July 28, 1999



Board of Trustees of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
Atlanta-Fulton County Library
#1 Margaret Mitchell Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Dear Board of Trustees:

     I am writing on behalf of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.  We are an organization that seeks to advance the cause of open government and monitors freedom of information issues throughout this state.

     It was brought to our attention that at its meeting held on June 23, 1999, the Board of Trustees of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library allegedly voted in closed executive session to offer to the candidate Mary Kaye Donohue-Hooker the vacant position of the director of the Library.  This vote was taken behind closed doors in direct violation of O.C.G.A. section 50-14-3(6) which states that such vote must be conducted in the public portion of the meeting.

     We were also notified that the Board failed to release all the records of the top three candidates for the position fourteen days prior to the vote.  This constitutes a violation of Georgia Code Section 50-18-72(7).  In addition, we are aware that the Board has refused to release the records even about selected candidates, which is further violation of Georgia law, which entitles the public to become familiar with the records of the persons accepting public positions.

     We would appreciate an explanation of what will be done to remedy these violations that go against the interests of the public.  Thank you.

                                                Sincerely,



                                                Hollie Manheimer
                                                Executive Director

cc:  GFAF Board of Directors