CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Public Library Board met on Sept. 9, 2026.
Donna Speaker donated $1,000 to the Cullman County Library out of gratitude. She said, “I wanted to show my appreciation to the library – the wonderful sort of variety of things that we have here.”
Meeting notes
Book lease program
The program bill for $6,000 was approved to be paid. Cullman County Public Library System Director Amber Thorton noted patrons are loving the program and it has been a great success.
Updated library card application
Due to material selection policy and the new location of said materials when submitted to APLS it was advised to update card applications to allow for these changes. The new update will add a consent for parents if they would like their child to move more freely in the library.
Capital campaign manager position
The library board is moving forward with its upcoming capital campaign, voting to post a one-year contract position for a campaign director. The hybrid, 30-hour-a-week role is targeted to start Oct.15, working closely with marketing agency Good Grit to manage campaign operations and community outreach.
CD opening
Thornton spoke with Chris Manning with Edward Jones and was assured they could open an account with them and be given the highest interest rate for a CD. The previous CD account with Alabama Credit Union was closed and a check for $5,641.29 was acquired. Adding these funds to the new CD with Edward Jones would be a total of $29,343.79. The board approved to go with a two-year plan at 4.25%.
Reading and library card report
In last month’s meeting the Board announced the library had 267,000 minutes read this summer from mid-May to Aug. 11. It also noted it had issued 200 library cards a month. “We’re seeing all kinds of people coming in, just an influx.” The bookmobile continues to be busy, seeing about 340 children.
Grants
The historical society donated $500 to buy more history books. The library is also working on its Lowe’s grant for the outdoor area. It received the grant from Lowe’s for $50,000. The Board has met with the Lowe’s team and with Yearwood Construction, along with ProWorx, to find furniture that would match any style they decide to go with. “We want to go ahead and create this space for people to enjoy, but we also want to be able to use this and then just expand on it with a new building.”
The library received an RCMB grant to purchase a cart of laptop computers for $15,000; those funds will be released on Oct. 1.
The Board said it was thrilled about this new opportunity because it allows them to bring monthly, specialized workshops directly to the community.
Right now, they are also in the middle of their second digital literacy session with 12 active participants.
“It is wonderful to host them right here in our own room, and we are so grateful to the Wallace Workforce Center for lending us the extra tables to make everyone fit and feel welcome.”
The next Board meeting is Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. at the library.
