Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

2023   

July | August | September | October | November | December 

 

July

Minutes	July 11, 2023	4:30 p.m.	Arrington Auditorium
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, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Lynn Flowers-Martin, Mona Lisa Morris, Dana Woodruff Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Karyn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Jamilah Woods, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Catherine Frey, Director of Development; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Daniel Campbell, PC Network Technician; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney; Sandra Lee, Advisory Member

The July 11, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:32 p.m.

Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Judge Javan Patton administered the Oath of Office to new and reappointed library board officers.

• Willie S. Davis, III, President
• John Lyons, Jr., Vice President
• R. Jordan Davis, Parliamentarian

None

Janine Langston shared the passing of BPL employee, Russell Lee and offered her condolences to his family and friends.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

• • Minutes of June 14, 2023 Board Meeting
  • Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Yawntreshia Coleman seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Finance Report:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the financial report.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Janine Langston provided board members with a written summary of their yearly board dues.

Janine Langston shared BPL’s Annual Staff Day is scheduled for October 19, 2023, and requested a $500 contribution from the Board of Trustees fund in support of the 2023 Staff Day.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the recommended $500 contribution for Staff Day.
• R. Jordan Davis moved to accept the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Janine Langston reported on air conditioning issues at several BPL locations.

Langston shared Jim Baggett, recently retired BPL Archivist, was featured on the front cover of a recent edition of The Birmingham Times, which included several articles on Jim and his BPL career.

Langston highlighted the Summer Reading program, Free Summer Enrichment Camp, which is designed for 2^nd and 3^rd graders and is focused on Literacy and STEM activities.

Langston shared the Central Library is hosting a 3-day workshop for Birmingham Youth Advisory Council this week in partnership with DYS, Councilor J.T. Moore and District 4, and the Institute for Educational Leadership.

Langston reported the carpet installation at Central is nearly complete and the next phase of reorganizing and reimagining some of the spaces will soon begin.

Langston shared BPL Mobile is back on the road and participating in weekly stops at City Walk every Thursday during July.

Langston expressed appreciation for receiving the opportunity to attend the 2023 American Library Association Annual Conference.

Langston shared information on the Books to Prisons Program and BPL’s recent participation in the program.

Langston provided board members with a copy of the Classic Cocktails sponsorship opportunities.

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work for the fiscal year. Members offered their condolences on the passing of Russell Lee. Willie S. Davis III and R. Jordan Davis expressed their appreciation for being given the opportunity to attend the 2023 ALA Annual Conference. Jermaine Johnson shared an email he received regarding tutoring at Five Points West Regional Library; Janine stated she would respond to the patron. R. Jordan Davis had questions on the summer feeding program and Bessie Miller responded. Willie S. Davis III stated he was looking forward to raising money to support Classic Cocktails. Karyn Davis-West stated she was planning training opportunities for staff in August. Sandra Lee hoped everyone had a happy 4^th of July and reported the bookstore has been doing very well with many out-of-town guests visiting.

Next Board Meeting:  September 12, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Adjournment: 5:01 p.m.

 

August

Minutes	August 14, 2023	4:30 p.m.	Arrington Auditorium
Meeting Called By	Willie S. Davis III, President
Type of Meeting	Regular Board Meeting
Attendees	Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Dana Woodruff Trustees Not Present: Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, John Lyons Jr., Mona Lisa Morris Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Karyn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Jamilah Woods, Personnel Officer; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Catherine Frey, Director of Development; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney

The August 14, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:31 p.m.

Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

None

Janine Langston shared information on the outage occurring with the JCLC network.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• Yolanda Hardy moved to accept the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

• • Minutes of July 11, 2023 Board Meeting
  • Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• Yolanda Hardy moved to accept the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Finance Report:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the financial report.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Finance Committee:

Willie S. Davis III reported on the August 8th committee meeting.

The Finance Committee approved presenting the 2024 Annual Budget to the board.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the 2024 Annual Budget.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Long-Range Planning Committee:

Jermaine Johnson reported on the August 8th committee meeting.

The Long-Range Planning Committee voted to recommend the approval of extending the public service hours on Tuesdays to 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Avondale, Five Points West, North Birmingham, Springville Road, and Central starting Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

• Jermaine Johnson called for a motion to approve the extended public service hours for these locations.
• Yolanda Hardy moved to accept the motion.
• Dana Woodruff seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson confirmed the motion carried.

Dana Woodruff informed board members that she would be scheduling an Advocacy, Fundraising, and Development Committee meeting soon.

Janine Langston informed board members that a board group photo will be taken on September 12, 2023, following the board meeting.

Janine Langston stated BPL continues to mourn the loss of team member, Russell Lee. BPL worked with the COB to have a Mayoral Proclamation prepared in his memory.

Langston shared the news that Birmingham was awarded the $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.

Langston updated members on the continuing air conditioning issues affecting several BPL locations.

Langston shared that BPL will partner with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for an upcoming traveling Smithsonian Exhibit. The title of the exhibit is Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth and the opening reception will be held on September 16, 2023.

Langston presented information on sponsorship opportunities for Classic Cocktails which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Karyn Davis-West shared information on the new blood pressure monitors that have been added for circulation at BPL.

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members stated they are looking forward to Classic Cocktails. Members stated they are excited about the blood pressure kits that are now being offered at BPL locations.

Next Board Meeting:  September 12, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjournment: 4:50 p.m.

September 

Minutes	September 12, 2023	4:30 p.m.	Arrington Auditorium
Meeting Called By	John Lyons Jr., Vice President
Type of Meeting	Regular Board Meeting
Attendees	Trustees: Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, John Lyons Jr., Yolanda Hardy, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee Trustees Not Present: Willie S. Davis III, Jermaine Johnson, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Mona Lisa Morris Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Karyn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Alisha Johnson, Regional Manager; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Jamilah Woods, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Catherine Frey, Director of Development; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney

The August 14, 2023, board meeting was called to order by John Lyons Jr. at 4:32 p.m.

Yolanda Hardy provided the Invocation.

None

Janine Langston offered her condolences to board member Lynn Flowers-Martin and informed members she had a card if anyone wished to sign.

Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.

Langston shared a short presentation highlighting the 2023 Summer Reading program and Bessie Miller provided statistics.

• John Lyons Jr. called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• John Lyons Jr. confirmed the motion carried.

All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

• • Minutes of August 8, 2023 Board Meeting
  • Personnel Actions

• John Lyons Jr. called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• John Lyons Jr. confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Finance Report:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.

• John Lyons Jr. called for a motion to approve the financial report.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• John Lyons Jr. confirmed the motion carried.

Advocacy, Fundraising, and Development Committee:

Dana Woodruff reported on the September 7th committee meeting.

The committee discussed action items for Classic Cocktails and shared new fundraising ideas.

Policy, Procedures, and By-Laws Committee:

R. Jordan Davis reported on the September 11th committee meeting.

The Policy, Procedures, and By-Laws Committee voted to recommend the approval of BPL’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form.

• R. Jordan Davis moved to approve the request form.
• Yawntreshia Coleman seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Janine Langston informed board members the board group photo was rescheduled for October 10, 2023, following the regularly scheduled board meeting. Personal headshots will still be available following the board meeting and will be available following the next board meeting.

Janine Langston reported on the various BPL activities and programs being hosted in September and confirmed an information sheet listing a portion of the many programs, activities, and opportunities will be emailed to board members.

Langston shared that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and presented a promotional ad that will be on BJCTA signage in their stations, platforms, and bus interiors.

Langston reported that due to a recently passed Act by the State of Alabama, BPL will no longer charge for notary services. John Lyons Jr. requested Damein Baity provide a report at the next board meeting detailing past revenue gained from these services.

Langston shared that BPL is hosting the Ink Only IV juried art exhibition on the Central East 4th Floor Gallery, which is scheduled to open on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Langston reminded board members to please support and promote the upcoming Classic Cocktails event.

Bessie Miller shared information on the Smithsonian Exhibit, Men of Change, which will be brought to BPL in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Karyn Davis-West shared information on BPL’s partnership with Holy Family Cristo Rey.

Davis-West reported on the upcoming BPL Safety Training for staff.

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members congratulated BPL on a successful 2023 Summer Reading program. Members stated they are excited for the upcoming Men of Change exhibit and Classic Cocktails. Yolanda Hardy applauded the IT team for their hard work restoring the network. Sandra Lee shared that the Friends Foundation approved a $5,000 donation for Classic Cocktails and a $2,600 donation for BPL Staff Day.

Next Board Meeting:  October 10, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjournment: 5:09 p.m.

October 

Minutes	October 12, 2023	4:30 p.m.	Arrington Auditorium
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, John Lyons Jr., Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, Lynn Flowers-Martin Trustees Not Present: Mona Lisa Morris, Dana Woodruff, Sandra Lee Staff Present: Janine Langston, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Karyn Davis-West, Deputy Director; Bessie Miller, Regional Manager; Loretta Jones, Regional Manager; Jamilah Woods, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Catherine Frey, Director of Development; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney

The October 12, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:31 p.m.

Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

None

Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.

Langston shared a short presentation highlighting the 2023 Brothers and Bow Ties program that was held on October 7th.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

• • Minutes of September 12, 2023 Board Meeting
  • Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Finance Report:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the financial report.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Advocacy, Fundraising, and Development Committee:

Jermaine Johnson reminded the board about Classic Cocktails and requested trustees promote the event on their social media platforms.

Janine Langston shared a reminder that the board group photo would take place immediately following the board meeting and that headshots would also be available for anyone interested.

Janine Langston recommended the closing of BPL on Saturday, November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the recommended closure of BPL on November 11th.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Yawntreshia Coleman seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Langston recommended the closing of Smithfield Branch Library on Thursday, October 26th at 1:00 p.m. for the Magic City Classic.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the recommended closure of Smithfield on October 26th.
• R. Jordan Davis moved to accept the motion.
• Yawntreshia Coleman seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Janine Langston distributed a one-page flyer showcasing four upcoming events that will be held at Central.

Langston shared that September was Library Card Sign-Up month and staff members participated in a variety of outreach activities.

Langston reported an increase in the number of visitors to the Central Library.

Langston shared she attended the Personnel Board of Jefferson County (PBJC) Breakfast and Graduation on Friday, September 29th where she handed out plaques to the nine BPL employees who graduated.

Langston recognized BPL employee Maurice Harley who recently represented BPL in the City of Birmingham’s Rising Star Cohort 2.

Langston reported BPL is still waiting on the fabrication of the necessary part to repair the air conditioning at the North Birmingham Regional Library, but plans to reopen the library on Monday, November 5th.

Langston updated board members on the Central East 3^rd Floor.

Langston shared that BPL’s annual Staff Day will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Langston reminded board members that Classic Cocktails will be hosted on Tuesday, October 24th, and shared that BPL will email board members a link to purchase tickets.

Ka’ryn Davis-West invited board members to attend Staff Day.

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members stated they are looking forward to Classic Cocktails. Members commended the Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. exhibit. Jermaine Johnson requested a virtual tour video of the exhibit if available. Lynn Flowers-Martin thanked board members for their well wishes. Willie S. Davis III inquired about the availability of video footage and pictures from the 2022 Classic Cocktails event.

Next Board Meeting:  November 14, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjournment: 4:54 p.m

November

No board meeting held this month.

December 

Minutes	December 12, 2023	4:30 p.m.	Arrington Auditorium
Meeting Called By	Willie S. Davis III, President
Type of Meeting	Regular Board Meeting
Attendees	Trustees: Willie S. Davis III, Yawntreshia Coleman, Yolanda Hardy, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr., Lynn Flowers-Martin, Mona Lisa Morris Trustees Not Present: R. Jordan Davis, 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; Jamilah Woods, Personnel Officer; Richard Manoske, IMS Administrator; Caleb West, Director of Collection Management; Catherine Frey, Director of Development; Roy Williams, Public Relations Director; Rod Zeigler, Building Services Supervisor; Brooke Schlicht, Administration Office; Monica King Slater, Library Assistant Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney

The December 12, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:35 p.m.

Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

None

Janine Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.

Langston recognized BPL employee, Monica King Slater, for receiving the George A. Strait Fellowship award from the American Association of Law Libraries.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• John Lyons Jr. seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

All items designated as “consent” are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

• • Minutes of October 12, 2023 Board Meeting
  • October Personnel Actions
  • November Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• John Lyons Jr. moved to accept the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

Finance Report for October:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the October financial report to the board.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the October financial report.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Mona Lisa Morris seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Finance Report for November:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the November financial report to the board.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the November financial report.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Mona Lisa Morris seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

No report.

No report.

Janine Langston recommended the replacement of the 2017 BPL organizational chart with the updated chart that was provided to all board members.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the updated BPL organizational chart.
• Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Langston recommended the approval of the proposed 2024 BPL Holiday Schedule.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the 2024 BPL Holiday Schedule.
• Yolanda Hardy moved to accept the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Langston recommended the approval of the proposed 2024 BPL Board Meeting Schedule.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the 2024 BPL Board Meeting Schedule.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Janine Langston shared the 2023 Annual BPL Staff Day was a productive and fun day and thanked board president and member, Willie S. Davis III and Yolanda Hardy, for bringing greetings and words of appreciation to the staff.

Langston thanked members for their support of the second annual Classic Cocktails event and reported that BPL realized a net profit of approximately $16,000.

Langston shared details on the successful 2023 Local Authors Expo.

Langston stated that the BPL Youth Department and Archives took the lead on a recent county-wide collaborative project to create paper poppies which were displayed at Central on a remembrance wall in honor of Veterans Day. Langston also stated the names of all military veterans who are a part of the BPL team.

Langston offered condolences to the friends and family of retired BPL employee, Sandra Crawley.

Langston thanked the BPL Friends Foundation for their support to BPL and the City of Birmingham for the book StrongHer written by Chanda Temple, which can be purchased in the Friends Bookstore.

Langston recognized and thanked BPL retiree, Hope Cooper, for her generous donation of poinsettias to the Central complex for the holiday season every year.

Langston shared that BPL is hosting 86 holiday programs and activities for patrons of all ages. Langston shared a link for the Holiday Happenings booklet via email.

Langston reminded board members that all BPL locations will be closed on Thursday, December 14^th for Annual Inventory Day.

Langston thanked members for their support during her second year serving as Executive Director of BPL and wished all a blessed and happy holiday season.

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members thanked BPL for a great year and stated they are looking forward to the year 2024. The board wished all a happy holiday season. Ka’ryn Davis-West reported on BPL training, updating evacuation plans, and thanked the public service team for all their hard work on programming.

Next Board Meeting:  January 9, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjournment: 5:02 p.m.