Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

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Call To Order

• The June 14, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:31 p.m.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Swearing In Ceremony

• Judge Adrienne Moffett Powell administered the Oath of Office to new board member, Dana Woodruff.

Public Voices

• None.

Presentations:

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

Langston thanked the Titusville Branch Library for hosting the board meeting and invited Branch Manager Reba Williams to introduce the Titusville staff.

Approval of Agenda

• 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.

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 May 9, 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.
• Yolanda Hardy 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.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committees:

Policy, Procedures & By-Laws Committee:

R. Jordan Davis reported on the June 14th Policy, Procedures & By-Laws committee meeting.Davis read the proposed addition to BPL’s Meeting Room Policy: "In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, Article VI, the Birmingham Public Library meeting room facilities are available to the public on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals requesting their use. Permission to use Birmingham Public Library meeting room space does not constitute an endorsement of the users’ policies, presentation, or viewpoints by the Birmingham Public Library or the City of Birmingham."

R. Jordan Davis moved to approve the proposed addition to the Meeting Room Policy.

• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis confirmed the motion carried.

Nominating Committee:

Yolanda Hardy reported on the Nominating Committee meeting. The committee recommended that Willie S. Davis III continue to serve as Board President and John Lyons Jr. serve as Board Vice President.Hardy asked for any nominations from the floor. No nominations were given and Hardy moved forward with the committees nominations.Yolanda Hardy moved to approve the recommendations for the nomination of Willie S. Davis III as President and John Lyons Jr. as Vice President.

• A roll call vote was taken.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Yolanda Hardy confirmed the motion carried.

Unfinished Business:

Janine Langston provided a friendly reminder that annual Board Dues may be paid by cash, check, money order or credit card.

New Business:

Janine Langston informed the board City of Birmingham offices, which includes BPL, will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 16th and all day on Monday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Langston stated BPL will be open as scheduled on Saturday, June 17th and will be hosting a special Juneteenth program at 1 p.m. in partnership with the Alabama Historical Society.

Executive Director's Report:

Janine Langston acknowledged the retirement of two long-time BPL employees – Central Fiction Department Head, Gus Jones and BPL Archivist, Jim Baggett. Both employees served BPL for 30+ years.

Langston also acknowledged BPL’s Katelyn Miller and congratulated her on speaking at the 76th Annual National Afterschool Alliance Seminar.

Langston reported on the Summer Reading Kick-off which was held on May 13th at Avondale Park.

Langston shared carpet installation is taking place on the second and third floors of the Central East building.

Langston reported BPL Mobile is back on the road and participating in weekly stops at City Walk every Thursday during June and July (weather permitting).

Langston shared the variety of training opportunities that were offered to staff in May.

Langston provided save the date cards for the second annual Classic Cocktails which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and shared information regarding sponsorship opportunities. Langston requested board members reach out to BPL’s Director of Development, Catherine Frey, with any questions.

Langston encouraged board members to read through the board report to see all the projects, programs and outreach opportunities taking place at BPL.

Board Member's Comments

Board members extended their gratitude to the BPL team for their dedication and hard work. Members wished a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers. Members congratulated BPL on a successful Summer Reading Kick-off. Members expressed excitement for Classic Cocktails and the many summer reading programs. Members congratulated Willie S. Davis III and John Lyons Jr. on their officer appointments and welcomed new board member, Dana Woodruff. Dana Woodruff thanked the board and stated she looked forward to working with board members. Yolanda Hardy had questions regarding Narcan kits provided to staff and full-time security staff; Janine responded. Sandi Lee reported on the Agency Fund that was established in April. Willie S. Davis III stated BJCTA will be reaching out to Janine to setup training on best practices for driving the BPL Mobile.

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

Adjourned at 5:04 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Executive Director