FOL Executive Board Meeting for July 27, 2024

At 1:00 PM, Chairman Sarah Reed called the meeting to order at Hickory Flat Public Library.

Attendance
Those in attendance were Angela Cortellino, Susan Stanton, Gerry Slaughter, Kara Rumble, Tom Hill, Dianna Gunter, Pat Bull, Cathy Bridges, Mary Anne Edwards, Sarah Reed, and Joan Hill.

Approval of Minutes
Secretary Joan Hill asked for the approval of the minutes, which were approved. She also requested that a record of disbursement from Tom Hill (Treasurer) be added to the minutes. This record was also approved.

Treasurer’s Report (Tom Hill)

• Total deposits through June 2024: $11,908.25
• Total disbursements to Cherokee County Libraries through June: $32,150.00
• FOL expenses: $2,700.27
• Total disbursements to individual branches: $907.59

Individual Branch Balances:

• FOL Fund: $6,327.05
• Ball Ground: $145.77
• Hickory Flat: $3,168.43
• RT Jones: $533.27
• Rose Creek: $321.63
• Woodstock: $1,310.39
• Total Balance: $11,806.74

Tom requested a disbursement of $4,500.00 to the Cherokee County Libraries, which was approved. The report was approved.

Cherokee County Activity Report (Kara Rumble, Assistant Director)
Over the summer, 200+ programs/activities were held at different branches, including the opening of the newly renovated Hickory Flat Library. See attached document for additional highlights.

​Upcoming Activities:

• Scarecrow Displays: Certain communities will set up book character-themed scarecrows to promote the libraries.
• Library Card Sign-Up Month (September): Local businesses will use coupon cards to promote both the library and their business.
• Friends of the Library Week (October): Celebrated within a month-long “Support Your Library” campaign.

Grant Report (Dianna Gunter)

• $300.00 grant received from Cobb EMC (April request).
• No funds received yet from Amicalola EMC Trust.
• Cobb EMC Foundation is restructuring its grant process, and fewer grants will be available for the rest of the year. A new process will launch in 2025.
• Dianna will continue submitting requests but stated that funding is tight.
• Community Presence: Dianna suggested advertising in local magazines and newspapers to raise awareness. She volunteered to lead a team for this effort, with Susan Stanton and Cathy Bridges offering to assist.

Bookstore Report (Tom Hill)

• A QR code system has been set up for the Hickory Flat and Woodstock bookstores to track sales.
  • HF sales: $5.00
  • WPL sales through third week of July: $11,479.78
• Weebly website fee has increased to $247 for two years. Tom asked Jay if a more affordable alternative is available.
• Book Sale Planning:
  • 50 boxes of 10-cent books are available.
  • A possible October outdoor sale outside the POD to sell these books was discussed.
  • Rose Creek has expressed interest in holding a 10-cent sale.
• Hickory Flat Signage:
  • There is a need for window signage at Hickory Flat.
  • Angela will check on the cost with the company that did previous signage and report back.
• HF Donation Days:
  • Sarah will update SignUp Genius for scheduling donation drop-off days at Hickory Flat.

New Business

Cherokee County Commissioners Art Competition

• The County Commissioners are requesting FOL sponsorship for the Spring Art Competition.
• Preparation will start earlier in the year to involve more schools and students.
• The event will conclude in March with the following awards:
  • First Place: $500
  • Second Place: $250
  • Third Place: $150
• FOL’s total sponsorship contribution will be limited to $900, which was unanimously approved.

Partnership Agreement Review

• Kara Rumble reviewed the partnership agreement between Sequoyah Regional Library System and Cherokee County Friends of the Libraries.
• Kara will update the agreement and provide copies to Sarah Reed and Angela Cortellino for signatures.

​Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned.