Library Advisory Board Meeting | Jan. 8, 2026

Library Advisory Board Meeting Recap: January 8, 2026

The Buncombe County Library Advisory Board convened on January 8, 2026, for a productive meeting focused on ensuring the library system continues to effectively serve the community. The meeting, attended by all board members, centered on legal updates, operational improvements, and exploring ways to enhance the Board's understanding of library services.

A key focus of the meeting was clarifying legal requirements surrounding board communication and meetings. Following a discussion led by new legal counsel, Suzanne Avett (introduced to formally replace the previous advisor), the board reached a consensus that any communication involving three or more members constitutes a meeting and must adhere to open meeting laws. This ensures transparency and accountability in board deliberations, aligning with Buncombe County regulations. The Board also discussed the possibility of incorporating in-person meetings alongside current virtual options, but ultimately determined that County law currently requires all meetings to be either in-person or via Zoom. The Board will explore amending bylaws to allow for more flexible meeting formats, potentially including occasional visits to library branches.

Beyond legal matters, the Board received a comprehensive update from Library Director Jason Hyatt regarding recent improvements and ongoing initiatives. Notably, all Buncombe County Public Libraries have returned to their full five-day schedule, with extended hours at Pack Memorial Library and expanded youth programming. The ongoing Winter Reading Challenge was highlighted as a key community engagement opportunity, and the Board acknowledged the impact of libraries serving as early voting sites in February. Discussions also touched upon the valuable partnership with NC Works, providing career support at various library locations, and encouraged residents to review the Special Collections' annual report. A significant point of discussion arose regarding a recent state law change requiring parents to actively opt-in their children for digital library resources, which could potentially impact equitable access. Jason Hyatt committed to gathering data on the law’s impact and presenting findings at a future meeting.

The Board took several key decisions during the session, including formally approving Suzanne Avett as their new legal counsel and agreeing to explore incorporating branch visits into their activities. Recognizing the importance of a deeper understanding of library services, the Board also voted to incorporate regular "service deep dives" into future meetings, allowing for focused discussions on specific library programs and resources. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without issue.

There were no public comments during this meeting. However, the Board's commitment to better understanding library operations and advocating for the library within the community was evident throughout the discussions.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified to further support the library system. Jason Hyatt and Tammy will coordinate a review of bylaws, particularly regarding meeting formats, to ensure compliance and explore greater flexibility. A new orientation handbook for board members will be developed, including information on public meeting laws and other essential policies. Finally, a plan for branch visits will be developed to provide board members with firsthand experience of library services. Jason Hyatt will also coordinate training for the Board on public meeting laws and gather data to assess the impact of the new state law regarding digital collection access. These steps will help ensure the Board remains well-informed and effectively supports the vital role our libraries play in Buncombe County.