Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

Minutes	April 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, Lynn Flowers-Martin, Yawntreshia Coleman, R. Jordan Davis, Yolanda Hardy
Trustees Not Present: Kimberly Richardson, Mona Lisa Morris, Jermaine Johnson, John Lyons Jr.
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; Brooke Windham, Administration
Others Present: Beverly Scruggs, City Attorney; Sandra Lee, Advisory Member

Call To Order

The April 11, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:37 p.m.
Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

None.

Presentations:

Executive Director Janine Langston invited Tyler Pearson, Project Manager with COB Department of Capital Projects, and Attorney Yvonne Green Davis to discuss the proposed parking agreement between BPL (Five Points West) and BJCTA.

Bessie Miller, Public Service Regional Manager, gave a brief overview of the SkillBridge program and introduced BPL’s current SkillBridge participant.Langston shared a video highlighting the Community Seedling Exchange which took place on April 1, 2023 at the Southside Branch Library.

Approval of Agenda

Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
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.

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 March 14, 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.

City Attorney

No report.

Operating Items Requiring Board Approval

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.
Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committees:

No Report

Unfinished Business:

No report.

New Business:

No report.

Executive Director's Report:

Janine Langston reported on the significant increase in library services including but not limited to computer usage, circulation, and passports.

Langston shared information on the variety of special programs and activities BPL held in March to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Langston announced the tagline for the monthly spotlight segment on ABC 33/30 “Talk of Alabama” will be Connect with Birmingham Public Library.

Langston reported the partnership between BPL and BJCTA has relaunched with the Make Your Commute Better campaign. Langston shared the promotional image with the board.

Langston shared April is National Library Month and BPL will celebrate National Library Week during April 23 – 29, 2023. Langston reported a request has been submitted for BPL to be recognized at the April 25th City Council Meeting with a proclamation in recognition of National Library Week.

Langston reported the second annual A Novel Tasting was a great success and thanked employees and board members for their hard work and support. A final report will be shared in the next few weeks.

Langston encouraged board members to read the numerous comment cards in the board report that have been submitted regarding various BPL employees.

Langston reminded board members of the Save the Date card which shows multiple events occurring at the library in the upcoming months and informed them we have extras if they are needed.

Langston shared that National Poetry Month is also in April and many BPL locations are hosting special poetry events.

Board Member's Comments

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members congratulated Catherine Frye and BPL team members on the success of A Novel Tasting. Yawntreshia Coleman commented on the Community Seedling Exchange stating it was a great event. Yolanda Hardy had questions regarding the Black History 365 curriculum textbook to which Janine Langston responded. Karyn Davis-West, Deputy Director, reported on the various staff training that is being completed. Sandra Lee shared information on the Friends Bookstore Spring Booksale to be held April 25-27, 2023.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Executive Director