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Libraries ask for software switch and added hours; commission approves contingent contract move and capital requests
Summary
Hendersonville Library interim director requested a move from TLC to Atrium to cut recurring costs; the commission approved a contingent motion: switch to Atrium if conversion logistics are met and local partners commit matching funds. Separately, commissioners approved $53,000 in capital for Gallatin Library maintenance projects.
Hendersonville Library interim director Kristen Lima told the committee the library’s current integrated library system (TLC) is the most expensive of the options she reviewed and that staff experience with the vendor has been problematic. She presented a comparison that showed the county paying just over $20,000 annually under TLC; a switch to Atrium would require a one‑time conversion fee she said of about $10,000 and lower recurring fees (around $5,000 annually), producing recurring savings.
Commissioners discussed timing and system compatibility, including the library website currently tied to TLC and the need for a new website regardless of system choice. The commission approved a contingent motion to allow the conversion to Atrium if (1) the Hendersonville city council agrees to provide a recurring supplement and (2) a donor bequest will cover the one‑time conversion cost; the motion also asked staff to verify contract termination terms with the current vendor. The motion passed; commissioners asked finance staff to document the changes in the preliminary budget.
Separately, commissioners approved a capital appropriation to the Gallatin Library for maintenance and repairs. The commission amended and approved a $53,000 capital allocation to address exterior repair, painting and replacement fixtures identified by the library director.
Commissioners asked libraries to provide follow‑up details on how recurring savings from a software change could be used — including whether savings might support extended weekend hours — and requested that library leaders return with firm implementation timelines and vendor termination specifics.
