The Livingston Parish Library Board of Control gathered for their monthly meeting on January 29th where board members discussed key updates to the library’s budget, a solution for review of young adult materials, and ongoing efforts to improve library policies.
The meeting, held at the library’s main branch, saw an engaged crowd of community members and local officials along with several new board members who were appointed following public outcry about cuts to services and several contentious meetings. Parish President Randy Delatte sat in as a voting ex-officio board member to help the new board find its footing and move forward in a positive direction.
The administrative librarian Michelle Parrish gave a report highlighting increases in circulation of digital and physical items, as well as an increase in foot traffic and attendance at library events.
The Board then moved on to electing new leadership. Tori Hymel was elected as president and Becky Morgan was elected as vice president.
Following the vote, board member Jennifer Dorhauer presented a detailed case for restoring the original budget proposed by the administrative librarian for 2025. The budget was amended by the previous board resulting in confusion and a complete elimination of the popular service Hoopla. The board voted to restore the line items related to Hoopla, but deferred making a decision on the total budget because some of the new board members had not reviewed the original budget due to their very recent appointments.
In addition to the budget discussion, the board voted to approve the agenda item presented by Becky Morgan, Board Member & Julia Falcon, Assistant Director of Support Services calling for temporarily moving all books in the Young Adult section to the adult section until all books could be reviewed for compliance with new state law, LA Rev Stat 25:225 which lays out guidelines for what materials are appropriate for minors. The motion to approve passed 10-0.
A number of policy amendments were included on the agenda, but the board elected to defer many of the items pending a review by the newly formed policy and procedures committee. Time sensitive items related to the restoration of Hoopla and check signing authority were approved.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Parish President Delatte praised the new board for their spirit of cooperation and civility.
