FOL Board Meeting at Woodstock Public Library on October 14, 2023

President Sarah Reed opened the meeting at 1:05 PM.

Attendance
Those in attendance were Dianna Gunter, Susan Stanton, Kyle Bennett, Bill Guion, Gerry Slaughter, Pat Bull, Kara Rumble, Sarah Reed, and Joan Hill.

Approval of Minutes
Secretary Joan Hill asked if there were any corrections to the July 15, 2023 minutes. There were none. The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Joan Hill gave the treasurer’s report in Tom Hill’s absence.

• Total deposits through September: $23,973.33
• Total disbursements to Cherokee County Public Libraries: $24,100.00
• FOL expenses: $1,239.55
• Total disbursements to individual branches: $1,063.28

Individual Branch Balances:

• FOL Fund: $6,214.36
• Ball Ground: $123.27
• Hickory Flat: $2,745.93
• RT Jones: $763.84
• Rose Creek: $268.27
• Woodstock: $1,681.95
• Total Balance: $11,797.62

Tom recommended a $5,000 disbursement to the Cherokee County Public Libraries, which was approved.

Library System Report (Kara Rumble)
Assistant Director Kara Rumble reported on the ongoing activities at the libraries.

• Libraries have been active in outreach to the community through pop-up libraries, school visits, senior center programs, and participation in Riverfest and the Multicultural Festival.
• SRLS was a featured sponsor at the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce’s Schmoozapalooza, a business networking event, increasing public awareness of the library system.
• New “Check-Out” Free Passes now available for:
  • Atlanta History Center
  • Computer Museum of America
  • Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
• In partnership with GPLS, Radon Kits will soon be added to the Library of Things Collection.

Branch Highlights for the Last Quarter: See attached memo.

Upcoming Events:

• National Friends of the Library Week
• Operation Gratitude (November 1-15) – Tables will be available at each branch for writing cards to active-duty military personnel.
• Holiday Open Houses at each branch.
• Winter Literacy 2023 begins December 1, 2023, and continues through January 31, 2024.

Spring Art Competition Sponsorship Request
Angela Cortellino requested that FOL consider sponsoring a Spring Art Competition hosted by the CCSD and County Commissioners. After discussing the pros and cons, the board decided to gather more information before making a decision. An email vote will be conducted once additional details are available.

Membership Report (Bill Guion)

• Current Membership: 152 members.
• Membership numbers fluctuate monthly.

Grants Report (Dianna Gunter)

• Cobb EMC Foundation: $3,600 received for kiosks and gates at Hickory Flat Library.
• Amicalola EMC: $1,000 received for juvenile books.
• Upcoming Grant Requests:
  • Joe E. Johnson Foundation (Due February 2024): Requesting funds for Reading Projects for 2025.
  • Braves Foundation (Due May 1, 2024): Using the same proposal as the Joe E. Johnson Foundation request.

Bookstore Report (Joan Hill for Tom Hill)

• WPL bookstore sales through September: $13,752.04.

November Book Sale Planning
A discussion was held regarding the November Book Sale. It was decided that:

• Set-up will take place Wednesday afternoon.
• Sale will be held Thursday and Saturday (since libraries are closed on Friday for Veterans Day).

Committee Assignments

• Susan White Award Committee: Chaired by Susan Stanton.
• Audit Committee: Bill Guion and Dianna Gunter agreed to serve.
• Nominating Committee: Chaired by Joan Hill.

Proposed 2024 Board Meeting Dates

• January 13, 2024 – WPL (Annual Meeting)
• April 13, 2024 – WPL
• July 20, 2024 – Hickory Flat
• October 19, 2024 – Ball Ground

RT Jones Large Book Sale Discussion
A discussion was held regarding a large book sale at RT Jones in 2024. Concerns were raised about ensuring enough books for both bookstores and a large sale. The board decided to consult with Lisa Fowler and make a decision at a later date.

Electronic Media Committee
Sarah Reed stated she would work on the new committee dealing with electronic media.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.