Special to the Times
Birmingham Public Library Executive Director Floyd Council has released a comprehensive report highlighting accomplishments achieved during his first 100 days leading the 19-library system. Council became executive director on Nov. 13, 2017, when the BPL Board of Trustees hired him after a nationwide search.
Council’s report focuses on action areas and priorities he put in place to help sustain the vision, mission and core values of the BPL.
“I have been deeply inspired and motivated by our honorable Mayor Randall Woodfin and his leadership team as we put our library patrons first in our service to the citizens of Birmingham via sound servant leadership,” Council said.
Among the highlights of Council’s first 100 days as executive director at BPL:
• Actively responded to all Library Board tasks, research projects, and directives.
• Met with and presented to all BPL Public Service Managers.
• Conducted substantial executive review of business and financial operations.
• Conducted substantial executive review of public service management.
• Established a Technology Committee to implement strategic plan goals.
• Accomplished impactful community and media engagement.
• Hosted an “A list” of traditional community partners and established new partnerships.
• Partnered with the Birmingham City School System for interactive service and support of dual strategic plans.
• “Rightsized” BPL’s 2017/2018 budget.
• Assessed all 19 library facilities prior to a 2019 budget review by the City of Birmingham.
• Produced the fiscal 2016-2017 BPL Annual Report.
• Prepared the BPL fiscal year 2019 budget proposal with BPL board approval.
• Targeted and started project management on new impactful grant opportunities.
• Empowered Public Service Management Leadership with a new meeting structure and new working titles.
• Reimagined BPL Administrative Office work spaces and planned for others.
• Reimagined the Central East Building first floor space planning (phase 1).
• Shifted security operations from the information desk to active service on floors
• Restored Librarian and Library Assistant workflow at the Central East Information desk.
• Created three new key administrative positions.
• Obtained BPL Board of Trustees approval to rejoin the Urban Libraries Council.
• Offered quality public service, programs, and services via BPL’s exceptional staff.
• Put library patrons first in BPL’s services to all 99 neighborhoods and 23 communities in the City of Birmingham.
For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit www.bplonline.org and follow BPL on Facebook and Twitter @BPL. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system—with 19 locations and serving the community for 130 years—is one of the largest library systems in the southeast.
