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 Ware - 7/1/2023 - First Term Trustee - Amber Weatherly - 7/1/2023 - First Term
Board Meeting Minutes Archive
Newbern City Library Board of Trustees meeting summaries and minutes, listed in descending order.
Newbern City Library Board of Trustees Meeting – March 9, 2026
The Newbern City Library Board met on March 9, 2026. Those present were Cecily Lovell, Amber Weatherly, Rita Jackson, Tim Ware, Serge Shoemaker, Allison Stewart, Betty Jackson, and Regional Director Jenny Gillihan. Visitors included Pam Mabry. Assistant Director Kelly Thompson was also present.
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as presented.
Jenny Gillihan presented the regional report. She reviewed regional standards including disaster planning, TEL training for the public, and updates to the Long Range Plan. Required policy updates for the Collection Development Policy and Internet Safety Policy were discussed and scheduled for the May meeting. Jenny also reviewed the recently approved state construction grant and explained reimbursement procedures for the $200,000 matching construction grant.
Board membership was discussed as Betty Jackson’s term will end June 30. The board discussed seeking applications for future board members and reviewing bylaws regarding eligibility and appointment procedures.
Director’s Report
Director Cecily Lovell reported current library statistics and operations during the building closure. Circulation decreased during December after closure but increased again in January through curbside service. Four new library cards were issued despite the building closure.
Programs such as Talk Time continue weekly, and plans are underway to move children’s books to the Depot to allow better access during programming. Homework Power Hour and Lego Club remain paused until programming space becomes available again.
Building & Construction Update
The original building has been demolished and the remaining structure has been fully gutted. Current projected completion date is September 16, 2026, with hopes of a ribbon cutting in mid-October pending weather and construction progress.
Financial Report
Current balances include:
Security Bank Savings: $47,836.30
Security Bank Checking: $2,804.61
The board discussed outstanding bank account issues and the need to update authorized signers. A motion was approved to meet with Security Bank and transfer responsibility for dormant accounts to the City to ensure proper oversight and compliance.
Cybersecurity Policy
The board reviewed and approved the library’s Cybersecurity Policy, outlining procedures for internet safety, computer use, and patron data protection.
Website Update
Cecily Lovell presented the new library website at newberncitylibrary.org. The board reviewed the updated design and structure and offered suggestions for minor edits.
Press Release
A press release announcing construction progress and ongoing library services during closure was reviewed. The board suggested emphasizing available services earlier in the announcement.
Programming Updates
Plans for National Library Week (April 19–25) were discussed. A Little Free Library installation in the town square is planned as part of the celebration.
Assistant Director Kelly Thompson presented the Summer Reading Program for 2026, themed “Unearth a Story – Dinosaur Adventure.” The program will run May 30 through July with weekly themed activities including crafts, guest speakers from Discovery Park, and a closing celebration.
Budget Discussion
The board discussed possible reallocation of unused budget lines such as periodicals to support programming and future makerspace needs.
Staff Raise
Director Lovell recommended a wage increase for staff member Kay in recognition of her work and dedication to patrons. A motion was approved to increase her hourly rate from $10.26 to $10.50 with the intention of reviewing further adjustments during the next city budget cycle.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting adjourned. Next meeting scheduled for May 11, 2026.
Newbern City Library Board of Trustees Meeting – November 17, 2025 (Summary)
Quorum confirmed. Minutes approved.
Director’s Report included September–October usage statistics, program updates, community events, and early planning for Summer Reading 2026. Collection organization and community partnerships were also discussed.
Building Project
Demolition scheduled for December 8
Bid opening set for December 16
Storage container arranged
Staff may temporarily assist with school programming during closure
New Business
The board reviewed a cybersecurity plan, approved the Nicepage website platform, and approved a $300 Polar Express event budget.
Newbern City Library Board of Trustees Meeting – July 2025 (Summary)
Emily’s resignation was announced and transition planning discussed.
Director Cecily Lovell presented her first Director’s Report highlighting:
33 new library cards issued
1,025 items circulated
Successful Summer Reading program
Storytime and Homework Power Hour updates
Facility cleanup and organization progress
Motions
Approved purchase of a new circulation counter
Approved Mental Health Library grant initiative
Updated bank signers and recovered Foundation account
Building Plans
Asbestos and lead testing cleared. Archaeological inspection pending. Temporary relocation to the Depot discussed. Initial layout plans for the new facility were introduced.
Newbern City Library Board of Trustees Meeting – November 18, 2024
Meeting called to order by Betty Jackson.
Present: Serge Shoemaker, Amber Weatherly, Rita Jackson, Kevin Hill, and Director Mitzi Willis.
Consent agenda approved.
Regional report highlighted disaster planning, TEL training, and state/federal budget updates.
Director’s Report included updates on PLS requirements, Trustee Workshop participation, Thinking Money for Kids program, Tech Grant progress, and the $1.796 million CCF construction grant award.
Old Business
Building painting was postponed due to the new building project.
New Business
Tech grant progress reviewed. Library closure on November 21 approved. Open House scheduled for December 14.
Newbern City Library Board Meeting – January 8, 2024
Attendance included Serge Shoemaker, Amber Weatherly, Rita Jackson, Kevin Hill, Regional Assistant Director Kathryn McBride, and Librarian Mitzi Willis.
Minutes and Treasurer’s Report approved.
Kathryn presented updates on standards, long-range planning, and training opportunities.
Old Business
Foundation account concerns discussed. CDBG grant planning reviewed. Painting plans scheduled.
New Business
Winter hours adjusted due to safety concerns. Motion carried.
Adjournment: Motion by Rita Jackson; second by Serge Shoemaker.
Newbern Library Board Meeting – September 11, 2023
Old Business
Kevin Hill nominated Allison Stewart as Secretary. Technology Grant update: requested $2,625 and received $1,537. Staff computers scheduled for replacement.
New Business
Mitzi attended a regional policy meeting. Collection Development Policy update discussed. Depot Days closure and inventory closures approved.
Present: Betty Jackson, Tim Ware, Serge Shoemaker, Amber Weatherly, Pam Mabry, and Kathryn McBride.
Minutes approved. Treasurer’s and Librarian’s reports presented. Image Evaluation announced. Atrium library system installed and Albrista app activated.
Old Business – Building & Foundation
City discussed demolishing the old building and rebuilding on the same site. Doorways to the condemned section will be secured. Foundation account details discussed.
New Business
Election of officers held. Technology grant application submitted. July 20 training closure approved. Storybook Stroll participation announced.
Present: John Gammon, Betty Jackson, Allison Stewart, Pam Mabry, Kathryn McBride, and visitor Serge Shoemaker.
Minutes from January approved. Treasurer’s and Librarian’s reports submitted.
Regional report covered Long Range Plan updates, upcoming board appointments, and required documentation.
Old Business
Bank account updates completed. Building inspection recommended demolition of the old bank section due to safety concerns. Grant opportunities discussed.
New Business
Policies and Long Range Plan approved. May meeting moved to May 15.
Present: Mitzi Willis, John Gammon, Betty Jackson, Ken Smith, Allison Stewart, Pam Mabry, and Kathryn McBride. No visitors.
Minutes from November 2022 approved.
Mitzi presented the Treasurer’s and Librarian’s reports. Kathryn provided the regional report covering the Long Range Plan, core competencies, standards survey results, and upcoming events.
Old Business
Bylaws revised and approved. Bank account changes discussed including adding Betty Jackson and Allison Stewart. Pam Mabry reported on the building inspection noting the library building was in good condition but the old bank section required attention.
New Business
Survey results and board appointments discussed. Five of seven board members were scheduled to roll off in June. John Gammon discussed forming a Foundation Board supported by Friends of the Library. The Teen Advisory Board proposed a park bench project. Library closure on February 1 approved for training.
