One Time Event (2026-01-12)

LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting January 12, 2026 Convened: Adjourned: 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ethel Rowland called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. The meeting was held at the Kilmer Branch Library. She welcomed returning member Jewel Armstrong Player, and new member Judi Miller to the board. Members in attendance: Ethel Rowland, June Adams, Eloise Cumings, Kathleen Meyer, Judi Miller, Jewel Armstrong Player and James Wilder. Also in attendance: Robyn Saint-Paen, Library Director, Kathleen Flynn, Library Division Manager, Charles Lockwood, Library Division Manager, and Nancy Woodfin, Board Clerk. 2. READING & ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST BOARD MEETING The minutes from July 14, 2025, meeting were reviewed. A motion was made and seconded (Jim Wilder/Eloise Cumings) to approve the minutes as written. The motion passed unanimously. 3. OLD BUSINESS Election of officers for 2026 was held. Ethel Rowland was nominated for Chair (Eloise Cummings/Jim Wilder), Jim Wilder for Vice Chair (Judi Miller/Eloise Cumings) and Jewel Armstrong Player for Secretary (Jim Wilder/Eloise Cummings). Motions to elect these offers passed unanimously. Meeting dates for the remainder of 2026 were selected. The meetings will be held at Kilmer Branch Library at 5:30 PM on Mondays, April 13, July 13 and October 12, 2026. The Library's Collection Management Policy underwent a review, during which the Library Director highlighted necessary amendments requiring board approval. A key modification involves establishing a notification deadline for appealing a decision on a challenged book. The new policy stipulates a 10-business-day response period from the date the decision is received via certified mail. A motion to approve this policy change was proposed and seconded (Judi Miller/Eloise Cumings) and was unanimously passed. The Library Director informed the board that the policy will now proceed to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Revisions to the Library's Patron Code of Conduct were also discussed. The Library Director

Library Advisory Board Monday, January 12, 2026 5:30 PM 2 | P a g e outlined several changes: firstly, the inclusion of a definition for "vulnerable adult," as specified by Florida Statute S.415.102(28) in the section regarding supervised attendance for children and vulnerable adults. Secondly, the removal of a bullet point under "General Expectations" concerning weapons, in response to recent amendments in Florida's Open Carry law. Thirdly, an update to the "Appeal Process" for suspensions of library privileges, directing written appeals to the Library Director instead of the County Administrator, who will now be involved only if the appeal escalates. During the discussion, some board members requested clearer guidelines regarding the age at which children must be supervised by an adult. Consequently, the motion to approve the policy was postponed until the next meeting to allow for clarification of these definitions. 4. NEW BUSINESS The Library Director announced that candidates have been selected to fill the two vacancies on the Library Advisory Board. The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to make these appointments at their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. 5. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT The Library Director announced the need for a new liaison to facilitate communication between the Friends of the Library and the Library Advisory Board. Board members proposed that June Adams, the current Secretary for the Friends, assume this responsibility. June Adams agreed to undertake this role for future meetings. The Library Director reported that the Friends of the Library held their meeting on January 8, 2026. During this meeting, they discussed the development of a new logo, with several design options presented for voting. Additionally, the Friends initiated planning for the Volunteer Luncheon scheduled for April and the Annual Dinner in November. The Director noted that the Friends have once again committed to funding the reading tracking software "Beanstack" and providing prizes for the Summer Reading program. Furthermore, the Director highlighted a collection of items purchased in memory of Carnelle Clifton, the longtime president of the Friends of the Library. A dedicated reading corner at the Hurston Branch will be established to honor her legacy. 6. LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT Library Director Robyn Saint-Paen provided a comprehensive overview of the library's accomplishments in 2025. She highlighted advancements in digital access, the expansion of literacy initiatives, and the ongoing evolution of library services to address the needs of a rapidly growing and diverse community. Her report included detailed insights into collection and circulation statistics, library visitation and technology access, as well as program attendance. Additionally, she outlined the library's strategic priorities for the upcoming year, as specified in the library's strategic plan. 7. BOARD COMMENTS Board members again welcomed new and returning members and thanked them for serving.

Library Advisory Board Monday, January 12, 2026 5:30 PM 3 | P a g e 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM. Next meeting scheduled for April 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Kilmer Branch in Fort Pierce. Quarterly Board Meeting Dates in 2026: January 12, April 13, July 13, and October 12. Minutes approved by the Library Advisory Board on 04/13/2026.