Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

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Call To Order

• The February 140, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Lynn Flowers-Martin at 4:31 p.m.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

• Mr. Philemon Hill discussed the Shower of Love Project and the Black History 365 curriculum.

Presentations:

Executive Director Janine Langston thanked the Pratt City Branch for hosting the board meeting and acknowledged Branch Manager, Saundra Ross. Ross introduced the Pratt City team.Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.

Approval of Agenda

• Lynn Flowers-Martin called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• John Lyons Jr. seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin confirmed the motion carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

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

• Minutes of February 14, 2023 Board Meeting
  

• Minutes of February 27, 2023 Special Called Meeting
  

• Personnel Actions

• Lynn Flowers-Martin called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the correction of the date changed to February 27, 2023 uner Call to Order in the Special Called meeting minutes.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin confirmed the motion carried.

City Attorney

• No report.

Operating Items Requiring Board Approval

Finance Report:

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

• Lynn Flowers-Martin called for a motion to approve the financial report.
• R. Jordan Davis moved to accept the motion.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committees:

• No Report

Unfinished Business:

Janine Langston thanked board members that have completed the Trustee Training.

New Business:

Janine Langston recommended the Birmingham Public Library be closed on April 21, 2023 to allow for participation in the City of Birmingham’s 2023 CEETA Games.

• Lynn Flowers-Martin called for a motion to approve the recommended closure on April 21, 2023.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin confirmed the motion carried.

Executive Director's Report:

Janine Langston provided Save the Date cards to all board members with upcoming highlighted events occurring in the months of April and May 2023.

Langston thanked Alisha Johnson for working with the COB on the CEETA Games.

Langston reported there was an increase in computer usage, Books-by-Mail and program attendance last month and thanked all board members for supporting the various programs and activities.

Langston announced the Development team is busy working on the second annual A Novel Tasting, which is scheduled for April 6, 2023, and informed board members all sponsorship information is due by March 16th and all Silent Auction items are due by March 24th.

Langston shared there will be a monthly BPL spotlight segment on the ABC 33/40 “Talk of Alabama” morning show every 4th Monday of the month.

Langston reported BPL Mobile services launched in February assisting 100 patrons and making 5 stops.

Langston announced BPL is partnering with local service organizations to provide free tax preparation at several locations during this tax season.Langston encouraged board members to read the numerous comment cards found in the board packet.

Langston shared BPL team members have been participating in various community activities. Langston stated next week 12 BPL team members will participate in the first COB Women’s Summit.

Langston announced Nucor Steel will present a check for $10,000 to sponsor the Create 205 Lab on March 15, 2023.

Board Member's Comments

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Board members thanked Pratt City Branch Library for hosting the board meeting. John Lyons Jr. expressed his support for the Black History 365 curriculum. Board members congratulated John Lyons Jr. on the Huffman Vikings successful season. Jermaine Johnson requested BPL research information pertaining to Lauderdale College. Board members praised the various programs and events BPL has recently hosted and stated they look forward to upcoming events. Board members stated they are excited about the monthly BPL spotlight segment which will be hosted on ABC 33/40. Yawntreshia Coleman requested board members come out and support the Community Seedling Exchange which will be held at Southside Branch Library on April 1, 2023. Lynn Flowers-Martin urged board members to continue supporting all library programs and attend the events when possible. Flowers-Martin also encouraged board members to purchase at least two tickets to A Novel Tasting. Sandra Lee praised the Development team on the several grants they have applied for and have been awarded. Lee also informed board members that BPL/Friends Foundation logoed bags have been ordered.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Executive Director