Advisory board plans branch tours, orientation handbook and outreach to commissioners

Members of the Buncombe County Library Advisory Board agreed to pursue greater engagement with branches and the public through coordinated visits, an orientation packet for new members and outreach to county commissioners.

The chair proposed occasional in‑person visits or tours so members can see services and better advise the library. Several members said they had visited branches and found the meetings educational; one member described emailing branch managers to schedule informal 30‑minute visits and bringing donuts to staff to foster goodwill.

The board agreed to develop a consolidated orientation handbook that would include bylaws, the Library Bill of Rights, the collection policy and a clear description of the book‑challenge process. Jason Hyatt said staff keep records of requests for reconsideration and the resulting collection development reports, and he offered to share redacted example materials and recordings of prior book‑challenge sessions.

Members also proposed occasional, positive visits to county commissioners to thank them for library support and build goodwill ahead of any future asks. No formal vote was taken; staff will coordinate proposed schedules and materials for member review.