Lewis Moten

Unveiling the Code: Insights, Inspiration, and Innovation

  • January: The Warren County Board of Supervisors intensified their efforts to reshape the governance of Samuels Public Library by appointing five new members to the county’s library board, a move met with legal challenges from the original trustees who filed for an injunction. Despite this legal action and community concerns over the new appointees’ history with censorship issues, a Circuit Court judge ruled to allow the new board to proceed, setting the stage for future hearings and continued conflict over the library’s direction.
  • February: Tensions surrounding Samuels Public Library further escalated with increased activism, the launch of a PAC, and a focus on the library at a Board of Supervisors meeting where concerns about political interference and book content were voiced. The libraries civil case for an injunction against the county was refiled amidst community rallies and press commentary urging reconsideration, while late in the month, the county sought to dismiss the lawsuit and the newly formed Warren County Library Board accused the library of a secret meeting, contract violations, and recommended non-renewal of their funding agreement, deepening the conflict.
  • March: The contentious situation surrounding Samuels Public Library intensified, marked by community mobilization and a crucial Board of Supervisors meeting where the non-renewal of the library’s funding agreement was decided, sparking widespread media attention and debate. Following this vote, concerns and legal actions continued, including discussions about library assets, the emergence of an unsolicited takeover bid, and the filing for dismissal of a lawsuit, all while community support for the library remained evident.

April

May

June

July

  • July 1
  • July 5
    • Library Systems & Services, Inc.: via March 13, 2025 Unsolicited Bid
      • (Day 5-20) Onboard current staff, providing extensive training to include: Patron Privacy, Service Animals, Safety/Security, Malicious Emails, Incident Reporting, Marketing.
      • (Day 5-10) Ensure materials are received and processed. Confirm ongoing physical/electronic material and subscription acquisition.
  • July 10
    • Library Systems & Services, Inc.: via March 13, 2025 Unsolicited Bid
      • (Day 10-20) Review policies and procedures to ensure alignment with County
      • (Day 10-20) Establish connection with Community Partners, Friends of the Library
  • July 15

August

  • August 1
    • Library Systems & Services, Inc.: via March 13, 2025 Unsolicited Bid
      • Submission of the Budget for Expenditure of State Aid
      • Submission of Required Documents (… what are they?)
  • August 4
    • Library Systems & Services, Inc.: (Day 35-45) Onboard new staff, providing extensive training on variety of library services via March 13, 2025 Unsolicited Bid
  • August 14
    • Library Systems & Services, Inc.: via March 13, 2025 Unsolicited Bid
      • (Day 45) Meet and establish connection with Library support groups
      • (Day 45) Earliest end of expected transition period
  • August 29

November