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Davie County Library, Board of
Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date & Time: 01-15-2026, 4:00 PM
Location: Davie County Public Library - History Room
Attendees: Brent Ward, Teresa Bivins, Nikki Johnson-
Faircloth, David Joyner, John Chandler, Jane McAllister,
Glenn Mace, Derrick Wold
Call To Order
On January 15, 2026 the Davie County Library Board of Trustees
meeting called to order by Board Chair, Brent Ward, at
approximately 4:00 PM. Pledge of Allegiance recited. Minutes from
November 20, 2025 were approved.
Public Comment - ADA Accessibility
A public comment was made Julie Whittaker regarding the
placement of ADA access points in library buildings, urging the
board to avoid locating them at the back. The speaker shared
experiences of individuals with disabilities who find rear entrances
inconvenient and less welcoming. The board was encouraged to
consult with library patrons who use assistive devices like walkers,
scooters, and wheelchairs to understand their needs and
preferences for accessibility. The speaker provided the board with
a document containing general advice on ADA access and a link to
a descriptive manual.

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Library Director Wold Report
Operations and Technology Report:
▪ RFID Conversion: The RFID conversion project has been
completed, and the security gates are now functional. The only
remaining issue is that the self-checkout machine’s RFID
technology has not yet been synced, and the library is waiting
on Bibliotheca for support.
▪ Hotspot & Chromebook Program: The library has
experienced significant issues with patrons not returning
checked-out Chromebooks & Hotspots. Another library in
Harnett County was consulted and reported similar problems.
▪ Current efforts to retrieve the devices, such as making
reminder calls and remotely disabling the Chromebooks &
Hotspots, have been unsuccessful.
▪ Due to these ongoing issues and the cost of the program,
the director proposed discontinuing the public checkout of
Chromebooks and hotspots. A few hotspots would be
retained for staff use during outreach events.
▪ The grant funding for this program was for one year and
has already concluded, so no funds need to be returned.
▪ Budget: Copy provided to Board from Director Wold. Chair
Ward inquired if any funding has been received from the Town
of Mocksville. Director Wold confirmed, no money has been
received.

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Staffing
▪ New Hires & Promotions:
▪ Tori Jones was introduced as the new full-time Library
Assistant.
▪ Melissa Carrion, previously a part-time assistant, has been
promoted to Customer Service Supervisor.
▪ Iqra Tabassum has been hired for the Administrative
Assistant position, starting on January 26, 2026
▪ Open Positions:
There are currently six open part-time Library Assistant positions.
Offer letters have been sent to two candidates with a target start
date of January 20, 2026.
Cooleemee Library Projects
▪ Donor Recognition Plaque: The board discussed
creating a plaque to recognize the $200,000 donation from
Arlene Thompson.
▪ A sample plaque, measuring 16 by 12 inches, was
presented by Director Wold with a cost of estimate of
$928. Board Member McAllister raised the concern this
price was too high and suggested exploring simpler, more
affordable alternatives. Other Board Members agreed. The
plaque’s proposed location is in the entryway of the new
building.

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▪ Director Wold discussed the funds being used for the
expansion of the Cooleemee Library space. The planned
800-900 square feet for the library could increase to
approximately 1,200-1,400 square feet for the estimated
cost of around $150,000.
▪ Member McAllister confirmed with Director Wold that a
decision has not been made how the $200,000 gift is to be
used and raised the question if this gift should be used for
capital expenditures or should that expense be held by the
Town of Cooleemee / Davie County.
▪ The increase to the proposed 1,400 sq. ft. would be slightly
smaller than the current Cooleemee Library, which is
~1,800 sq. ft.
▪ The discussion on the plaque and the usage of the
200,000 gift funds was ultimately tabled again this
meeting.
Future Budget and Renovation Plans
▪ Upcoming Budget Proposal: The director will present the
library’s needs at the Commissioner’s Budget Workshop. The
proposal will include requests for:
▪ A capital improvement plan for new carpeting, painting,
and a roof inspection/replacement at the main library.
▪ Funding for one full-time or two part-time positions to
enable extended evening hours Monday - Thursday to
8:00 PM and open on Saturdays at the Cooleemee
Branch.

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This ended Director Wold's Report.
Board Discussion:
▪ Courtyard and Entrance ADA Renovations:
Chair Ward advised he and Director Wold meet with Brad
Blackwelder and assistant to review construction plans for the
courtyard and entrance for ADA renovations to Main Branch. The
Library Board recommended the renovations project take place at
the front entrance of the building.
Renovation will include but not limited to, removal of existing
ground brick so the courtyard is concrete, removal of gates, adding
new lighting, an automatic door. The existing courtyard benches,
statues, and tree if possible, will stay after renovations. The
flagpole will be moved from the parking lot to the front of the
building. A small, knee-high retaining wall will be added for safety
on the ramp.
Chair Ward noted, Brad Blackwelder's assistant communicated the
biggest challenge will be for everything to fit correctly, preventing
any water issues.
The project is expected to start sometime between mid-2026 and
the end of 2026, pending final plans, approvals including funding
from Davie County Commissioners.

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New Business
▪ Chair Ward reviewed and recommended the application of
Peter Wertz for a Library Trustee position. He advised
acceptance would be a decision of the Davie County
Commissioners.
Meeting Notes Completed by:
Nikki Johnson-Faircloth
Secretary DCLTB
1/20/2026