FOL Executive Board Meeting for April 22, 2023

At 1:07 PM, President Sarah Reed called the meeting to order. Those in attendance were Kara Rumble, Tammy Lynn, Dianna Gunter, Judi Smith, Susan Stanton, Tom Hill, Bill Guion, and Joan Hill.

Approval of Minutes
Secretary Joan Hill requested approval of the minutes from the October meeting with one correction. The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report (Tom Hill)

• FOL Account Balance: $16,802.04
• FOL Available Balance: $10,884.31
• Branch Account Balances:
  • Ball Ground: $103.27
  • Hickory Flat: $2,515.93
  • RT Jones: $726.34
  • Rose Creek: $606.27
  • Woodstock Public Library: $1,965.92

Total deposits for 2023 amount to $9,874.01, while total disbursements amount to $7,500.00. Tom requested approval for a $9,500 disbursement to the libraries, which was approved.

Director’s Report (Kara Rumble on behalf of the Director)
The third quarter has shown growth in all areas compared to last year.

• Sequoyah-Con: RT Jones and Woodstock Public Library recently hosted the event, which featured a variety of activities and was attended by over 600 people.
• Spring Break Programming: Various nature-themed activities took place at the libraries.
• Upcoming Programs:
  • "All Together Now!" – A program encouraging community engagement through exploration, connection, and learning.
  • National Library Week (April 23-29): Includes fine forgiveness and community outreach efforts.
  • Local Author Market (May 6): Held at Woodstock Public Library.
  • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation (May 24): Hosted at RT Jones Memorial Library, with 1,500 children currently enrolled in the program. Last year, 300 graduates completed the program.
  • Summer Discovery (June 1 - July 31): Themed "All Together Now!" with 150+ programs planned for all age groups.
  • Bean Stack Program: Last year recorded 800,000 minutes read. This year’s goal is 1,000,000 minutes.

Membership Report (Bill Guion)
There are currently 165 members, an increase due to recent renewals and new members. Approximately half of all members renew or join online. The next round of renewal notices will be sent in May.

Grant Report (Dianna Gunter)

• Monthly Cobb EMC Grant Submissions: To assist in purchasing RFID technology for Hickory Flat Public Library.
  • $500 received for January
  • $400 received for February
• Joe E. Johnston Foundation: Submitted a $5,000 request in January but was notified in February that the request was denied.
• Amicalola EMC Grant Request: $2,000 requested for juvenile book purchases. Awaiting response.

Bookstore and Book Sale Report (Tom Hill)

• RT Jones Book Sale Revenue: $3,309.30
• Woodstock Bookstore Revenue: $5,835.05 year-to-date

New Business
Signage for the Woodstock Book Sale RoomSusan Stanton proposed installing a bulletin board in the book sale room to explain how FOL funds from book sales are used. The board agreed it was a good idea, and Sarah Reed will speak with Joey Dye for permission to install the board.

Book Sales at Rose Creek and Other Branches
There is a perception among some branches that hosting large book sales will increase FOL memberships and revenue. However, membership numbers may or may not increase as a result of hosting a sale.

• Proceeds from large book sales and the bookstore go to the Cherokee Library System for children’s programming and book purchases.
• Funds allocated to individual branches come from FOL memberships that designate a specific branch as their beneficiary. These funds can be used at the branch’s discretion.

Kara Rumble will discuss this with branch managers. No action was taken by the board.

Vice Chair Appointment
Kyle Bennett was approved as Vice Chairman for the FOL Board.

Hickory Flat Renovation Update
Renovation is progressing well, but an electrical switch needed for the project will not be available until 2024. A request will be made to use an older version of the switch until the new one arrives.

Book Offer from MetroFOL in SW Atlanta
MetroFOL offered 5,000 books to FOL. However, due to uncertainty about book quality and type, as well as an unworkable time frame, the board declined the offer.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM.