HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-11-2021; 2 - Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board – Appointment Discussion
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:November 11, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 2
SUBJECT: Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board – Appointment Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet
Application for Person Recommended
Applications of Other Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clerk’s Office, 919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider an appointment to the Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Public Library Advisory Board is responsible for
recommending long-term plans, policies, and programs of library service throughout the
community. It advises the Chapel Hill Mayor and Council on library matters, develops plans for
library facilities, and recommends operating policies of the library.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints one member to this board.
The following applicant is recommended by the Chapel Hill Town Council for Board
consideration:
NAME POSITION
DESCRIPTION
TYPE OF
APPOINTMENT
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Alison Smith BOCC Appointee First Full Term 06/30/2024
If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss an appointment to
the Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board.
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I, Amy T. Harvey, Deputy Town Clerk of the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
hereby certify that the attached is a true and correct copy of (2021-06-09/R-10)
adopted as amended by the Chapel Hill Town Council on June 9, 2021.
This the 10th day of June, 2021.
Amy T. Harvey
Deputy Town Clerk
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A RESOLUTION MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS REGARDING THE COUNTY-APPOINTED SEAT ON THE CHAPEL HILL PUBLIC
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD (2021-06-09/R-10)
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has a resolution regarding the Orange County
Appointment and Orientation Process for Boards and Commissions that specifies “… When a vacancy
exists, the municipality will be requested to provide to the Board of County Commissioners a resolution
with a recommendation for that vacancy;” and
WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Public Library Advisory Board has reviewed the viable applications and made
a recommendation to the Chapel Hill Town Council; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council
recommends the Orange County Board of Commissioners appoint Alison Smith to the County-
appointed position on the Chapel Hill Public Library Advisory Board.
This the 9th day of June, 2021.
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Name Member or Applicant?Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
VACANT N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Virginia Baeckler Applicant Female White Hillsborough
Logan Cason Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Marguerite DeCarli Applicant Female White 60+Hillsborough
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner Applicant Female White 60+Bingham
Samantha Kaplan Applicant Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill
Jaya Nair Applicant Female Asian American 35-59 Chapel Hill Commission for the Environment
Alison Smith Applicant Female White 35-59 Hillsborough
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board Members and Applicants
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Alison Smith Page 1 of 2
Home Address:110 Autumn Lane
Township of Residence:
Zone of Residence:
Ethnic Background:White
Gender Identity:Female
Phone:9196497302
Email:alisonvalentinesmith@gmail.com
Name:Mrs. Alison Smith
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Name Called:
Year of OC Residence:2009
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships
I currently work at Orange County Department on Aging where I volunteered prior to
employment. I am a regular visiting guest at the the EZRIDER Advisory Board and
Chapel Hill Transit Partners meeting. I am currently enrolled in the Chapel Hill s Peoples
Academy and learning all about local government in the Town of Chapel Hill. The
academy is encouraging us to support our community through participation in advisory
boards. I love the CH Library! It would be a privilege and honor to offer my support as the
Orange County representative.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
I am involved in the Orange County Aging Advisory board as an employee of the
Department on Aging.
Age Range:35-59
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I lived on Clayton Road for 8 years and walked Pritchard Park daily to the Library. I was a
vocal advocate for keeping the Library in it s current location.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Because I love the Library and I feel it is one of Chapel Hills biggest bragging points. I am
currently enrolled in CH Peoples Academy and they are encouraging members to seek out
advisory boards we would be passionate about serving.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board
I could contribute a variety of perspectives to the board. I have worked in the field of aging for
7 years and know how important the library is to our seniors. The Senior Shuttle has a regular
stop at the Seymour Center and Library. I regular encourage seniors to travel between the two.
I have a daughter that has attended the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and I ve witnessed
what a gift the teen rooms have been for students to gather and study (especially ones that
would have gone home to an empty house). I am a participant of the Chapel Hill Library and
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Page 2 of 2 Alison Smith
Other Comments:
This application was current on:3/25/2021 11:52:50 AM Date Printed:3/30/2021
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Conflict of Interest:
enjoy checking out books to read regularly.
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Virginia Baeckler Page 1 of 2
Home Address:317 Joyce Road
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence:Hillsborough ETJ
Ethnic Background:White
Gender Identity:Female
Phone:609-462-5978
Email:baeckler@gmail.com
Name: Virginia Baeckler
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Hillsborough NC 27278
Name Called:
Year of OC Residence:2013
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships
Recently retired librarian who directed two major building campaigns. Author 4 books on
library management, programming and pr. Member American Library Association,
National Science Teachers Association, NYTimes Librarian of the Year, co founder of
Contact Science/University of Texas at Dallas.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Age Range:
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
While my academic training at Cornell University was in the field of Slavic languages and
literature,I wandered far astray after a year of doctoral research in the Soviet Union. I became
a lobbyist for arts in education, which morphed into being the advocate for New Jersey Media
Association, working to improve political support for libraries in every school. From there, I
stepped into the public library world. In Plainsboro, NJ, which has a wildly diverse population, I
guided the library through rapid cultural revolutions, and in the space of 20 years, built two
libraries, moving from 1400 square feet, to 14,000 square feet to 48,000 square feet. Numbers
are not everything. I bring real world experience gained throughout the growth in services,
holdings and finance. More than that, as a recent article trumpeted: libraries are in my
blood! Since supporting myself in college by working in and eventually running a branch of
the university library system, I have been dazzled by the potential of libraries as the only public
institution entrusted with cradle to grave education. We are informal education at its finest.
For example: With the nation facing a critical shortage of scientists, and science education
lagging in school curricula, we launched a Science Center that boasted everything from
science story hours for wee children, to robotics classes utilizing corporate volunteer techies, to
community wide science competitions that engaged adults, teens and tots. With the advent of
digital education, we brought a nifty array on online services to our public--be they adult
investors, or kids needing help/tutoring with their homework. At the core of it all, education is
our supreme goal!
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Page 2 of 2 Virginia Baeckler
Other Comments:
STAFF COMMENTS: Originally applied for Chapel Hill Library Board of Trustees
06/20/2013. ADDRESS VERIFICATION: 317 Joyce Road is Hillsborough Township,
Hillsborough Jurisdiction, and Hillsborough ETJ.
This application was current on:3/15/2021 Date Printed:3/15/2021
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Conflict of Interest:
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Logan Cason Page 1 of 1
Home Address:5016 Whyteleafe Ct
Township of Residence:
Zone of Residence:
Ethnic Background:White
Gender Identity:Male
Phone:7046096192
Email:logancason1@gmail.com
Name:Mr. Logan Cason
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill NC 27514-9764
Other Comments:
Name Called:
This application was current on:4/5/2021 10:07:07 AM Date Printed:4/7/2021
Year of OC Residence:2021
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
I am a regular user of library services!
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Age Range:35-59
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I frequently use library services and have a background in marketing and event planning that I
believe would help produce new ways to appeal to the community.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I ve just moved to Chapel Hill from Durham. I ve already been impressed with the high quality of
the library services and communications. I d love to help continue that high quality and promote
library patronage within the community.
Conflict of Interest:
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I believe I could bring representation of a younger generation that is attracted to modern services
and library policies, particularly the hobby building, history learning, and culture experiencing
community of enthusiasts like me!
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Marguerite DeCarli Page 1 of 2
Home Address:3208 Bartlett Circle
Township of Residence:
Zone of Residence:
Ethnic Background:White
Gender Identity:Female
Phone:9197408033
Email:mguites@aol.com
Name: Marguerite DeCarli
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Hillsborough NC 27278
Name Called:
Year of OC Residence:1989
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships
I presently work full time for UNC Horizons Child Development Center and part time for
the Orange County Library. In the past I served on the CCSA board and a local
Preschool board. I am a member of the NAEYC. I believe libraries are an integral part of
their community, a safe and inclusive environment.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Age Range:60+
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I presently work part time at the Orange County Library and would like to work more closely
with supporting the work libraries do each day.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board
As stated earlier, libraries provide integral services in communities. Libraries have always
offered books but over the years also created safe places for all. Libraries have often been the
first organizations to see and meet social needs by disseminating information and meeting
needs.
Conflict of Interest:
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board
For the last 14 years I have worked with families whose life struggles are very different from
my own. Listening to others and actually hearing what they say has taught me so much and
also made me aware of my own biases. I see this has a way to advocate for books and getting
literature to all. My full time work is with very young children and building a love of books and
reading is a daily goal.
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Page 2 of 2 Marguerite DeCarli
Other Comments:
This application was current on:3/25/2021 12:32:20 PM Date Printed:3/30/2021
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner Page 1 of 2
Home Address:9900 Leslie Dr
Township of Residence:
Zone of Residence:
Ethnic Background:White
Gender Identity:Female
Phone:9198015612
Email:tamaradt@yahoo.com
Name: Tamara Dempsey-Tanner
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill NC 27516-7536
Name Called:
Year of OC Residence:1994
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
OCDSS Board member, 2014 present
OCDSS Board Chair, 2015 to present
OC Toy Chest volunteer-2000 to present
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
OC DSS Board - 2014 to present
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Age Range:60+
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have a graduate degree in public health education. I have been employed in local and state
government (human services) for 25 years. I have been a volunteer on a county board for the
past 6 years. I believe my experience in participating in a board management environment,
collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and a 25 + year history observing Orange County s
growth.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I have been a faithful patron since 1995. I also regularly donate books for the library s
discretionary use. The Chapel Hill library is an invaluable asset that contributes to my personal
ongoing reading pleasure, in addition to numerous other county patrons. I want to pay it forward
to future library patrons so they can benefit from the same resources I have enjoyed.
Conflict of Interest:
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
As an individual residing in an unincorporated part of the county and a longtime patron of the
Chapel Hill Public Library, I can bring this unique perspective about how this library is a resource
for the entire southern part of the county.
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Page 2 of 2 Tamara Dempsey-
Other Comments:
This application was current on:3/30/2021 7:31:49 PM Date Printed:3/31/2021
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Samantha Kaplan Page 1 of 2
Home Address:205 Stable Road,
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence:Carrboro City Limits
Ethnic Background:White
Gender Identity:Female
Phone:7065369451
Email:samanthajkaplan@gmail.com
Name:Dr. Samantha Kaplan
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Carrboro NC 27510
Other Comments:
Name Called:
This application was current on:3/15/2021 Date Printed:10/27/2021
Year of OC Residence:2014
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Member: Medical Library Association
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
n/a
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Age Range:18-34
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I hold a Master s degree and PhD in Information and Library Science. I am a research and
education librarian at the Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives. I have taught
graduate-level courses in library and information science. I am also an active and passionate
library patron.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
was deeply touched by the passing of Dr. Evelyn Daniel. She was a teacher, mentor, and friend
of mine. Upon reading her obituary, I noticed she served on the CHPL board and resolved to try
to become more involved. As a devoted patron, academic medical librarian, and Carrboro
resident, I feel that I can contribute to CHPL.
Conflict of Interest:
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I have a strong understanding of health information literacy and resources, familiarity with other
library perspectives, and represent a different type of patron (digital, commuter, young
professional) than what people typically consider.
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Page 2 of 2 Samantha Kaplan
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Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Jaya Nair Page 1 of 2
Home Address:1512 Providence Glen Dr
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence:C.H. City Limits
Ethnic Background:Asian American
Gender Identity:Female
Phone:9082091161
Email:snair.jaya@gmail.com
Name:Ms Jaya Nair
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Name Called:
Year of OC Residence:2017
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
I volunteered with the library for their annual book sale. Looking for more opportunities in
OC.
I volunteered for 4 years in the Adult Advisory Board for Youth Council in East Brunswick,
NJ. There major duties were to help Youth Council members with suggestions for new
ideas, activities such as fundraising and interviewing for positions for Youth Council Board
members.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
NA
Age Range:35-59
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I hold a masters degree in Chemistry from India. I am a frequent visitor to the library and
volunteered with the Friends of Library group for the annual book sale.
I do not have past experience with volunteering at libraries, but want to explore where I can
contribute.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I really enjoyed the volunteering with Friends of Library for the annual book sale. I am very
impressed by the dedication and willingness of everyone I met to contribute their time and
energy for the Library s benefit.
I would like to contribute what I can to the library by volunteering for the Board.
Conflict of Interest:
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
Without any prior experience in serving any Library Advisory Boards, I hope I can bring a fresh
set of opinions and ideas.
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Page 2 of 2 Jaya Nair
Other Comments:
This application was current on:10/27/2021 Date Printed:10/27/2021
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
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Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I hold a masters degree in Chemistry from India. I had indirect interaction with Parks and
Recreation department in East Brunswick township in New Jersey when I volunteered for the
Youth Council there. Other than that I do not have any former experience with the Parks and
Recreation Council.
Conflict of Interest:
With no prior experience, I still hope I can bring new ideas and view points to the Council.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I understand the importance of having the Parks and Recreation Council to the people and
would like to contribute my time to serve the Council.
Commission for the Environment
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I hold a masters degree in Chemistry from India. I did research with National Institute of
Oceanography in India regarding the pollution of the estuaries and rivers in my state. I would
like to contribute what I with my background for the Commission for
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I would like to give back to the society and I believe volunteering is the best way. If I can relate
the topics to what I learned in the past that will be an additional interest for me.
Conflict of Interest:
Application Date:12/21/2019
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board
Contact Person:Alisha Cordell
Contact Phone:919-968-2844
Meeting Times:5:30 pm 2nd Monday in Feb, May, Sep, & Nov
Positions:1 Terms:2
Meeting Place:Library Meeting Room 100 Library Dr.
Length:4 years
Description:The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for recommending long-term plans, policies, and programs of library service
throughout the community. It advises the Mayor and Council on library matters, develops plans for library facilities, and
recommends operating policies of the library. The Trustees are also responsible for the monitoring of non-budgeted gifts and
donations received by the library.
Ethnic Background:
VACANT
Gender Identity:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2024
Number of Terms:
1 First Appointed:
Special Repr:Orange County Resident B.O.C.C. AppoiAge Range:
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 Page 1
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Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board Contact Person:Alisha Cordell
Contact Phone:919-968-2844
Ethnic Background:White
Virginia Baeckler
Gender Identity:Female
Township:Hillsborough
Date Applied:03/15/2021
Res. Eligibility:Hillsborough ETJAge Range:
Also Serves On:
Ethnic Background:White
Logan Cason
Gender Identity:Male
Township:Chapel Hill
Date Applied:04/05/2021
Mr.
Res. Eligibility:CountyAge Range:35-59
Also Serves On:
Ethnic Background:White
Marguerite DeCarli
Gender Identity:Female
Township:Hillsborough
Date Applied:03/25/2021
Res. Eligibility:CountyAge Range:60+
Also Serves On:
Ethnic Background:White
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner
Gender Identity:Female
Township:Bingham
Date Applied:03/30/2021
Res. Eligibility:CountyAge Range:60+
Also Serves On:
Ethnic Background:White
Samantha Kaplan
Gender Identity:Female
Township:Chapel Hill
Date Applied:10/27/2021
Dr.
Res. Eligibility:Carrboro City LimitsAge Range:18-34
Also Serves On:
Ethnic Background:Asian American
Jaya Nair
Gender Identity:Female
Township:Chapel Hill
Date Applied:10/27/2021
Ms
Res. Eligibility:C.H. City LimitsAge Range:35-59
Also Serves On:Commission for the Environment
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Page 1 of 2
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Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board Contact Person:Alisha Cordell
Contact Phone:919-968-2844
Ethnic Background:White
Alison Smith
Gender Identity:Female
Township:Hillsborough
Date Applied:03/25/2021
Mrs.
Res. Eligibility:Chapel Hill ETJAge Range:35-59
Also Serves On:
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Page 2 of 2
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