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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02 19 26 LAB Minutes 02 19 2026 LAB Library Advisory Board Minutes February 19, 2026 Assembly: The Library Advisory Board met in the Regular Session on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 1:30 pm at the Main Library. Board Members Assael, Shaun EXCUSED Carbone, Liz PRESENT Clinton, Ann ABSENT Colin, Emily PRESENT Dodd, Scott PRESENT Haragan, Ellen PRESENT Kozik, Lynn PRESENT Lawler, Patricia PRESENT Niggl, Paul PRESENT Salter, Tiffany PRESENT Sheridan, Earl PRESENT Staff Members & Board Reps. DeMarco, Susan PRESENT Petcovic, Monica (Friends Rep) PRESENT Mays, Yvette PRESENT Call to Order Chair Patricia Lawler called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Chair Lawler introduced guest Austyn Plotnick, an MLIS student at North Carolina Central University, who attended the meeting as part of her academic studies. Database Spotlight Branch Manager Jimi Rider presented information on the library’s expanded access to The New York Times databases. The library now offers full access through the Digital Library under “Databases,” including: • NYTimes.com (In Library Access) – Free, unlimited access to current issues, multimedia content, and special features. Users must create an account. • NYTimes.com (Remote Access) – Free, unlimited access for use outside the library. Users must create an account. • New York Times via ProQuest – Full-text coverage from June 1, 1980, to present. Board Member Paul Niggl shared that he has been utilizing the 3Fold database since its prior presentation to the Board. He also noted his recent discovery of the Library’s Community Resource Portal and requested a presentation on this resource at the next meeting. Minutes 02 19 2026 LAB Agenda Review The agenda was approved as presented. Approval of Previous Minutes The minutes of the January 15, 2026 meeting were distributed to members in advance for review. Motion: Lynn Kozik moved to approve the January 15, 2026, minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Ellen Haragan. Vote: The motion carried unanimously. Friends of the Library Friends of the Library (FOL) Representative Monica Petcovic reported that the FOL Board met on February 9, 2026. The Friends are developing fundraising initiatives in preparation for their 50th anniversary in 2026. Additional updates include: • The library has requested an increase in funds for the StoryWalk boards. • FOL will continue providing financial support for the library’s annual Cape Fear Book Fest. Library Foundation The Library Foundation Board met earlier in the day and appointed a new slate of officers. Additional fundraising initiatives are under consideration. Library Report Susan DeMarco provided the following updates: Leadership Announcement Melanie Morgan has been selected as New Hanover County’s new Library Director. Since 2018, she has served as Director of Libraries for the Neuse Regional Library system, overseeing a three-county, multi-branch system in eastern North Carolina. Previously, she served four years as Director of Madison County Public Libraries. Ms. Morgan will begin her position on March 31, 2026. Northeast Branch Two staff vacancies have been filled. Minutes 02 19 2026 LAB Winter Book Sale Despite the loss of two and a half days due to inclement weather, the sale generated $70,609 in proceeds. Main Library • Large and small meeting rooms have opened to the public. • Multipurpose lobby rooms remain designated for New Hanover County departmental use. • Although typically closed on the Saturday of the Azalea Festival, the Main Library will remain open this year. The museum will showcase historical documents in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. • Staff are developing wayfinding signage for the second floor. • Enhancements to the Children’s area include decorative butterflies. Increased visitation has prompted staff to explore expanded and more effective use of the space. Northchase Library • The Certificate of Occupancy is anticipated in May. • Book deliveries are scheduled for mid-May. Summer Reading Program This year’s theme is Summer at Your Library (S@YL): “Rooted in Reading.” • The community reading goal is 250,000 minutes in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. (tentative) • Reading minutes are planned to be tracked using the Beanstack app. • Upon reaching the goal, the current proposal is for trees to be planted in a local park, in coordination with NHC Parks and other appropriate county departments. • A special tree dedication ceremony is proposed for the new Northchase Library. • The featured adult selection is Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party: How an Eccentric Group of Victorians Discovered Prehistoric Creatures and Accidentally Upended the World by Edward Dolnick. The author will speak at the Main Library in August. Note: Program details are preliminary and subject to review and approval by the incoming Library Director and coordination with county partners, including Parks, Sustainability, and Facilities Management. Minutes 02 19 2026 LAB New Business None. Old Business LAB Bylaws The Board was previously notified of the County’s revised Policies and Procedures for County boards. The Library Advisory Board has revised its bylaws to ensure consistency and address identified policy gaps. Key updates include provisions regarding remote participation: • Virtual attendance is permitted. • Members participating remotely may not make motions, second motions, or vote. • Remote participation is limited to three meetings per calendar year. • Only members physically present count toward quorum. Yvette Mays submitted a draft of the revised bylaws to the County Clerk for review. Once reviewed by the board and finalized, the document will be forwarded to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for approval. Questions & Answers Q: Can we receive an update on the budget and funding requests at the next meeting? A: The Library will provide an update. The County will host public engagement sessions in March; dates and locations will be announced soon. Q: Are there plans to change the library’s hours? A: There are no plans currently to modify operating hours. Adjournment Motion: Earl Sheridan moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Liz Carbone. The meeting adjourned at 2:22 p.m. The next meeting will be held on March 19, 2026, at the Main Library. These minutes are intended as a summary of actions and discussions and are not a verbatim transcript of the Library Advisory Board meeting.