Chairperson - Betty Jackson - 7/1/2020 - Second Term
Trustee - Allison Stewart - 3/1/2022 - Second Term
Trustee - Serge Shoemaker - 7/1/2023 - First Term
Trustee - Rita Jackson - 7/1/2023 - First Term
Trestee - Kevin Hill - 7/1/2023 - First Term
Trustee - Tim War - 7/1/2023 - First Term
Trustee - Amber Weatherly - 7/1/2023 - First Term
The Newbern Library Board met on January 9th 2023. Those present were Mitzi Willis, John Gammon, Betty Jackson, Ken Smith, Allison Stewart, Pam Mabry and Kathryn McBride. There were no visitors.
The minutes from November 2022 were approved as presented. Mitzi presented the Treasurer’s report as well as the Librarian’s report. Kathryn presented the regional report, covering the Long Range Plan, core competencies, Standards Survey results, and upcoming events.
The bylaws were revised and approved. The bank account changes were discussed, including adding Betty and Allison. Pam updated the board on the building inspection, stating the library building was in good shape, but the old bank section was not.
The board discussed survey results and board appointments. Five of seven board members were due to roll off in June. John discussed the Friends of the Library supporting a new Foundation Board. The TAB requested a park bench project. The library was approved to close Feb. 1 for training.
Adjournment: With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Those present were John Gammon, Betty Jackson, Allison Stewart, Pam Mabry and Kathryn McBride, with visitor Serge Shoemaker. Minutes from January were approved. Mitzi emailed the Treasurer’s and Librarian’s reports.
Kathryn presented the regional report, noting Long Range Plan updates, upcoming board appointments, and needed documents.
The bank account was updated. The building inspection suggested demolition of the old bank section due to safety issues. A grant opportunity was discussed.
Policies and the Long Range Plan were approved. The May meeting was moved to May 15th.
Those present were Betty Jackson, Allison Stewart, Pam Mabry, Ken Smith, Mitzi Willis and Jenny Gillihan, with four visitors including Serge Shoemaker and Tim Ware.
Minutes from March were approved. Board membership terms and future appointments were discussed. Reports were presented by Mitzi and Jenny.
The Foundation Board was discussed; decision made to start fresh. New trustees to be submitted to the city board.
Library approved to close May 17–18 for Atrium training. Summer Reading kickoff discussed. Betty Jackson chosen as Chair.
Those present were Betty Jackson, Tim Ware, Serge Shoemaker, Amber Weatherly, Pam Mabry, and Kathryn McBride.
Minutes were approved. Mitzi presented the Treasurer’s and Librarian’s reports, noting an Image Evaluation was upcoming, Atrium was installed, and the Albrista app was active.
The city plans to tear down the old building and rebuild on the same site. Doorways to the condemned area will be boarded. Foundation account details discussed.
Election of officers held. Tech grant applied for. July 20 training closure approved. Storybook Stroll participation announced.
Kevin Hill nominated Allison Stewart for Secretary. Tech Grant updated: requested $2,625; received $1,537. Staff computers to be replaced.
Mitzi attending policy meeting at region. Collection Development Policy to be updated. Depot Days closure and inventory closures approved.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned.
Meeting called to order by Betty Jackson. Treasurer’s report showed $2,737.54 ending balance. Hours expanded to meet MOE compliance.
Trustee Workshop discussed. Scarecrow idea presented. Policies reviewed and approved. Tech plan changes approved. Library closure for Nov. 30 training approved.
Adjournment: Serge motioned; seconded.
Attendance included Serge Shoemaker, Amber Weatherly, Rita Jackson, Kevin Hill, regional assistant director Kathryn McBride, and librarian Mitzi Willis.
Minutes and Treasurer’s Report were approved. Kathryn shared updates on standards, long-range planning, and training.
Foundation issues discussed. CDBG grant plan reviewed. Painting plans scheduled.
Winter hours adjusted due to safety concerns. Motion carried.
Adjournment: Rita motioned; Serge seconded.
Attendance included Serge Shoemaker, Amber Weatherly, Kevin Hill, Tim Ware, Betty Jackson, regional director Jenny Gillihan, and librarian Mitzi Willis.
Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Librarian’s Report approved. Disaster planning and training discussed.
CDBG grant surveys underway. Consent agenda approved. Painting contractor discussion tabled.
Bylaws & Visitor policy tabled. Library closure for All Libraries Conference approved.
All members in attendance. Consent agenda approved. Regional report presented by Jenny.
Awaiting grant decisions: CCF and CBDG. Painting discussion continued.
Policies reviewed and approved. Depot Days closure approved.
Next meeting: Nov. 18 @ 5:30 PM.
Meeting called to order by Betty Jackson. Present: Serge, Amber, Rita, Kevin, and director Mitzi.
Agenda correction approved. Consent agenda approved. Regional report highlighted disaster planning, TEL training, state/federal budget.
Director’s Report: PLS, Trustee Workshop, Thinking Money for Kids, Tech Grant progress, and $1.796 million CCF grant award.
Building painting postponed due to new building grant.
Tech grant update. Library closure Nov. 21 approved. Open House on Dec. 14 planned.
Adjournment: Motion by Serge; second by Amber.
Emily’s resignation announced; transition support discussed. Cecily presented her first Director’s Report: 33 new cards, 1,025 items circulated, Summer Reading strong, Storytime and Homework Power Hour updates, facility cleanup progress.
• Approved new counter purchase.
• Approved Mental Health Library grant initiative.
• Updated bank signers and recovered Foundation account.
Asbestos/lead cleared. Archaeologist inspection pending. Temporary move to Depot discussed. New layout introduced.
Quorum confirmed. Minutes approved.
Director’s Report: September–October usage, program updates, events, Summer Reading 2026 theme, collection work, outside partnerships.
Demolition Dec. 8. Bid opening Dec. 16. Storage container arranged. Staff to possibly work in schools during closure.
Cybersecurity plan review, Nicepage approved, $300 Polar Express budget approved.
Next Meeting: January 12, 2026.