HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-07EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
LIBRARY BOARD
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021
ITEM NO. 1 CALLED TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Barney Snitz at
7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021, in the Meeting Room of the Library, 201 N. Ector Drive.
Those present included: Chairperson Snitz, Board Members Jorge Chac, Jim Hamilton, and
Rochelle Ragas. Board Members Mavy Wright, Mike McGehee, and Chris McAllister were not
present.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Sherry Knight, Library Director
Mollie Myers, Administrative Secretary
Wes Rhodes, Assistant City Manager
Angela Jones, Assistant Library Director
Donna Gooch, Librarian in Community Services
VISITORS
LuAnn Portugal, Euless, Texas
ITEM NO.2 APPROVED LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Chairperson Snitz asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held September
2, 2021. The motion was made by Board Member Chac and seconded by Board
Member Hamilton. All were in favor and the motion carried.
ITEM NO.3 WELCOMED VISITORS
Chairperson Snitz welcomed all visitors.
ITEM NO.4 PRESENTED LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
❖ Staff Report — New and Upcoming Titles for Fall
Ms. Knight introduced Librarian Donna Gooch. Ms. Gooch gave a presentation and brief synopsis
of several popular titles coming out this fall, many of them Pulitzer Prize-winning. Ms. Knight
stated that Ms. Gooch is the library's expert on fiction genres, literature, and novels.
Assistant Director Jones stated that there may be delays in receiving some of the latest titles due
to the pandemic causing lags in the production chain and that suppliers are suggesting that orders
be placed early, which the library is already doing.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, October 7, 2021, Page 1 of 3
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, October 7, 2021, Page 2 of 3
Board Member Chac asked if authors gave free copies to library and Ms. Gooch stated that they
do not but that libraries are allowed to purchase at a substantial discount and that the Library of
Congress is entitled to a free copy as the official record of all books.
Board Member Chac asked if the library purchased multiple copies of popular materials and Ms.
Gooch confirmed that they do.
Board Member Hamilton asked how long after publication does the book arrive at the library and
Ms. Knight stated that normally it is received prior to the publication date to allow for processing
time and is not made available until that date.
❖ Library Update
Ms. Knight introduced Assistant City Manager, Wes Rhodes to the Board and stated that he would
be in charge of library operations now, as well as several other City departments.
Board Member Chac asked if Mr. Rhodes liked his new role and Mr. Rhodes stated that, while he
is very new to the position and that he's been in Fire for almost 36 years, he is happy for the
opportunity and wants to learn, support and be an advocate for the library.
Ms. Knight reviewed circulation statistics and gave a review of the children's programs and their
attendees through pictures.
Board Member Chac asked if the library offered a training in first aid for parents and Ms. Knight
stated that the library did not but that Assistant Director Jones is preparing a "Family Place
Workshop," and this could be highlighted at there.
Ms. Jones also mentioned that, as part of "Family Place Friday" the library posts different
parenting tips and information and have resources through a social media format.
Chairperson Snitz inquired about "Trunk or Treat" and volunteered to assist the Library as he had
in years past.
❖ Classes and Events Update
Ms. Knight gave an overview of upcoming events, classes, and outreach events including "Trunk
or Treat," "HEB Expo" and "Howl-o-ween."
ITEM NO. 5 REPORTS
Library Board Chairperson
Chairperson Snitz gave an overview of his neighborhood's "National Night Out" event.
Chairperson Snitz suggested the library do a program called "Book a Librarian."
Library Board Members
No reports.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, October 7, 2021, Page 3 of 3
ITEM NO. 7 PUBLIC COMMENTS
LuAnn Portugal, Euless, Texas, complemented the poster display in the meeting room hallway
from the Smithsonian covering the history of women's voting rights. Ms. Knight stated that
Community Services Supervisor, Kelsea Ciavaglia found the resource offering libraries free
posters from the Smithsonian. Ms. Portugal discussed how the library offers lifelong learning and
how she brought her family here and how she's so loyal due to how good it was to her over the
years.
Board Member Chac stated that he wished to make Ms. Portugal and honorary board member and
that he loved her public comments and spoke of his experiences with the library, as well.
ITEM NO. S ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Snitz asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by Board Member
Hamilton and seconded by Board Member Ragas. The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
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