November 5, 1997



Roy Yancy, Chair
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Board of Trustees
One Margaret Mitchell Square
Atlanta, GA 30303

      RE:  Closed session concerning Hunter's 10/22/97 letter

Dear Mr. Yancy:

     The Georgia First Amendment Foundation is a non-profit organization, formed to advance open government and freedom of information through education and advocacy.  The Foundation teaches officials and the public about the First Amendment and state laws aimed at assuring public access to government.

     As you may know, under the open meetings act, unless state law provides otherwise, whenever a quorum of agency members meets to discuss official business or policy to take official action, the meeting must be open to the public.  O.C.G.A. sections 50-14-1 et seq.  Furthermore, the Georgia Supreme Court has consistently held that the scope of the open meetings act must be construed broadly and its exceptions narrowly.  See Kilgore v. R.W. Page Corp., 261 Ga. 410 (1991).

     We have learned that the Atlanta-Fulton library board plans to discuss a letter authored by the library system's director, concerning the system, during a closed executive session.  As a Foundation chartered to protect the public's right or information, we have a keen interest in the proper operation and enforcement of Georgia's open meetings laws.

     Could you please confirm to us whether or not the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Board of Trustees plans to close this meeting?  We would appreciate an explanation of any variation in the rules followed by the Board of Trustees and the requirements of Georgia law.

     Thank you in advance for your assistance.

                                                             Sincerely,



                                                             Hollie Manheimer

cc:  GFAF Board of Direcotrs