Library Advisory Board Meeting | July 9, 2026

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Library Advisory Board convened on July 9, 2026, for a meeting focused on administrative updates, policy reviews, and system-wide operational reports. The session included a report from Library Director Jason Eckert regarding funding, facilities, and staffing, as well as a detailed presentation on the Collection Development and Materials Reconsideration Policy. The primary action taken by the Board was the approval of the minutes from the March meeting, which included a correction to note that Senior County Attorney Suzanne Avet was scheduled to present at that prior session. No other motions were passed, and no public comments were received during the designated public comment period.

Key Discussions and Decisions A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial stability and facility planning. Library Director Jason Eckert reported that state aid for public libraries remains consistent, with five core North Carolina Cardinal positions now funded by the state rather than federal LSTA funds. Eckert noted this shift reduces vulnerability to federal funding cuts and serves as a strong indicator of legislative support for the program. Regarding facilities, the Board received updates on the Pack Library elevator replacement, the South Buncombe Library renovation, and the approval of land purchase and design costs for a new Swannanoa Library/Government Complex, with construction targeted for Fiscal Year 28. Planning for the West Asheville Library renovation was also discussed. On staffing, the Board reviewed the recruitment for a Skyland/South Buncombe Branch Manager and the posting of a full-time Library Social Worker position at Pack Library, alongside the initiation of a county-wide classification and compensation study.

Policy Review and Community Feedback The Library Director provided a detailed presentation on the Collection Development Policy, emphasizing intellectual freedom principles and the formal process for handling materials reconsideration requests. Board Member Michael Williams noted that all reconsideration requests received during his tenure have resulted in decisions supporting the item remaining in the collection. Board Member Leanne Smith added that patrons generally respected the process, even when decisions went against their requests, due to the visible commitment to serious consideration. During the report, community members provided informal feedback: Leane Smith praised the organization and accessibility of the Friends of the Pack Library book sale, while other speakers asked about board member eligibility for summer reading prize drawings and patron access to Zoom passes. The Library Director confirmed that patrons are eligible for Zoom passes.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Several specific follow-up actions were agreed upon to address questions raised during the meeting. Library Director Jason Eckert agreed to determine which Commissioner’s district the proposed Swannanoa Library site falls into and to verify whether that seat is currently filled or open. Additionally, Eckert agreed to consult with legal counsel or review prior precedents to clarify whether board members participating in the adult summer reading challenge could enter the associated prize drawing without creating a conflict of interest. Council Member Speaker 4 suggested that the Collection Development Policy and materials reconsideration process be included in the Library Advisory Board manual for new member orientation, a suggestion the Chair acknowledged would be included when the manual is developed.

Impact on Residents This meeting highlights the Library system’s efforts to secure stable funding through state support for core positions, thereby reducing reliance on potentially volatile federal funds. The approval of design costs for the Swannanoa Library/Government Complex marks a concrete step toward expanding services in that district, with construction targeted for Fiscal Year 28. Furthermore, the clarification of the materials reconsideration process reinforces the Board’s role in ensuring fair application of collection policies, a factor that residents have noted contributes to trust in library services. The initiation of a county-wide classification and compensation study signals ongoing efforts to standardize and potentially improve staff roles across the system.