The Lawrence County Public Library Board of Trustees on Monday November 10, 2025. Pictured L-R Andie Mattox, Lindsay Smith, Connie Fairchild, Lynn Perry and JoJo Triplett. By Susan Salyer
LOUISA, Ky. — The Lawrence County Public Library Board of Trustees held a Regular Meeting on Monday November 10, 2025 at the Library, 102 W. Main Street, Louisa, at noon. LCPL Director Deena Meade Farris was in attendance along with Board of Trustee members Lindsay Smith, Andie Mattox, JoJo Triplett, Lynn Perry and Connie Fairchild. Also LCPL Attorney Josh Puckett was in attendance along with Andrea Meloche and Andy Workman.
NEW AND OLD EMPLOYEES AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
There are three new employees that have been hired after 3 employees left their positions back in October. The three new employees are Shawna Hughes, Jacob Wells and Ryan Scaggs. The 3 who resigned were Andrea Meloche, Stephanie Queen and an unidentified person. Only Andrea Meloche was present at today’s Regular Meeting.
Meloche and Queen filed grievances against the Director Deanna Farris. We do not know at this time what the grievance was. When Farris was questioned about what the grievance was, she responded “I have not seen the grievance.” During Questions and Comments the disgruntled former employee Andrea Meloche said, “I understood nothing illegal was done, but there were poor work conditions and just a poor work environment, That’s an issue that can’t be fixed.”
Board President Lindsay Smith said, “It would have to be a violation of library policy. We found no violations and you’re not a current employee.” Since Meloche left her position she cannot make a grievance because she’s not an employee amymore, attorney Puckett advised.
This is the Official Response from the Library
OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM THE LAWRENCE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Date: NOVEMBER 10, 2025
Subject: Grievances filed by resigned employees: Andrea Meloche and Stephanie Queen
The Lawrence County Public Library Board of Trustees acknowledges receipt and careful review of the grievances filed on October 31, 2025 concerning the conduct and practices of the Library Director, Deanna Farris. The Board initiated an impartial review of the matters presented. This review included an examination of the relevant Library policies and personnel files.
Our primary finding is based on the established policies of the Lawrence County Public Library.
The Board determined that the actions and decisions of the Director outlined in the grievances did not constitute a violation of any current, established Library Board policy, administrative regulation, or legal requirement.
Given that the Board’s review found no evidence of policy violation by the Director, and in light of the fact that the grievants voluntarily resigned from the Library, the Board determines that it has no actionable basis to pursue further disciplinary, remedial, or corrective measures related to these specific complaints. The matter of these grievances is therefore considered officially concluded and closed by the Library Board of Trustees.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Smith
Chair, Lawrence County Library Board of Trustees
APPROVE OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES
The October Meeting Minutes were unanimously approved with a Motion by Lynn Perry and seconded by Andie Mattox.
APPROVE SEPTEMBER 2025 FINANCIALS
The September 2025 Financials were unanimously approved with a Motion by Connie Fairchild and seconded by Lynn Perry.
DIRECTORS UPDATE REPORT
Lawrence County Public Library Board Update
November 10,2025
Door Count 10,548
In house Programs 44
In House Attendance 1,658
Outreach Programs 21
Outreach Attendance 1125
Self Directed Programs 9
Self Directed Attendance 844
Books given away 394
Passports Processed 1
Notary 56
Quiet Room usage 96
Podcast Plays 12
BSN Views 161
BSN Users 74
New Materials processed – None
Books – None
DVD – None
Video Games – None
Book Kits – None
APPROVE UPDATES TO PERSONNEL POLICY (Paid Leave Section)
Director Farris said, “The only update that we made was to open up and offset a hour limit on what our program staff or any staff can sell back as far as their vacation time goes. That affects every employee but sometimes it comes to where they have so much comp time that they can’t take their vacation time because comp time has to be taken first. What happens with them is they run into a lot of evening weekends where we don’t pay any overtime so you have to take comp time. Comp time has to be taken before your vacation time.”
Motion made by Connie Fairchild and seconded by JoJo Triplett. None Opposed.
APPROVE DAYS CLOSED FOR 2026
Director Farris said, “This year we are one day shorter than we use to have through the year. We are only open the first Saturday of the month, so there’s no need to put it on here and have to approve the second Saturday is closed because we are already closed. So there’s no need to list that day. Motion by Andie Mattox and seconded by Connie Fairchild. None Opposed.
YEARLY AUDIT REPORT
Anthony Workman CPA said, “We audited the Financial Statements of the library as of June 30, 2025 giving the Lawrence County Public Library a Clean Audit. The total Assets for the LCPL is 9.6 Million. $6.8 million includes building and books. $2.8 million includes current assets, CD’s, and US Bank. (Payment on Bond made to US Bank)
AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Approve October Meeting Minutes – Motion by Lynn Perry 2nd by Andie Mattox. None Opposed.
- Approve September 2025 Financials – Motion by Connie Fairchild 2nd by Lynn Perry. None Opposed.
- Directors Update Report – Report by LCPL Director Deena Farris.
- Approve Updates to Personnel Policy ( Paid Leave Section) – Motion by Connie AUNFairchild 2nd by JoJo Triplett. None Opposed.
- Approve Days Closed for 2026 – Motion made by Andie Mattox 2nd by Connie Fairchild. None Opposed.
- Yearly Audit Report – Anthony Workman
- Enter Executive Session (For Purpose of Discussing Personnel) Motion by Connie Fairchild 2nd by Lynn Perry.
- Renter open session ( Public statement on Executive Session) Motion by Connie Fairchild 2nd by Lynn Perry.
- Questions and Comments – see above
- Next meeting will be December 8, 2025 at Noon
- Adjourn – Motion by Lynn Perry 2nd by Connie Fairchild.
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The next Regular Scheduled Meeting will be on Monday December 8, 2025 at noon at the Lawrence County Public Library.
