Norman Public Library Board

Norman Public Library Board Meeting December 15, 2025 The Norman Public Library Board board meeting was sworn in at 4:30 p.m. on December 15th at the Norman Library West, 300 Norman Center Ct. Meeting Minutes 1. Roll Call: Present: Jayme Shelton (Chair), Jason Bingham (Vice-Chair), Megan Straughan (Secretary), Laura Doughty, Sue Ringus, Jody Foote, Evan Taylor, Not Present: Debra Engel, Eric White 2. Introduction of Staff and Guests Caroline Dulworth, Director of Branch Services Mike Pierson, Branch Manager, Norman West Beverly Theige, Norman Children’s SUpervisor Robert Bruce, Ward 3 City Councilor Zack Wright, Transcript Rick Knighton, City Attorney 3. Consideration to approve and/or take other action on minutes from previous meeting ​ Minutes approved, no changes were noted 4. Consideration of approval, rejection, amendment, postponement, and/or discussion of 2026 schedule of meetings. ​ ​ Meetings will be at 4:30 March 9th, 2026 at Norman East June 15th, 2026 at Norman West September 21st, 2026 at Norman East December 21st, 2026 at Norman West ​ Member Taylor moves to approve the schedule, Member Ringus seconded. Schedule was unanimously approved 5. Election of Officers - Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary ​ Megan Straughan nominated Jayme Shelton, approved unanimously ​ Jason Bingham nominated Laura Doughty, approved unanimously ​ Sue Ringus nominates Megan Straughan, approved unanimously 6. Discussion of the Library Board’s Duties and Powers (Norman City Charter - chapter 2 - article 2-III, division 2-III-14, 2-342 Duties and Powers)  “The Library Board may make reasonable rules and regulations for the maximum use of the City Public Library building by the greatest number of people, and the Board shall have the authority to exclude from such use those individuals who willfully violate such rules and regulations. ​The Library Board may recommend to the Council the expenditure of those sums necessary to maintain and repair the City Public Library building and the heating, lighting, and air conditioning systems of that building, within the limits of funds made available for such purposes, and the Board shall oversee such repair and maintenance.” ​ Director Dulworth identified the board as advocates for the library services. Member Taylor identified the need to advocate to the council regarding the detrimental effects of not having the Central Branch available. VP Bingham identified meeting and study space (third spaces) as the most commonly reported need that is not being met currently. Discussion of how the board can appropriately make recommendations to the City Council and the library within the duties outlined in the charter with the current meeting cadence and communication channels. Mr. Knighton identified that the charter language was written in 1976 and refers to a singular building, and that revisions to the ordinance may be necessary. Mr. Knighton referred Board President Shelton to Kathryn Walker for more information regarding changes to city ordinances, and suggested that Brenda Hall, City Clerk, would have helpful institutional knowledge about the ordinance 7. Consideration of discussion and/or update related to the Norman Central Library Building Mr. Knighton updated the board over the last 6 months on the Central Library litigation. The previous subcontractor that was unable to be served (see June Library Board Meeting Minutes) has since been served. The city attempted mediation with Flintco and its subcontractors, which has been delayed until January. All parties have agreed to mediation, but are currently waiting to participate in mediation with Judge Heatherington (likely January or February 2026). The city encouraged PLS to join the lawsuit so that relief could be sought for damages to both the city and PLS. PLS sued the city, and the city filed to consolidate the lawsuits. The motion to consolidate was approved. The city has had an assessment regarding the repair process, but does not have a concrete timeline or  cost estimate. The board discussed the need for more communication between the city and citizens regarding transparency of the process. Member Taylor suggested that a library board representative contact the city’s communication department, or that special meetings take place to concentrate on that project. Board President Shelton will contact Tiffany Versca (?) to discuss city communication with citizens. 8. Library Branch updates ​ Mike Pierson presented on both East and West Branches ​ Library Lumberjacks won the Christmas Parade float contest! ​ Holiday celebrations are happening this week at both branches ​ West will be having renovations next year including adding meeting spaces ​ West is continuing their health literacy grant with cooking and Tai Chi classes ​ East is doing SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) classes ​ Beverly Theige presented new Growing Like a Read packets ​ ​ 3700 have gone out across the city ​ Library lab is very busy with people making holiday gifts 9. Library Board Comments ​ Member Taylor identified wanting to research revising the ordinance as discussed by Mr. Knighton and will report back in March. 10. Public Comments ​ Councilmember Bruce identified that he gets lots of feedback both good and bad and is getting to know the pulse of the constituency. ​ Mr. Wright asked the board about feedback they have received from the community. 11. Adjournment ​ ​ Secretary Straughan motioned to adjourn, VP Bingham seconded. Meeting was adjourned unanimously. Next Meeting: March 9 2026, 4:30 pm; Norman Library East It is the policy of the City of Norman that no person or groups of persons shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, including marriage to a person of the same sex, disability, relation, or genetic information, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in employment activities or in all programs, services, or activities administered by the City, its recipients, sub-recipients, and contractors. In the event of any comments, complaints, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, and auxiliary aids and services regarding accessibility or inclusion, please contact the ADA Technician at 405-366-5424, Relay Service: 711. To better serve you, five (5) business days’ advance notice is preferred.