The Jackson Parish Library Board of Control met for the regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro branch of the Jackson Parish Library with Carol Massey (President), Paula Essmeier, Judy Cooper, Lisa Nunn, Ann Standley, and Robin Tew in attendance. Also present was Floyd Knox and Judy Robertson.

The session began with Mrs. Massey making the motion to amend the agenda to say “Discuss and act on hiring a Bookmobile/Outreach Specialist and Bookmobile/Outreach Coordinator,” followed by the minutes for the April 20 Board meeting, 2nd quarter financial reports, and the 2nd quarter statistical reports being approved.

The Board then reviewed quotes for installation of emergency doors at the Jonesboro branch and quotes to repair a rotten window at the Jonesboro branch, with Dodson Enterprises, Inc. being awarded both contracts. The proposed Capital Planning Workbook was then adopted.

Discussion regarding personnel issues then took place, with approval given for Herman Bonnett to be reclassified as a part-time IT Coordinator and for Director Floyd Knox to advertise and hire a full-time Bookmobile/Outreach Specialist and full-time Bookmobile/Outreach Coordinator. In additional personnel issues, the proposed 2026 pay schedule was approved. The amended 2026 library budget proposal was then adopted.

Director Know then announced that the library has received several generous grants and donations over
the past few months and stated how they were going to be used.
 Entergy Building Bright Futures Grant ($2,499): Funds will be used to purchase a Superspace®
soft magnetic panel system, “The World’s First Giant Magnetic Play Fort for Kids.”
 Unistellar: Donated a Smart Telescope, which will be available for checkout through our Library
of Things program.
 Midwest/Hoopla ($756): Awarded through the John Henry Eldred Jr. Library Marketing Program
to fund a two-year subscription for Flipsnack, with any remaining funds allocated toward
promoting library events.
 Jackson Parish Retired Teachers: A $25.00 gift in memory of Bertha Robinson.
 Blue Bell Creameries (Ruston): Provided the ice cream served during the America 250th birthday
program at both branches.

Before adjournment, the next regularly scheduled board meeting was set for Monday, October 19, 2026. For complete minutes of the July 20th board meeting as submitted, visit the Classifieds section of the Jackson Parish Journal.