During the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution supporting BOCO Library Director Julie Phillips and her staff. In recent months, Ms. Phillips and the BOCO Library staff have come under personal attack by members of our community, both in person, in local media and online. The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has the utmost confidence in Ms. Phillips and her staff to lead the Botetourt County Libraries and the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors will not allow Ms. Phillips or her staff to be persecuted for doing the job that they are tasked to do, and that job is to serve all citizens of Botetourt County. 

Read the full resolution below.

 Resolution in Support of Library Director Julie Phillips and Botetourt County Library Staff

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Public Libraries’ vision is to fuel a curious, creative, connected community; and 

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Public Libraries’ mission is to connect everyone, everywhere to learn, grow and share; and 

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Public Libraries have four core values; to be insatiably curious; to anticipate and adapt to the needs of the community; to treat everyone with respect and kindness; to empower those around us; and 

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Public Libraries provide all community members with access to resources, services, and programs meeting their informational, educational, and recreational needs; and  

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Public Libraries ensure a safe, neutral means and environment for the free exploration of a broad range of ideas and provide encouragement and opportunities for all community members; Patrons regularly say that the Botetourt County Library System is a group of friendly, welcoming, professional and knowledgeable staff; and  

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Libraries foster an inclusive, innovative community by encouraging the free and civil exchange of ideas and information through personal connection and relationships; and 

WHEREAS, Botetourt County Libraries have been led since June 2019, by Library Director Julie Phillips; and 

WHEREAS, Ms. Phillips brought an indomitable optimism, passion for learning, and a commitment to public service that has resulted in innovations, partnerships, and staff empowerment; and 

WHEREAS, Botetourt Library staff, under Ms. Phillips’ leadership, have improved access to resources and programs by

• Eliminating fines,
• Opening meeting rooms to non-profits and community groups free of charge,
• Increasing online resources, including:
  1. HelpNow - free, live tutoring kindergarten through college;
  2. VetNow – live consultation and resources for military veterans;
  3. NicheAcademy – online tutorials including digital literacy; and
  4. Just for Kids streaming video.
• Developing new programs
  1. 1,000 Things Before Kindergarten;
  2. Summer Learning Challenge in partnership with Botetourt County Public Schools, and
  3. The #BOCOGrateful Campaign which grew to become a Countywide initiative.
• Implementing a new, easier-to-use, resource-rich Library website
• Opening a new Library materials pick-up and drop-off site at the Daleville Family YMCA
• Making Library facilities more accessible for persons with handicaps and disabilities
• Providing laptop computers for patron use while visiting library branches
• Providing curbside service
• Offering kits and backpacks for student educational adventures; and

WHEREAS, the library staff has seen enhancements in the last few years including a combined libraries/recreation position at the Eagle Rock Branch, the addition of a Blue Ridge Branch Manager for better service to the community and staff support, and the start of staff training totaling 3,853 hours since March 2020; and 

WHEREAS, under Ms. Phillips’ leadership, libraries have continued and increased community partnerships with various organizations including the YMCA, Virginia Department of Health, Botetourt County Social Services, Botetourt County Parks and Recreation, Botetourt County Economic Development, Local Office on Aging, Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center, Senior Navigator, Botetourt County Public Schools, Kiwanis Club, and more; the library partner network has increased exponentially and Friends groups are also growing and being revitalized; and 

WHEREAS, in recent months, Ms. Phillips and Botetourt County Library staff have come under personal attack by members of our community, both in person, in local media, and online; and 

WHEREAS, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has the utmost confidence in Ms. Phillips and her staff to lead Botetourt County Libraries and the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors will not allow Ms. Phillips or her staff to be persecuted for doing the job that they are tasked to do, and that job is to serve all citizens of Botetourt County; and 

WHEREAS, the Botetourt County Library team has tangible skills and organizational memory and know how to serve a diverse community; they are always willing to help, whether it be by finding a specific book for a patron, helping a child learn to read, or hosting a community program; our library staff shows up for the community. 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors give our support of confidence to Botetourt County Library Director Julie Phillips, and we have the utmost respect for her and our library staff and appreciate the job they do each and every day to support the citizens, visitors, and businesses of Botetourt County. 

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED this 17^th day of July 2023.