January | February | February Special Called Meeting | March | April | May | June | July |
Board Meeting Minutes for January 9, 2024
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Minutes |
January 9, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Arrington Auditorium |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
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Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, John Lyons Jr., Mona Lisa Morris, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Jamilah Woods, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Malera Wright, City Attorney |
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Call to Order
The January 9, 2024, 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
None
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.
Malera Wright, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.
Reports of the Committees
Finance Committee:
Yolanda Hardy reported on the January 9th committee meeting.
The Finance Committee reviewed the Tutwiler Fund Performance Report distributed by CFO Damein Baity and reported that the fund is trending in a positive direction.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
Janine Langston shared that the 2024 ALA Annual Conference will be held June 27 – July 2, 2024, in San Diego, California. Langston requested that any board members interested in attending reach out to her prior to registration opening on February 20, 2024.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Janine Langston shared BPL hosted 86 holiday programs and activities during December.
Langston reported that BPL statistics saw significant increases when comparing December 2022 to December 2023.
Langston shared that the BPL Friends Foundation was recently rewarded several grants benefiting arts programs at BPL.
Langston announced Director of Development, Catherine Frey, resigned from her position. Langston stated BPL is still moving forward with grant submissions and preparations for A Novel Tasting which is scheduled for April 11, 2024.
Langston shared that BPL kicked off the 2024 Bards and Brews series on January 5th and will host a Slam on February 2nd at the Central Library.
Langston reported that BPL will be offering several programs to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. BPL will be closed on Monday, January 15th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Langston thanked board members for their continued support of BPL.
Deputy Director Ka’ryn Davis-West reported on the various meetings and trainings being held for BPL staff and thanked the Public Service Managers and Human Resources team for their hard work.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members wished all a Happy New Year and stated they are excited to see what this year brings. Members congratulated BPL on hosting 86 holiday programs. Several members attended various holiday programs and stated each event was enjoyed. Members stated they are looking forward to the third annual A Novel Tasting.
Next Board Meeting: February 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 4:47 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for February 13, 2024
|
Minutes |
February 13, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Arrington Auditorium |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
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|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, R. Jordan Davis, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Sandra Lee
Trustees Not Present: Yawntreshia Coleman, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Mona Lisa Morris, Dana Woodruff
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
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Call to Order
The February 13, 2024, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:34 p.m. Quorum was not met so the meeting was informational only.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Willie S. Davis presented a Resolution from the BPL Board of Trustees to the family of Sandra Crawley who served the Birmingham Public Library for 42 years.
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Langston presented the BPL FY 2023 Annual Report and expressed appreciation to the staff members who contributed.
Approval of Agenda
A quorum was not present to vote.
Approval of Consent Agenda
All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.
A quorum was not present to vote.
Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney
No report.
Operational Items Requiring Board Approval
Finance Report:
Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.
A quorum was not present to vote.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
Janine Langston shared that the 2024 ALA Annual Conference will be held June 27 – July 2, 2024, in San Diego, California. Langston requested that any board members interested in attending reach out to her prior to registration opening on February 20, 2024.
New Business
Janine Langston shared that a new branch manager has been selected for the East Ensley Branch Library and two new part-time assistants began work this week. Langston requested a Special Called Board Meeting be held to discuss operational hours for this branch.
Langston shared that the FY 2025 budget request package is due to the COB Budget Office by February 29, 2024. Langston requested a Special Called Board Meeting be held on February 26, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. for a presentation of the prepared packet.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Janine Langston shared BPL hosted various activities in January, including staff training, public programs, special events, and severe weather.
Langston reported significant increases when comparing the January 2023 and January 2024 statistics.
Langston shared information on three exhibits currently on display in the Central East Building; Assembly: Contemporary Gee’s Bend Quilts exhibit, Candy Crush exhibit, and Otherness exhibit.
Langston reported that BPL will be celebrating Black History Month with 81 programs for all ages and audiences throughout the system.
Langston invited the board to attend BPL’s Loud at the Library event, Soulful Sunday, on February 18, 2024.
Langston shared that the BPL Archives Department will present a special author program on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. featuring Birmingham native, Jerome E. Morris, discussing his new book titled Central City’s Joy and Pain: Solidarity, Survival, and Soul in a Birmingham Housing Project.
Deputy Director Ka’ryn Davis-West reported that the annual statistics saw significant increases. Davis-West gave information on the COB Learning and Development Catalog that will be shared with BPL staff.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members wished all a happy Valentine’s Day. R. Jordan Davis posed questions on the HVAC/air handler project located on Central’s third floor and security at the Southside Branch; Janine Langston responded. Willie S. Davis stated he is looking forward to the third annual A Novel Tasting. Sandra Lee reported on the new partnership between the Friends Foundation Bookstore and Hi-Wire Brewing. Lee shared that the Spring Book Sale will be held April 4 – 6, 2024.
Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at Wylam Branch Library (4300 7th Ave, Birmingham, AL 35224)
Adjournment: 5:10 p.m.
Special Called Board Meeting Minutes for February 26, 2024
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Minutes |
February 26, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Board Room |
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Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
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Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr.
Trustees Not Present: Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Mona Lisa Morris, Dana Woodruff
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
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Call to Order
The February 26, 2024, special called board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
FY 2025 Budget Review
CFO Damein Baity presented the FY 2025 preliminary budget submission and answered questions posed by the board.
Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the FY 2025 Budget Submission.
Other Business
Executive Director Janine Langston recommended a change in positions at BPL to enhance the efficiency of library operations. By implementing these proposed changes, BPL will effectively add a new security officer position and increase the number of security hours by approximately 20-28 hours bi-weekly.
Langston recommended expanding the East Ensley public service hours from Tuesdays and Thursdays only to Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. effective March 4, 2024.
Langston shared that the 2024 ALA Conference early bird registration ends on March 31st and any board members interested in attending should reach out to her.
Adjournment: 5:17 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for March 12, 2024
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|
Minutes |
March 12, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Wylam Branch Library |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
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|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr.
Trustees Not Present: Mona Lisa Morris, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: None |
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Call to Order
The March 12, 2024, board meeting was called to order by R. Jordan Davis at 4:35 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston introduced and thanked Wylam Branch Manager, Selina Johnson. Johnson introduced the Wylam staff members.
Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Langston shared a short promotional video for A Novel Tasting.
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, CFO shared there are system issues that have prevented a report from being compiled for February.
John Lyons Jr. called for a motion to approve the January financial report.
John Lyons Jr. called for a motion to table approving the February finance report until system issues are resolved.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Janine Langston shared that BPL hosted various activities in February, including 81 programs celebrating Black History Month.
Langston reminded members that starting March 4 the East Ensley Branch Library is now open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Langston announced that the next exhibit in the 4th-floor gallery will be in celebration of Women’s History Month and is titled Voices Carry: Art by Alabama Women. The exhibit will be on display through April 26.
Langston reported that BPL has partnered with local agencies to provide free tax prep assistance at seven locations.
Langston shared information on the upcoming 3rd Annual A Novel Tasting event and requested that potential sponsors or donations be sent to her.
Langston announced that the Magic City Art Mart is now operational at the Central Library Create 205 Lab.
Langston reported that BPL has recently added two new resources to our database collection: FinancialFit and Miss Humblebee’s Academy.
Langston shared that BPL’s Loud at the Library series will present a Spring Break Punk Show, featuring three local bands, on Friday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Langston reported that BPL statistics saw significant increases when comparing February 2024 to February 2023.
Deputy Director Ka’ryn Davis-West shared information on the upcoming half-day Staff Training on March 21 and reminded board members that the library would not open until 2:00 p.m. for public service that day.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the Wylam team for hosting the board meeting. Members stated they were excited about A Novel Tasting. Jermaine Johnson shared that he was invited to participate in Read Across America on behalf of the Birmingham Public Library and will be coordinating with BPL staff in anticipation of a 500-book donation given to the library for his participation. Lynn Flowers-Martin stated that she also participated in the Read Across America program. Willie S. Davis III shared that he attended the UNCF Gala and heard many compliments on the programs and services offered by Birmingham Public Library. Davis thanked Janine Langston, Ka’ryn Davis-West and the rest of the BPL staff for their hard work.
Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:05 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2024
|
Minutes |
April 18, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Arrington Auditorium |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
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|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr.
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Mona Lisa Morris, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, 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 |
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Call to Order
The April 18, 2024, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:32 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
Stacey Lewis shared information on the nonprofit organization, Birmingham Jumpstart.
Presentations
Janine Langston shared that BPL received a proclamation at the April 9, 2024, City Council meeting in recognition of National Library Week.
Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
Langston introduced new employees, Chandler Champion, Director of Development, and Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer, to the board.
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 library fund portion of the February and March financial reports.
Reports of the Committees
No report.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Janine Langston offered condolences to the friends and family of BPL retiree, Patricia “Patty” Hayes Jackson Miles, who worked for the library for 29 years.
Langston shared that BPL celebrated the retirement of two BPL employees, Lynn Carpenter who retired with 17 years of service, and Marie Nash who retired with 39 ¾ years of service.
Langston reported that BPL hosted a variety of programs and displays in March in celebration of Women’s History Month and shared information on the current exhibit being held on the 4th-floor gallery, Voices Carry: Art by Alabama Women.
Langston shared that the 3rd-floor HVAC/air handler project was approved at the March 19, 2024, City Council meeting.
Langston reported that a resolution accepting the lump sum proposal of STC Worldwide, LLC for the East Lake Library Emergency Cooling Tower replacement was approved at the April 9, 2024, City Council meeting.
Langston shared that Diversified Elevator has received the fabricated part needed to make repairs to the East Building public elevator and hopefully have the repair completed by Monday, April 22, 2024.
Langston expressed appreciation to all who supported the 3rd Annual A Novel Tasting and stated a final report will be provided at the next board meeting.
Langston highlighted a few upcoming BPL events and shared that information on all of BPL’s events can be found on the library’s online calendar.
Deputy Director Ka’ryn Davis-West reported on BPL’s half-day Staff Day which was held on March 21, 2024.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members welcomed all new staff members. Members congratulated staff on a successful A Novel Tasting. Members stated they are looking forward to the Summer Reading Kick-Off and Classic Cocktails.
Next Board Meeting: May 14, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:00 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes for May 15, 2024
|
Minutes |
May 14, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Arrington Auditorium |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
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|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Dana Woodruff
Trustees Not Present: Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr. Mona Lisa Morris, Sandra Lee
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Stephanie Lorde, Personnel Officer; Daniel Campbell, PC Network Technician; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
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Call to Order
The May 14, 2024, board meeting was called to order by R. Jordan Davis at 4:50 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
R. Jordan Davis presented a memorial resolution from the BPL Board of Trustees to the family of Patty Jackson Miles who served the Birmingham Public Library for 29 years.
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 library fund portion of the April financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Policy, Procedures, and By-Laws Committee:
R. Jordan Davis reported on the May 14th committee meeting.
Davis provided the suggested verbiage for the memorial resolution guidelines to include in the BPL Board By-Laws.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Janine Langston reported on the BPL events held for National Library Week and stated that BPL realized a significant profit for the 3rd Annual A Novel Tasting that will support programming throughout the system.
Langston shared there are no updates on the capital projects.
Langston shared updates from the recent legislative session and proposed changes in the APLS Administrative Code.
Langston reported that the City of Birmingham’s network is in process of being restored and provided updates on the FY 2025 budget.
Langston shared the 2024 Summer Reading Kick-Off held May 11, 2024, was a success and provided information on the summer reading program.
Langston provided a printed copy of the summer reading calendar to board members and highlighted a few of BPL’s upcoming events.
Deputy Director Ka’ryn Davis-West thanked the staff for a successful Summer Reading Kick-Off. Davis-West informed board members that she would be appearing on Fox 6 News on May 15th to discuss BPL’s blood pressure kits. Davis-West shared that staff open enrollment will be held May 15 – 17.
Board Member Comments
Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members stated they were looking forward to all of the summer reading programs. Yawntreshia Coleman stated she attended the Summer Reading Kick-Off and commended staff on how well organized and fun the event was. Willie S. Davis III reminded board members to pay their 2024 board dues, congratulated staff on a successful A Novel Tasting, and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Classic Cocktails.
Next Board Meeting: June 11, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 5:21 p.m.
Board Meeting Summary for June 11, 2024
|
Minutes |
June 11, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Arrington Auditorium |
|
Meeting Called By |
Willie S. Davis III, President |
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|
Type of Meeting |
Regular Board Meeting |
||
|
Attendees |
Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee
Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, Lynn Flowers-Martin, John Lyons Jr., Mona Lisa Morris
Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Ka’ryn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, 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; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney |
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Call to Order
The June 11, 2024, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
Dana Woodruff provided the Invocation.
Public Voices
None
Presentations
Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.
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:
Janine Langston presented the library fund portion of the May financial report.
Reports of the Committees
Advocacy, Fundraising, and Development Committee:
Dana Woodruff reported on the June 11th committee meeting.
Woodruff shared information on the upcoming events, Classic Cocktails and Books, Blues, and Barbeque.
Unfinished Business
No report.
New Business
No report.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Janine Langston shared that BPL has partnered with Better Basics to offer a Steamers Camp held June 11 – July 10 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Langston reported that over the next two weeks, BPL will be visiting 27 schools with 32 enrichment outreach programs for the Birmingham City School Intersession program.
Langston shared that BPL is hosting 13 students with the Department of Youth Services Kids and Jobs Programs.
Langston reported that the BPL Central Branch will host a student for the summer in partnership with the Easterseals Job Exploration Training (JET) program which prepares students with disabilities for the workforce.
Langston provided updates on the proposed changes in the APLS Administrative Code.
Langston shared that the BPL Archives and Manuscripts department now stewards the Birmingham Southern College’s Archives.
Langston reported that BPL will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 for the observance of Juneteenth. Langston also shared that the BPL Central Branch will host a Juneteenth program on June 18 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Langston shared that she received an email from Caroline Janeway, Alabama State Director for Impact America, thanking BPL for our continued support of the IRS’s VITA program through the initiative SaveFirst.
Langston shared that she will be out of the office from June 15 to June 22.
Deputy Director Ka’ryn Davis-West shared information on the blood pressure kits being offered at 5 BPL locations.
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. Yolanda Hardy congratulated Ka’ryn Davis-West on her Fox6 Good Day Alabama news segment. Hardy asked about the Wise Words program and Bessie Miller responded. Willie S. Davis III introduced Midfield Public Library Executive Director, Jameria Ogunmakin.
Next Board Meeting: July 9, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment: 4:50 p.m.
Board Meeting Summary for July 9, 2024