not present.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the February financial report.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston provided an update regarding the patron who spoke at last month’s board meeting.
Langston reported that Trane is scheduled to bring the HVAC system at the East Lake Branch online on March 20th.
Langston shared that BPL will be holding our annual half-day staff training on Thursday, March 20th, and all BPL locations will open at 2 p.m. that day.
Langston shared that several BPL employees will be attending the COB Empowering Women Summit on March 12th.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members stated they enjoyed the FY 2026 Budget Hearing presentation. Members stated they are looking forward to A Novel Tasting.
Next Board Meeting: April 8, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:20 p.m
Board Meeting Minutes for April 8, 2025
|
Minutes |
April 8, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Cherie D. Dortch, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, John Lyons Jr., Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Nadia M. Johnson, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Chandler Champion, Director of Development; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The April 8, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few March programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the March financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Advocacy, Fundraising & Development Committee
Dana Woodruff reported on the March 25th committee meeting. Woodruff stated the next committee meeting would be held on May 13, 2025, after the board meeting.
Policy, Procedures & By-Laws Committee
Lynn Flowers-Martin reported on the March 28th committee meeting.
Janine Langston recommended adding additional information to the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form.
Janine Langston recommended modifying the Meeting Room Policy to specify that the two free non-profit meeting room rentals only apply to meeting rooms, conference rooms, and auditoriums.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared information on a special event proposal, including the committee’s proposed rental fee.
Personnel Committee
Lynn Flowers-Martin reported on the April 7th committee meeting.
Attorney Beverly Scruggs called an executive session in order. All attendees returned to the board meeting after the executive session.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
In compliance with the APLS Administrative Code, Janine Langston recommended approving four board members and four staff members to attend the 2025 American Library Association Annual Conference being held in Philadelphia on June 26 – 30, 2025.
Janine Langston recommended accepting a carpet donation for the North Avondale Branch Library from Carpet Specialists.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston shared that this is National Library Week and that BPL was recognized with a Proclamation from Mayor Woodfin at City Council.
Langston provided an update on the Central 3rd-floor HVAC / air handler project and the East Lake cooling tower.
Langston shared that HVAC repairs at the North Birmingham Regional Library are complete.
Langston reported that the half-day staff training on March 20th was successful.
Langston shared that BPL is partnering with BHAM Work Release to allow incarcerated women to read a story to their children for Mother’s Day.
Langston shared that the Alabama Library Association Conference is being held this week in Guntersville, AL, and that several BPL team members are attending and presenting.
Langston reported that the City of Birmingham ACE classes continue to meet at BPL.
Langston announced that Council President Darrell O’Quinn has appropriated $5000 for the East Lake Branch Library to purchase a multi-function color printer and $2500 for the Central Library Beyond the Bell after-school programming. The Jones Valley Neighborhood Association has appropriated $500 for the Powderly Branch Library’s Summer Reading program.
Langston invited board members to celebrate National Library Week at the Avondale Regional Branch Library with the Checkers & Rally’s Fry Love Express on April 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Langston reminded board members to purchase their tickets for A Novel Tasting.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members wished the BPL staff a happy National Library Worker Day. Members stated their appreciation for the Books for Prison Initiative.
Next Board Meeting: May 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:20 p.m
Board Meeting Minutes for May 13, 2025
|
Minutes |
May 13, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Cherie D. Dortch, Yolanda Hardy, Nadia M. Johnson, John Lyons Jr.
Trustees Not Present: Lynn Flowers-Martin, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The May 13, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:34 p.m.
Yolanda Hardy provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston introduced BPL staff member Monica Slater and congratulated her on obtaining her MLIS.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few April programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the April financial report.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston shared that the re-opening of the East Lake Branch Library will be on Monday, June 2, 2025, with a re-opening celebration at 10 a.m.
Langston reported that the COB has launched a mandatory Harassment Prevention Training for all city employees and that BPL staff will be participating during May and June.
Langston shared that Splawn Construction began work last week on the leaks in the Central HVAC and air handler system.
Langston reported that the North Birmingham Regional Library was recently awarded funding from the Jefferson County Community Service Fund to replace the carpet in the auditorium.
Langston shared that during the last month, she met with representatives from three local agencies and firms to discuss strategic planning for BPL, and requests for proposals have been sent to all three.
Langston recognized and congratulated Roy Williams on being recently honored by the Alabama Media Professionals with the 2025 Trailblazer Award.
Langston also recognized the 2025 ACE graduates: Sequoria Lewis, Smithfield Branch Manager; Tonya Clark, Inglenook and Woodlawn Branch Manager; Megan Green, Powderly Branch Manager; and Loretta Jones, Northeastern Public Service Manager.
Langston reported that the 2025 A Novel Tasting was a fantastic event, and thanked board members for their support.
Langston shared a memo from APLS Board Chair John Wahl defining “sexually explicit” for the APLS code and policy compliance.
Langston shared that BPL employee Connie Tolbert will be retiring on May 22, 2025, after 40 years of service.
Langston reported that the 2025 Summer Reading Kick-Off was held inside Avondale Regional Library last Saturday and went well despite the rain.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members stated they enjoyed attending A Novel Tasting and received many positive comments on the event from other attendees. John Lyons Jr. shared a story about the Springville Road Regional Branch Library and praised the branch’s staff members.
Next Board Meeting: June 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:10 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for June 10, 2025
|
Minutes |
June 10, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Cherie D. Dortch, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: Nadia M. Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Daniel Campbell, PC Network Technician; Chandler Champion, Director of Development; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The June 10, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few May programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the April financial report.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
Janine Langston reported that the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability will be using the BPL Government Documents area as a temporary office.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston thanked board members for their support in the reopening of the East Lake Branch Library.
Langston reported that Splawn Construction is currently completing the drain repairs on the Central 3rd-floor HVAC/air handler project.
Langston shared that Trane completed the replacement of coils in the chiller at the Springville Road Regional Library last week.
Langston reported that the City Council recently approved a resolution for roof repairs at the Avondale Regional Library.
Langston shared that Summer Reading is now in full swing with hundreds of program opportunities for patrons of all ages. The Summer Steamer Camps will begin next week at Central and the Five Points West Regional Library.
Langston shared that BPL team members participated in numerous outreach events during May.
Langston reported that the Friends Foundation will host their annual Spring Book Sale on June 12 – 14, 2025.
Langston shared that she would be out of the office from June 19th to June 28th.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members stated they are excited about all of the Summer Reading programs. Members stated they enjoyed attending the reopening of the East Lake Branch Library. R. Jordan Davis had a question regarding grants, and Bessie Miller responded. Willie S. Davis III informed board members that Lynn Flowers-Martin and Yolanda Hardy would lead the Nominating Committee.
Next Board Meeting: July 8, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 4:53 p.m
Board Meeting Minutes for July 8, 2025
|
Minutes |
July 8, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Cherie D. Dortch, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Nadia M. Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The July 8, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:29 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few June programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the June financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Advocacy, Fundraising, and Development Committee
Dana Woodruff reported on the July 8th meeting. Woodruff shared that she would provide a detailed report at the next board meeting.
Personnel Committee
Lynn Flowers-Martin reported on the June 16th and July 8th meetings.
The Personnel Committee voted to recommend eliminating four identified vacant positions and creating two part-time security guard positions and one part-time laborer position.
The Personnel Committee voted to recommend approving the job description for the newly funded Building Custodian position.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston congratulated CFO Damein Baity on being recently elected to serve on the GFOA Executive Board.
Langston shared that the City Council approved the Mayor’s proposed FY 2026 Budget on June 24th and that our proposed operating budget was fully funded as submitted, which includes 9 new positions.
Langston reported that the summer has been great so far and programming will continue at many locations throughout July.
Langston shared that the Central Library Roof and Floor Drain Repair contractor has completed the original scope of work and has returned to determine the source of additional reported leakage is from an adjacent condensate drain line.
Langston reported that the Pratt City Branch Library experienced a pest control issue.
Langston shared that the BPL Outreach Team continues to make weekly visits with the bookmobile – BPL Mobile.
Langston reported that our newly formed Media Comms team has been hard at work and have been updating graphics and our webpage layout.
Langston shared that her mission trip to Nicaragua was a success.
Next Board Meeting: August 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 4:55 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for August 12, 2025
|
Minutes |
August 12, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Cherie D. Dortch, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy,
Trustees Not Present: Nadia M. Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Chandler Champion, Director of Development; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The August 12, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:33 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston offered condolences to the family and friends of BPL retirees Marguerite Scott and Pernell Johnson, who both passed away in July 2025.
Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few July programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the July financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Finance Committee
Yawntreshia Coleman reported on the August 12th meeting.
The Finance Committee voted to adopt the FY 2026 Budget as presented.
Long-Range Planning Committee
Cherie Dortch reported on the July 14th meeting.
Janine Langston shared Strategic Planning proposals from three companies. The vote was tabled until references have been checked.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
Janine Langston shared that the Birmingham City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an agreement with the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the University of Alabama Hospital and Birmingham Public Libraries under which UAB will host Social Work staff in the Birmingham Public Libraries to assist library patrons and the public needing social service assistance.
BPL will also receive an AED device for each location and 4 devices for Central. We will also place the One Box containing Narcan next to the AED.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston reported that BPL is still working on several facility projects, including the Central 3rd-floor HVAC air handler and the Linn Henley AC condensation issues.
Langston shared that BPL wrapped the 2025 Summer Reading Program and that the Summer Steamer Camps held at Central and Five Points West were a great success.
Langston provided an update on the Smithfield Choice Neighborhood Grant Initiative.
Langston shared that the Friends Foundation will be having another special sale of “Treasures from the Stacks” on Tuesday, August 19th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Grand Commons.
Langston invited board members to attend Books, Blues, and BBQ on Friday, September 13th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Langston shared that the BPL Annual Staff Day will be on Thursday, September 18th.
Langston reported that BPL is once again partnering with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to provide concert vouchers.
Bessie Miller provided an update on Classic Cocktails and presented the new webpage for the event.
Next Board Meeting: September 9, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:16 p.m
Board Meeting Minutes for September 9, 2025
|
Minutes |
September 9, 2025 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
||
|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Cherie D. Dortch, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: Nadia M. Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Chandler Champion, Director of Development; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
||
Call to Order
The September 9, 2025, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Willie S. Davis III presented a resolution to Pernell Johnson’s wife, Lee Johnson, and family.
A resolution honoring the memory of BPL retiree Marguerite Scott was also prepared and will be mailed to her family.
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Lanston also shared a short presentation highlighting the 2025 Summer Reading program.
Ka’ryn Davis-West shared a presentation highlighting a few August programs, events, and accomplishments.
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the August financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Long-Range Planning Committee
Janine Langston shared references for Zadie & Co. with the board.
Dana Woodruff motioned to accept the Long-Range Planning Committee’s recommendation of using Zadie & Co. for Strategic Planning.
Advocacy, Fundraising, and Development Committee
Dana Woodruff provided handouts regarding Trustee Treasures and BPL Library Professional Social Council and presented a brief overview of each.
Woodruff stated that a more in-depth discussion would continue at the next Committee meeting.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
Janine Langston recommended closing all branch locations at 4:00 p.m. on October 21, 2025, to allow staff attendance at Classic Cocktails.
Langston confirmed the November Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and the location is TBD.
Executive Director’s Report
Janine Langston shared that to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, BPL, in partnership with JCLC member libraries, is hosting the annual Food for Fines campaign.
Langston reported that the APLS Board has proposed additional changes to the APLS Administrative Code and that the comment period for these revisions is open and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on October 14, 2025.
Langston invited Board Members to attend Books, Blues, and BBQ on Friday, September 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Langston shared that the East Ensley Branch Library is celebrating 60 years of service and will host a celebration on Friday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m.
Langston shared that the Annual BPL Staff Day will be on Thursday, September 18, and invited Board Members to attend.
Wille S. Davis III reminded the Board that if any are interested in fulfilling an officer role, they should send an email to the Nominating Committee: Lynn Flowers Martin – Chair, Yolanda Hardy, and Cherie D. Dortch.
Next Board Meeting: October 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:13 p.m.
Board Meeting Summary for October 14, 2025