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Home My WebLink About06-15-2026 Fairhope Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of the Fairhope Library Board of Trustees Meeting Monday, June 15, 2026 4:00pm Present: Trustees Randal Wright, Dan Stankoski, Andy Parvin, Anne Johnson and Gustavo Douaihi Library Director Rob Gourlay and Friends Representative Nan Denson Absent: Andrea Faust Booth, City Council Liaison The meeting was called to order at 4:01pm by Board Chair Randal Wright. The minutes of the April 20, 2026, Board meeting were reviewed and approved. The monthly statistical, employee and financial reports were reviewed and approved. Items of note include the number of registered users was up significantly in May, and the Director has started to see increased wait times for shipping of some orders. Director’s Remarks Some 350 children attended the opening of the summer reading program. The event was held inside this year due to the threat of rain. A caricature artist and face painter were popular additions this year. Several author events are being held this month, and the addition of mahjong classes have been popular. The new Teen Space has had some 3,634 visits since October 1st; the Makerspace has had 679 people attend 59 programs during the same time. Friends Report Friends rep Nan Denson said the Friends 990 form was successfully filed in April and the group’s accountant has given the group a positive report. The Friends recently gave the library a check for $50,000 and an additional $5,000 for the summer reading program. Nan noted that next year is the 20th anniversary of the Raise a Reader program, that the Friends participated in a book sale with Daphne at Cloud Mountain Coffee that raised $110. An upcoming staff retirement was also mentioned. Old Business 1. Library Policies – several new polices were reviewed and approved: the Local Authors Collection, the Lucky Day Collection, the addition of 4 radon monitors for check out, and the Makerspace policy (see below for the text of the policies); the WiFi policy has been deleted. In addition, the entire current library policies document was reviewed by the Board with some questions and comments. This is an annual requirement of the Board per the By- laws. New Business 1. CIPA – The library will continue to participate in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). 2. FY2027 Budget – a lengthy discussion was held on the proposed 2027 library budget. The Director noted line items that will remain the same and where costs are anticipated to increase. He developed a comparison of where Fairhope falls (well below) the two other largest libraries in the county with regard to personnel and collections allocations. The Board recommended increases in some Supplies line items. It was noted that staff received no pay increase last year and the Board felt strongly that this needs to be addressed in fiscal year 2027, and agreed with the proposed 2% across the board increase, plus a “longevity raise” for length of service. 3. RSA option – All libraries in the state who participate in the Retirement Systems of Alabama have received a letter offering a lump sum payment to retirees if the library chooses to participate. A small cost to the library will occur. The Board unanimously voted to participate in this option. The meeting ended at 5:41. Respectfully submitted, Anne Johnson Secretary POLICY ADDITIONS Local Authors Collection to be added to the collection development policies (pg 43 most likely) The purpose of the Local Author Collection is to showcase and honor books written by local authors. They will be labeled as Local Author and shelved in the Local Author Room. The collection will include authors from the Eastern Shore communities only. That includes Fairhope, Point Clear, Montrose, Daphne and Spanish Fort. The collection will contain only one copy per title and have been published in the last 10 years. Donations will be accepted from authors if they meet the criteria for the Local Author Collection. Lucky Day Collection to be added to Circulation Policies, Special Lending on page 9 The purpose of the Lucky Day collection is to allow Fairhope patrons access to new and popular titles with significant holds on file. Popularity will be judged by the Library Staff and new copies will be collected from donations or ordered through the Library sources. The books will only be available to check out in person, first come first served. No holds may be placed on this collection. There are no holds or renewals allowed and patrons will be limited to 2 titles per card. Library of Things (Radon Monitors) to be added to Circulation Policies, Special Lending on page 9 1 checked out at a time, 1 renewal only. Fines will be 0.50/day (add to page 10). Remove WiFi policy pg 7 MakerSpace Policy additions Fairhope Library MakerSpace Purpose of the MakerSpace The MakerSpace is intended to support learning, creativity, and innovation by providing access to emerging and specified technologies. Use of the MakerSpace must align with the library’s mission and code of conduct policy. • Access to the MakerSpace is limited to designated program hours, scheduled appointments, or staff-led activities to ensure safe operation, adequate supervision, and equitable access to equipment and resources. • The MakerSpace may be closed or access may be restricted outside of scheduled hours due to staffing availability, programming needs, or equipment maintenance. The Library reserves the right to modify MakerSpace hours and access at any time. 3D PrintingThe Library’s MakerSpace provides access to 3D printers to support creativity, learning, and innovation. These printers are intended for educational, personal, or community-focused projects and are available to patrons following Library policies and staff supervision. Use of 3D printers requires adherence to safety guidelines, material limitations, and appointment procedures. Safety Precautions for 3D Printing To ensure a safe environment: • Only trained staff may operate, start, or stop 3D printers. Heated components (nozzles, print beds) can cause burns and must not be handled by patrons. • Any unsafe behavior may result in immediate suspension of MakerSpace privileges. Printing by Appointment Policy • All 3D printing requests are by appointment only. • Print requests must be submitted using the library’s designated request form. • Print jobs are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. • Print jobs are subject to time limits to ensure fair access for all users (e.g., maximum print time of 8 hours per job). • Patrons will be notified when their print is complete. File Submission Guidelines • Patrons are responsible for ensuring their files are printable and appropriate. • Submission of a 3D printing request does not guarantee approval or completion of the print job. • The Public Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D printing request, in whole or in part, for any reason, including but not limited to concerns related to safety, equipment limitations, print feasibility, time or material constraints, policy compliance, or alignment with the library’s mission. • Decisions regarding approval, scheduling, and completion of 3D print jobs are made at the discretion of MakerSpace staff and are final. • The library is not responsible for design flaws or print quality outcomes. Pricing • Print jobs will be charged based on grams of filament used, as estimated by the slicing software. • The current rate is: $.10 per gram of filament (rate subject to change based on material costs). • Fees must be paid before the time of print pickup. • Failed prints caused by printer malfunction will not be charged; failures due to file design errors may still incur a material fee. Approved Materials • Only library-approved filament may be used. Patrons may not bring their own filament. • Specialty filaments may be limited or unavailable. Pickup and Storage • Completed prints must be picked up within 14 days of notification. • Unclaimed items may be discarded after the pickup period. • The library is not responsible for damage to prints after completion. Liability and Responsibility • The library is not responsible for the functionality or durability of printed items. • Use of printed objects is at the patron’s own risk. • Patrons are responsible for any damage caused by misuse of MakerSpace equipment. Fairhope Public Library 3D Print Request Form Submitting this form does not guarantee approval. Name: ___________________________________ Library Card #: ___________________________ Email or Phone: ___________________________ Print Information File Name & Format : ___________________ Brief Description of Object: Approximate Size (if known): ____________________ Cost & Policy Acknowledgment 3D printing costs $0.10 per gram of filament used. Staff will provide a cost estimate before printing. By signing below, you agree to the following terms: I understand approval is not guaranteed. I understand staff operate the printer and remove completed prints. I understand fees may apply even if a print fails due to design issues. Signature: _________________________ Date: ___________ Staff Use Only Approved: ☐ Yes ☐ No Estimated Cost: _____________________ Notes: _____________________________