Friends of the Library Annual Meeting at R. T. Jones Public Library on January 11, 2020

President, Marilyn VanNote, Welcomed all present and thanked R.T. Jones Library for hosting the meeting. At 1:00 p. m., there were an estimated 29 members in attendance. After having the agenda approved, the first item was the presentation of the Susan E. White Award for distinguished service. The Recipient for 2019 of this award is Joan Hill. The award presentation was done by Penny Westbrook, chairperson of the committee to choose a recipient. Joan thanked the committee for the honor. Her work as a volunteer has been because of her love for reading and the libraries. She has been a volunteer and /or officer of FOL for more than 12 years.
Anita Summers, director of the Sequoyah Regional Library system, reported on the SRLS. The report centered on the request for capital outlay for the libraries in our system. Rose Creek Library was not approved. Its location is a problem as it does not allow for expansion.
Hickory Flat library is in the top ten candidates this year for approval for capital outlay funds. Usually 3-5 are approved in this number. Anita described improvements and additions to Hickory Flat Library that have been requested. (See fact sheet attached to original minutes.)
Anita requested that FOL and all library supporters’ contact via email or mail our legislators, especially those on the Higher Education and Appropriations subcommittees. 
The director stated that Feb.13 is Library Day at the Capitol and asked that as many as possible attend that day. She asked that she be contacted if you plan to attend
Program; Tammy Lynn introduced the speaker, Roger Johns, a bestselling local book author  and 2018 Ga. Author of the Year, who now lives in south Douglas County. He is a retired corporate lawyer and college professor who has always loved libraries and enjoys writing mysteries. After refreshments, the 
Business meeting was held.                                                                                                                               The minutes of the 2019 meeting were read by Vivian Little and approved as read.
Treasurer’s report: Tom Hill reported the year’s deposits of $25,602.50.
 Total disbursements on behalf of Branches of $2, 031.98                                                                                                    Disbursements to Cherokee Public libraries of $23,000.00                                                                         FOL Expenses of $791.15 
General Fund Balance $7,688.73
FOL Fund Balance of $2,086.14.
Tom reported that an anonymous donor had made a $1,000.00 gift do Woodstock and several corporations will match funds for their employees who donate to non-profit organization.
A motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made by Dan Forrester and approved.
Book Sales. Tom reported that the total receipts for 2019 were better than in 2018
Total Book Sales receipts in 2019 of $14,495.33.
Audit Committee Report; Dianna Gunter and Bill Guion reported that there were no discrepancies in finances and everything was in order.                                                                               
Grant Report: Dianna Gunter- Grant reported that Cobb EMC and Amicalola provided grants. 
Membership Report-Bill Guion and Susan Stanton
Today there are 176 members at present. Email renewal for memberships appears to be working well. The website is: www.cherokeefol.org
Nominating Committee Report and Election of officers-Joan Hill and Barbara Turner reported.  A slate of officers was presented and elected with no further nominations from the floor. These officers will hold the positions for the coming year.
Chairperson-Marilyn VanNote
Vice-chairperson- Barbara Turner
Treasurer-Tom Hill
Secretary-Joan Hill
Membership Chairpersons; Bill Guion and Susan Stanton
Liaison to Library Board of Trustees-Tom Hill
Liaisons to Libraries:
    Kate LaVail – Ball Ground
    Pat Bowen – Hickory Flat
    Joan Hill – R T Jones
    Dianna Gunter – Rose Creek
    Tina Jackson – Wood Stock

The slate of officers was approved and elected with no further nominations or discussion.
New Business: Proposed changes to FOL constitution and by-Laws” 
Bill Guion introduces certain changes which had been previously been electronically sent to members for review. Modifications to the Constitution must be approved by a majority of the Executive Committee, which they have done; Then by a two-thirds majority of the voting membership present in a general meeting. The proposal outlines 2 separate modifications to the Constitution and by-laws. (See proposals in full attached to the original minutes.)
Change 1. Proposes a new membership category i.e. staff members of the Cherokee County Public libraries. “Staff members of the Cherokee County Public Libraries-free while on staff.
Change 2. Adds a new member to the Friends of the Library Executive Committee; Web Master.
Proposed Change:  the officers of the corporation shall consist of Chairperson, Co-chairperson, and secretary. Treasurer, membership chairperson and Web master who shall be nominated an elected from the membership of the corporation. 
The remaining sections in Article III shall be renumbered.
(A Job description for the Webmaster is included.)
Bill Guion presented the proposal, Diana Gunter seconded. The proposal was passed by acclamation. The president stated that a search will begin for a present and/or future member who might be a Webmaster. She requested that suggestions for volunteers to speak with her.
Announcement about the upcoming Book Sale at R.T. Jones (January 23-25) was made and a sign-up sheet was provided. 
Susan Almond brought up the topic of “Little Free Libraries” for children’s books. This was discussed but not action was taken.
Penny Westbrook distributed Bookmarks she made with all the dates of the books sales which will be given to libraries for distribution. Ball Ground has already agreed to place one inside each book checked out.
President Marilyn VanNote thanked all who worked so hard this year.
As there was no other business a motion was made to adjourn at 2:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Vivian Little, Secretary
Marilyn VanNote, President

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