By T. Scott Boatright
The Lincoln Parish Library (LPL) Board of Control approved a job description and gave its OK for advertising for the position to begin during Thursday’s monthly meeting held in the Community Room of the Library.
Another main order of business was honoring longtime Board member Diana Humphries, who said she’s ready to retire from the role after her current term expired Wednesday.
Humphries first took her place on the board on Feb. 15 of 2005.
LPL Board of Control President Amy Miller presented Humphries with an appreciation plaque and card for her 18 years of service to the library.
“Between Diana or her mother, I think they’ve been part of the library pretty much as long as it’s been here,” said Board member Richard Durrett.
Humphries agreed to remain in the position until the Lincoln Parish Police Jury appoints someone to replace her.
As far as the assistant director position for the library, the Board gave its approval for LPL Director Jeremy Bolom to begin searching for a candidate to fill the role.
Board member Bill Jones made the motion, making sure it was only to approve the qualifications and posting the opening to search for a candidate.
“I say it that way because we’ve caught ourselves as a Board in previous situations during my tenure that, yes, it’s OK to fill a position and I don’t think that’s a good way to run it,” said Jones. “If the position has a vacancy and it’s in the budget, then (Bolom) needs to fill it without us.”
The Board also approved changes to the library’s hiring policy and also discussed new recommendations for a LPL employee classification/pay scale to be voted on at a later date.
“We’ll bring that to the Board with a budget to be approved at the same time,” Miller said.
Bolom told Board members that he has applied for “Keep America Beautiful” supplies for community members to be able to pick up at the library, and advised them of three upcoming events set for the LPL.
Two of those events involve Black History Month – Carolyn History from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday at the LPL Events Center discussing her family history from the days of slavery using quilts and other artifacts to help tell that story and a “Finding Connections” presentation by Vernita A. Morgan at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 in the LPL Community room that will discuss resources unique to African American History, from courthouses to computers to cousins for conducting family research.
The other event — a Alma Woodey Thomas Inspired Adult Painting Class — will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Jack Beard Room of the LPL. Space will be limited for that event, and those wishing to register can call 513-5510 for details and to register.
