The Jackson Parish Library Board of Controls held its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Monday, October 19th, in the McBride Room of the Main Branch, located at 614 South Polk Avenue in Jonesboro.

Members present were Paula Essmeier, Ann Standley, Vickie Jenkins, Robin Tew, Lisa Nunn, and Carol Massey (President). Floyd Knox, Judy Robertson, Harrell Bond, Jr., and Ben Ledbetter were also present. Judy Cooper and Jackson Parish Police Jury Ex-Officio Lewis Chatham were absent.

The session began with approval of the minutes of the July 20, 2026 meeting and the 3rd quarter financial and statistical reports. Library Director Knox then updated the board on progress on the emergency doors at the Jonesboro Branch, noting that one of the concrete pads needs to be extended to the sidewalk, and introduced a change order from Dodson Enterprises, which the board approved.

Ben Ledbetter and Harrell Bond Jr., representing the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame, proposed using space at the Jonesboro Branch to display items from the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame. This includes historical artifacts, game-used equipment, apparel, and personal memorabilia that preserve Jackson Parish’s athletic history. The Library Board generally supported the idea but wanted to review any legal ramifications of this endeavor and authorized Director Knox to gather details and request a legal opinion.

After Board member Jenkins excused herself from the meeting, the Board then confirmed Bookmobile Specialist Richard Morton’s end of probation period, and Director Knox was given permission to hire two (2) people for part-time positions at the Jonesboro Branch. Knox then presented a proposed 2026-2027 pay schedule, which the board adopted by a 3-to-2 vote, with 3 members being absent.

The Board then adopted an updated Capital Planning Workbook, followed by the agreement to authorize the development of a plan to close the Library’s special fund accounts, transfer the remaining balances to the library’s operating account, and begin daily deposits to the operating account in January. The Director will present a formal resolution authorizing the account closures and balance transfers for Board approval at the next scheduled Library Board meeting.

The Board adopted the amended 2026 budget and 2027 budget proposal by a 3-to-2 vote, with 3 members absent. Director Knox then thanked Cassandra Knobloch, Glenn & Stella Jones, Chatham Grocery, Mitchells Pharmacy, Sherri Flynn, and Flynn’s Camping Grounds. In the final action before adjournment, the board set the next meeting for Tuesday, January 19, 2027.