NEW DIRECTOR OF THE LIBRARY IS…
DEENA FARRIS
By Susan Salyer
The Lawrence County Public Library Board of Trustees had a Special Meeting on Wednesday January 15, 2023 at 2 PM at the library, 102 W. Main Street, Louisa, Kentucky 41230. Interim Director Deena Farris was in attendance along with board members Lennie Collins, Susie Chambers, Lynn Perry, Kim Burchett and Lindsay Smith.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR POSITION
During Executive Session, the Board of Trustees voted for Deena Farris to become the next Library Director. Farris had been the Interim Director following the resignation of former Library Director Carlie Pelfrey.
The annual income for Farris will be $58,500. after Pelphrey had raised the director salary to $80,000 at a meeting last year. Pelphrey resigned late last year preferring to work in private business.
The Motion for Deena Farris to become the Lawrence County Public Library Director was made by Lindsay Smith and seconded by Lynn Perry.
“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career at the library. In my 24 years here I have had the privilege to work under 3 directors and in all 3 buildings,” Ms. Farris told The Lazer.
“I hope to bring a feeling of warmth and welcoming to all that come into the library. I am thankful for this opportunity and for the privilege to continue working with the people in the community I grew up in and love,” she added.
DECEMBER MINUTES
December Minutes were passed unanimously with a Motion by Lindsay Smith and second by Lynn Perry.
FINANCIALS
Financials were passed unanimously with a Motion by Kim Burchett and second by Lynn Perry. No discussion.
BOARD UPDATE
Lawrence County Public Library Board of Trustees Update January 15, 2025:
December 2024 Programs
Total number of in-house programs 79
Total in house program attendance 8088 (includes 1149 for science center visits)
Total outreach programs 30
Total outreach program attendance 844 (includes 600 for Fallsburg Community Christmas event)
Total self-directed activities 19
Total self-directed attendance 1759
December 2024 New Book Give Away 273
Donated books given away 93
Weeded books 0
Passports Processed 4
Notary 30
Quiet Room Usage 118
Podcast Plays 9
BSN Digital Collection Views 111
BSN Unique Users 53
Door Count 5975
WEEDING POLICY
The board was in full discussion about what books to weed out and how this will be implemented in the future. More discussion at next month’s meeting. Board member Lindsay Smith led a discussion about available classic books and other reading materials that are not present in the LC Library.
“There are a lot of people who need access to the classic books our culture is based on,” Smith said. “There should be several books ordered that are needed for kids as well as adults.”
The discussion is expected to be continued as some changes are expected quickly.
AGENDA
1. December Minutes – Motion by Lindsay Smith 2nd by Lynn Perry. All in favor.
2. Financials – Motion by Kim Burchett 2nd by Lynn Perry. All in favor.
3. Board Update – Deena Farris gave the board an update on last month’s activities.
4. Weeding policy – The board was in full discussion about what books to weed and how this will be implemented in the future. More discussion at next month’s meeting.
5. Library Director Position – Following Executive Session Deena Farris is named the new Library Director and her annual income will be $58,500. Motion by Lindsay Smith 2nd by Lynn Perry.
6. Public Comments – None
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Next regular board meeting will be held on Monday February 10,2025 at 12:00 PM
