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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-01EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 ITEM NO. 1 CALLED TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Jorge Chac at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, in the Conference Room of the library at 201 N. Ector Drive. Those present included: Chairperson Chac, Vice Chairperson Katherine Flannery, Board Members Barney Snitz, Rochelle Ragas, Chris McAllister, John Lentini, Philip Tedone, and Jim Hamilton. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Sherry Knight, Library Director Laney James, Administrative Secretary Hilde Wheat, Library Aide VISITORS LuAnn Portugal Zariyan Stark ITEM NO.2 APPROVED LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 4, 2024. The motion was made by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Lentini. All were in favor and the motion carried. ITEM NO.3 WELCOMED VISITORS Chairperson Chac welcomed all visitors. ITEM NO. 4 LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT ❖ Staff Update Ms. Knight gave an update on the latest staff changes including the hiring of Hilde Wheat as a new part- time Library Aide in the Library Services Department. Ms. Wheat introduced herself and provided a brief overview of her educational background. The board welcomed Ms. Wheat. ❖ Library Update Ms. Knight reviewed the latest statistical summaries and Stories of Impact, including two online reviews of the library. Ms. Knight provided brief overviews of the Brainfuse HelpNow digital resource and Book an Expert services, and spoke about the upcoming Legacy Lab that will be available through the Book an Expert form. Ms. Knight informed the board of the Euless Police Department's renovation and their use of the library meeting room on Thursday nights. Library Board Minutes, Thursday, February 1, Page 1 of 3 Library Board Minutes, Thursday, February 1, Page 2 of 3 ❖ Classes and Events Update Ms. Knight gave an overview of upcoming classes and events including the AARP Tax Help, Citizenship Classes, Edible Books Contest, and the After -Hours Anime Night. Ms. Knight reminded the board of the Boards and Commissions Dinner and gave an overview of the Total Eclipse at the Star event at the Parks at Texas Star on April 8. Ms. Knight also mentioned the Arbor Daze and HEB Reads kickoff events, also scheduled for April and May. Mr. Hamilton inquired about refreshments at HEB Reads and Ms. Knight confirmed the event will not be catered, but refreshments will be available for purchase. Mr. Chac asked if ELF would begin selling tote bags and Ms. Knight confirmed there are tote bags for sale at the service desk for $5. Ms. Ragas asked about the recent Stuffie Sleepover program. Ms. Knight presented one of the photo booklets made by the programs department which showcased the stuffie's activities. Mr. Chac inquired about the requirements for the AARP Tax Help and asked if the library could update the marketing for the program to exhibit its inclusivity for all ages. Ms. Knight confirmed it would be considered for next year. Ms. Flannery asked how long the AARP specialists spend with each patron and Ms. Knight gave an overview of the entire process. ITEM NO.5 REPORTS ❖ Library Board Chairperson Chairperson Chac spoke about his experience at the recent ELF meeting. He recounted an update from the mayor regarding the animal shelter. Mr. Chac expressed his appreciation for the Senior Book Club hosted by the library. ❖ Library Board Vice Chairperson Vice Chairperson Flannery apologized for her recent absence and explained that she recently gained a nephew. Ms. Flannery expressed her gratitude for her nomination as Vice Chairperson and provided an update regarding the ELF Book Sale on April 13. Mr. Stark inquired about volunteer opportunities for the book sale. ❖ Library Board Members Mr. Hamilton spoke of his experience at the recent Town Hall meeting and commended the City Council and various City Department Heads for their decorum. Ms. Knight added that the Town Hall was recorded and is available online. Mr. Chac inquired if citizens must sign up to participate at Town Hall meetings and Ms. Knight explained that it is an open discussion, and that the next Town Hall should be in June. Ms. Ragas asked about new technology coming to the library's checkout kiosks and Ms. Knight provided an overview of the new print management system, Monitor. Mr. Hamilton and Chairperson Chac inquired about the use of the library's app for payment processing and Ms. Knight explained the library will soon be accepting online payments. Ms. Portugal informed the board of the Access Euless service on the city website. Ms. Portugal inquired if ELF provides lifetime membership and Ms. Flannery confirmed it is available. Ms. Portugal spoke about ELF's impact for the library and Mary Lib Saleh's involvement. Ms. Portugal invited the board to support ELF through membership and its fundraisers. Ms. Portugal inquired about the Unique Management Service and Ms. Knight explained the library's material recovery process. Mr. Stark noted the lack of social media presence for ELF and suggested social media as a method for increasing membership. Library Board Minutes, Thursday, February 1, Page 3 of 3 ITEM NO.7 ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by Ms. Ragas and seconded by Mr. Hamilton. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Chairper Jorge Chac Date