CCJPL Board Minutes
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Minutes
May 11, 2026
Board members present: Beth Smith, Vice Chair; Jim Phillips; Shalon Tate; Sydney Ford; Chris Moss; and Landon Wilson
Absent: Kailey Luster
Others present: Vanessa Adams, Library Director; LaTonya Jones, Assistant Director; Sarah Keath, Business Manager, Library staff members
Smith called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
Smith welcomed Landon Wilson to the library board.
The board reviewed the minutes of the February 9, 2026, meeting. Ford moved to accept the minutes as presented, Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Vice Chair Smith opened nominations for the office of Board Chair. Phillips nominated Smith. There being no further nominations, the Vice Chair declared the nominations closed. Smith was elected Chair by unanimous vote.
Newly appointed Chair, Smith, opened nominations for the office of Board Vice Chair. Smith nominated Phillips. There being no further nominations, Smith declared the nominations closed. Phillips was elected Vice Chair by unanimous vote.
Smith opened nominations for the office of Treasurer. Smith nominated Ford. There being no further nominations, Smith declared the nominations closed. Ford was elected Treasurer by unanimous vote.
Adams presented the Director’s Report, which included:
- January, February, and March 2026 statistics. No action by the board was needed.
- Board bylaws update: Adams stated that there are some areas of the bylaws that need to be updated, and she will send the updates to the board for review after Smith has provided her recommendations. The board will have 30 days to examine the changes before the next board meeting, when a vote to accept changes will be on the agenda.
- Adams suggested that the board make a motion to accept the officers’ elections held earlier in the meeting as fulfilling unexpired terms of 2026 and filling the regular 2-year term of 2027-2028. This will eliminate a vote later in 2026 for new officers. Ford made a motion to accept the new officers’ positions as full-term positions, expiring in 2028. Moss seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
- Adams shared the library’s new PTO sharing program. No action was needed.
- Adams informed the board of several upcoming programs. No action was needed.
There was no Treasurer’s Report.
Keath presented the first quarter budget report. Total income received through March 31, 2026, was $2,784,213. No action was taken. The board will vote whether to accept the report at the next board meeting on August 10, 2026.
Unfinished business: Adams stated that the HVAC replacement will be completed within the next two weeks.
New business: Rylie Yawson, Marketing and PR Manager, shared that her department has been nominated for the Advertising Team of the Year Award, and Rylie has been nominated for the Rising Star Award by the Advertising Association of Northeast Arkansas.
Smith reminded the board that the next meeting will be held August 10, 2026, at 5:30, following the Crowley’s Ridge Regional Library Board meeting at 5:00.
Moss made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Smith adjourned the meeting at 6:05 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Minutes
February 9, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Michael Watkins, Vice Chair Beth Smith, Shalon Tate, Jim Phillips, Sydney Ford
Absent: Kailey Luster, Chris Moss
Others present: Library Director Vanessa Adams, Assistant Director LaTonya Jones, Business Manager Sarah Keath, Jeremy Watson and Colby Dixon from HCJ, CPAs and Advisors
Watkins called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
The board reviewed the minutes of the November 10, December 8, and December 15, 2025, meetings. Watkins suggested passing the three dates with one vote if no errors were found. Phillips moved to accept the minutes from the three dates above; Smith seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Jeremy Watson presented the 2024 audit report. Total assets for 2024 were $10,988,332. Watson reported no findings from the audit and thanked Keath for her accuracy and thoroughness. Watson provided board members with a print copy of the audit report. Smith made a motion to accept the 2024 audit report; Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Watkins thanked Watson and Dixon for their report.
Adams presented the Director’s Report, which included:
- October, November, and December 2025 statistics. No action by the board was needed.
- Departmental goals developed by library staff and presented at their annual Staff Development Day in December 2025. No action by the board was needed.
- Policy Updates – Adams stated there were no significant changes to the policies, only updated language, and removal of any redundancies.
- Exhibits and Display Policy: Phillips moved to accept the updated policy; Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
- Donations Policy: Tate moved to accept the updated policy; Smith seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
- Media Policy: Ford moved to accept the updated policy; Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
- 2025 Year in Review information flyer. Phillips asked how this information would be distributed to the public. Adams stated that the Marketing/PR Department will be distributing the flyers to community organizations, issuing press releases, and sharing electronically through social media outlets. No action by the board was needed.
- There was no Treasurer’s Report.
Keath presented the 2025 final budget report. Total income received through December 31, 2025, for operating in 2026, was $3,174,899. Expenditures through the fourth quarter totaled $3,127,414, leaving a remaining balance of $209,884. The Special Projects account balance was $4,089,189, and the investment accounts totaled $1,896,877. Ford moved to accept the report; Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Keath presented an amended 2026 budget proposal. The estimated income for 2025 was updated to $3,603,345 with total expenses estimated at $3,553,844. Phillips moved to accept the report; Smith seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Ford made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Watkins adjourned the meeting at 6:25 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2025
Board members present: Mike Watkins, Chair, Beth Smith, Vice Chair, Shalon Tate, Jim Phillips, Sydney Ford, and Chriss Moss. Kailey Luster attended via Zoom.
Others present: Vanessa Adams, Library Director, Sarah Keath, Business Manager, one member of the public.
Watkins called the meeting to order at 5:34 pm.
Watkins asked Keath to present the board with a breakdown of the proposed 2026 budget, which the budget committee approved on December 8, 2025.
After some discussion by the board, Watkins called for a motion to approve the budget. Phillips made a motion to approve the 2026 budget proposal; Moss seconded the motion. Watkins called for a vote by voice. Votes were as follows: Ford-yes; Phillips-yes; Smith-yes; Luster-yes; Tate-yes; Moss-yes, Watkins-yes. Motion passed unanimously.
Watkins adjourned the meeting at 5:48 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board
Budget Committee Special Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2025
Board members present: Mike Watkins, Chair, Beth Smith, Vice Chair, and Jim Phillips
Others present: Vanessa Adams, Library Director, Sarah Keath, Business Manager, Latonya Jones, Assistant Library Director-elect, one member of the public.
Watkins called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm.
Adams broke down the budget categories and discussed State Aid.
Keath presented a detailed explanation of the Income, Personnel, Materials and Services, and Maintenance and Operations sections of the budget.
After some discussion by the board, Watkins called for a motion to approve the budget. Smith made a motion to approve the committee recommending the budget proposal to the full library board at the December 15, 2025 meeting. Phillips seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Watkins adjourned the meeting at 12:43 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Minutes
November 10, 2025
Board members present: Mike Watkins, Chair, Beth Smith, Vice Chair, Shalon Tate, Kailey Luster, Jim Phillips, Sydney Ford, and Chris Moss
Others present: Vanessa Adams, Library Director, Sarah Keath, Business Manager, library staff members, and members of the public
Watkins called the meeting to order at 5:29 pm.
The board reviewed the minutes from the August 11 meeting. Smith moved to accept the minutes; Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
The board reviewed the minutes from the September 17 special meeting. Moss moved to accept the minutes; Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Mike Fagan, from AJG Risk Management, presented the 2026 building insurance bid of $77,772.48. The board asked several questions about the library’s coverage, and Fagan explained the categories and specifics of the coverage thoroughly. Moss moved to accept the bid from AJG Risk Management, and Ford seconded the motion. Watkins called for a vote by voice. Votes were as follows: Ford-yes; Phillips-yes; Smith-yes; Luster-yes; Tate-yes; Moss-yes. Motion passed unanimously.
Adams presented the Director’s Report, which included:
- July, August, and September statistics.
- The library’s Staff Development Day will be Friday, December 19. The library will be closed to allow staff members to participate in speaker sessions and a staff meeting. The Marketing Department will notify all media outlets of the closing.
- Noah Marshall, IT staff and Website Manager, is serving on the ASU-Newport’s Computer Networking Applied Science Committee. The committee evaluates and suggests updates to the Applied Science curriculum. Congratulations, Noah.
- Reminders:
- Budget Committee meets Monday, Dec. 8, at noon in the Round Room
- Special Board Meeting (entire board), Monday, Dec. 15, at 5:30 in the Round Room
Adams stated that the Treasurer examined the library bank statements for June through September and found no discrepancies. No action by the board was necessary.
Keath presented the third quarter financial report. As of September 30, 2025, the library’s total expenditure was 70.36% of the total budget. Keath stated that the library is on track with its spending and expressed no concerns. Smith moved to accept the report; Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams updated the board on the HVAC project. According to Comfort USA, the HVAC replacement should begin the first week of January.
Sydney Blankenship has been hired as the new Mobile Branch Manager, and Cliff Babb was hired as the part-time Bookmobile Driver. Both new employees will begin work after the Thanksgiving holiday.
The board went into executive session with Adams to discuss a personnel matter.
After the executive session concluded, Ford made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Watkins adjourned the meeting at 7:03 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Minutes
August 11, 2025
Board members present: Mike Watkins, Chair, Beth Smith, Vice Chair, Shalon Tate, Jim Phillips, Sydney Ford, and Chris Moss
Board members present via ZOOM: Kailey Luster
Others present: Vanessa Adams, Library Director, Sara Stuart, Assistant Director, Sarah Keath, Business Manager, and members of the public
Watkins called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm.
The board reviewed the minutes from the May 12, 2025, meeting. Ford moved to accept the minutes, Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams presented the Director’s Report, which included:
- April, May, and June statistics. Also, the 2025 Summer Reading Program tripled the number of youth patrons who completed the program at the end of July, compared to 2024 numbers.
- An updated Lending Policy to include
- replacement library card fees increased from $2.00 to $3.00
- Early Learning Kits added to circulation
- lending requirements for the Library of Things
- late fees removed from the policy
- addition of rules for sharing patron records (AR Code 13-2-704)
Adams stated that the Treasurer examined the library bank statements for January through May and found no discrepancies. No action by the board was necessary.
Keath presented the second quarter financial report. As of June 30, 2025, the library’s total expenditure was 48.33% of the total budget. Keath stated that the library is on track with its spending and expressed no concerns. Moss moved to accept the report, Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams updated the board on the recent HVAC repairs and stated that the part needed to repair the air conditioner has not arrived. The supplier could not provide Adams with a definite delivery date, and the library continues its abbreviated hours until the repairs are complete.
There was a general discussion regarding the Bookmobile. No policies were changed, and no action was needed.
Ford made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Watkins adjourned the meeting at 6:35 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Minutes
May 12, 2025
Board members present: Mike Watkins, Chair, Beth Smith, Vice Chair, Shalon Tate, Jim Phillips, Sydney Ford, and Chris Moss
Others present: Vanessa Adams, Library Director, Sara Stuart, Assistant Director, Sarah Keath, Business Manager, various staff, and members of the public
Prior to the meeting, the board and several library staff toured the library’s interior. Due to inclement weather, the exterior tour was cancelled.
Watkins called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm.
The board welcomed new board member, Chris Moss.
The board thanked Mike Johnson for his years of service to the library board and his dedication to the library. Watkins stated that he appreciated all the years they worked together and how well Johnson handled recent library issues. Johnson also expressed his thanks to the board for working with him over the years. Adams presented Johnson with a plaque stating the library’s gratitude for his years of service.
The board reviewed the minutes from the February 10, 2025 meeting. Smith moved to accept the minutes, Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams presented the Director’s Report, which included:
- January, February, and March statistics
- The library vehicles owned by Crowley’s Ridge Regional Library sold for scrap for $929.00.
- The library has rejoined the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce and participated in their annual Business Expo in April. Rylie Yawson, Marketing/PR Director, has joined the Chamber’s Community Benefits Organization Committee, the Chamber’s nonprofit committee.
- The library is accepting bids until Friday, May 16, from landscape companies for extensive landscape work and repair of library grounds. The board asked Adams to email them the bids on Friday. Smith stated that the board needs to respond to Adams regarding the bids by the end of the day Tuesday, May 20.
- Adams summarized recent Arkansas legislation that affects libraries, including Act 543, Act 242, and Act 903.
Adams stated that the Treasurer was not able to meet and approve the January, February, and March bank statements, so no report was made. No action by the board was necessary.
Keath presented the first quarter financial report. As of March 31, 2025, the library’s total expenditures were 23.2% of the total budget. Keath stated that the library is on track with its spending and expressed no concerns. She also stated that she was working on finding the information defining the library’s endowments funds, but it is a slow process. Phillips moved to accept the report, Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams shared that the Jonesboro Library and the Monette Library are each recipients of $1,000 grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. She thanked Stephanie Sweeney, Youth Services Manager, Sara Stuart, and Patsy Orozco, Monette Library Branch Manager, for their work on obtaining the grants, which will be used to enhance their Summer Reading Programs.
Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Johnson adjourned the meeting at 6:21 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Board Minutes
February 10, 2025
Board members present: Chairman Mike Johnson, Vice Chairman Michael Watkins, Shalon Tate, Beth Smith, Jim Phillips, Kailey Luster, Sydney Ford
Others present: Library Director Vanessa Adams, Assistant Director Sara Stuart, Business Manager Sarah Keath, and members of the public
Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
Johnson called for new officer nominations for the library board for 2025-2026. Smith nominated Watkins for Chairman; there were no other nominations. The board voted unanimously to elect Watkins to serve as Chairman. Watkins stated he would take over the position as Chairman at the board’s next meeting. Tate nominated Smith for Vice Chairman; there were no other nominations. The board voted unanimously to elect Smith to serve as Vice Chairman. Phillips nominated Luster to serve a second term as Treasurer; there were no other nominations. The board voted unanimously to re-elect Luster to serve as Treasurer.
The board reviewed the minutes from the December 16, 2024 meeting. Adams noted she included October bank statements in the Treasurer’s Report, and Keath stated October statements were not examined prior to the December meeting, but should be included in the minutes for the February 2025 meeting. Adams stated she would correct the December minutes. Phillips moved to accept the minutes with edits, Smith agreed to second the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams presented the Director’s Report, which included:
- November and December statistics.
- The library is interviewing for a full-time Circulation Assistant Supervisor, two full-time youth services staff members, and a full-time Facilities Manager. Three part-time positions have been added, one for circulation, one for adult services, and one for youth services.
- Strategic Plan update. Adams explained areas in the plan where the library is on track and improving its methods to serve the community. She mentioned that the Brookland Library has increased its staff to two full-time employees and is now open on Saturday. Phillips stated that since we have a business center we should try to promote its services more. There was much discussion that the library consider renewing its membership with the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce. Adams stated she will meet with someone at the Chamber and will let the board know the results of the meeting.
- Jonesboro Sun mentions – no action by the board was necessary.
Adams spoke on behalf of Luster for the Treasurer’s Report, stating Luster approved the monthly reports for October, November, and December 2024, finding no issues or discrepancies in the library’s bank account statements. No action by the board was necessary.
Keath presented the 2024 fourth quarter budget report. Total income received through December 31, 2024 for the 2025 year was $3,019,882 and expenditures through the fourth quarter were $2,665,980 leaving a remaining balance of $353,902. The Special Projects account balance was $4,093,897. The investment accounts totaled $1,621,746. There were some questions about the investment accounts and whether they were all endowment accounts. Keath stated the accounts were set up several years before she took the position as Business Manager and there is little documentation regarding the origins of the accounts. She will do a deeper search and see if she can discover whether the Nannie Case Account is an endowment account. Smith stated that if it is an endowment account, the report needs to reflect this distinction in the account’s name in order to be accurate. Keath stated she would do more research and report her findings at the next board meeting. Watkins moved to accept the report, Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Keath presented an amended 2025 proposal. The estimated income for 2025 was lowered from the approved $2,568,758 to $2,527,312 due to receiving less than anticipated from the millage revenue. Keath raised the collections account interest income estimate from $73,000 to $76,380 after receiving more in collections than previously estimated. Keath lowered the working accounts interest income estimate from $40,500 to $37,500 due to receiving less than anticipated. Due to the decrease in revenue, it was necessary to increase the pull from Special Accounts from $375,000 to $415,000 for operating in 2025. Smith moved to accept the report, Phillips seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Keath presented the bank account interest bids from eleven banks. The highest interest proposal, from Farmers & Merchants bank is 4.56% for all accounts with a variable rate and a floor rate of 4.41% until March 1, 2026, at which time the floor rate will be 4.15%. Keath recommended moving the library accounts to Farmers & Merchants bank. Smith asked if this was for a two-year period and Keath confirmed. Luster made the motion to accept the Farmers & Merchants bank bid, Ford seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams suggested the board tour the Bookmobile and walk the exterior of the library building at the next board meeting. Smith stated she believes it is important for the board to examine the building’s exterior. Adams will poll the board in April to see if they prefer to meet and take the tour prior the meetings or after the 5:30 meeting on May 12. No action was taken.
Adams requested the board approve updates to the Patron Confidentiality Policy. After discussion and edits, Phillips made a motion to accept the updates with edits, Smith seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Adams requested the board approve updates to the Code of Conduct. Ford made a motion to accept the updates, Tate seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
Phillips made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Luster seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Johnson adjourned the meeting at 6:45 pm.
A full recording of the board meeting is available on the library’s website: www.libraryinjonesboro.org.
Submitted by Vanessa Adams