HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-02EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LIBRARY BOARD
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025
ITEM NO. 1 CALLED TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Jorge Chao at 7:04 p.m.
on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in the Conference Room of the library at 201 N. Ector Drive. Those present
included: Chairperson Jorge Chao, Vice Chairperson Jim Hamilton, Board Members John Lentini, Philip
Tedone, Rochelle Ragas, Al Devani, Chris McAllister and Wanda Peach.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Sherry Knight, Library Director
Laney James, Administrative Secretary
VISITORS
LuAnn Portugal
ITEM NO.2 APPROVAL OF LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Chairperson Chao asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on November
7, 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 Chao welcomed all visitors.
ITEM NO.4 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Mr. Hamilton made a motion to renominate Jorge Chao as Chairperson.
Mr. Lentini and Mr. McAllister made a motion to renominate Jim Hamilton as Vice Chairperson.
Mr. Lentini made a motion to renominate Rochelle Ragas as Library Board Liaison to the Euless Library
Foundation (ELF). All were in favor of the nominations and the motions carried.
ITEM NO. 5 LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Library Update
Ms. Knight gave a staff update regarding the hiring of Rashad Flood and the rehiring of Pragyan Poudel as
new and returning part time library aides in the library services department. Ms. Knight reviewed the latest
statistical summaries and provided a brief overview of the National Geographic Virtual Library digital
resource. Ms. Knight also made sure to introduce the board to the new digital resource, Boundless, which
is provided through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Ms. Knight also shared three recent
stories of impact.
Mr. Chao inquired which of the library's digital resources is more effective for research. Ms. Knight
recommended the TexShare Database, and provided instructions on how to access the resources.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, January 2, Page 1 of 2
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, January 2, Page 2 of 2
43 Classes and Events Update
Ms. Knight gave an overview of upcoming classes and events including the Arctic Animal Scavenger Hunt,
Financial Literacy Class, Side Hustle Strategies Workshop presented by the Small Business Administration,
IBM/ Google Certification Information Session in partnership with Goodwill Industries, Adult Winter
Reading Challenge, and Stuffie Sleepover.
Ms. James mentioned the Resolution bags that are being provided through the library's Grab and Go
program and Librarian Amber Alvarez provided a some of these bags to the board members.
Mr. McAllister inquired about the miniature horses in the Read to Me program, and Ms. Knight confirmed
that they will be returning after a short break for the holidays.
Mr. Devani inquired about the library's marketing strategies for events and programs. Ms. Knight gave an
overview of the various ways the library promotes events via social media, digital signage and outreach.
Ms. Knight encouraged the board to share social media for the library. Mr. Lentini asked about the
newsletter that goes with the water bill and Ms. Knight explained that is limited to big programs due to
limited space and a long lead time.
ITEM NO. 6 REPORTS
❖ Library Board Chairperson
Chairperson Chac expressed his gratitude for the resolution bags that Ms. Alvarez brought in for the board.
Mr. Chac spoke about the diversity in the Hurst -Euless -Bedford area and the sense of belonging in the
community.
Mr. Chac invited the new board members to attend the upcoming Euless Library Foundation meeting on
January 231a
•3 Library Board Vice Chairperson
Vice Chairperson Hamilton spoke about the Rose Parade that he recently watched and the involvement of
In-N-Out Burger and their charitable contributions.
❖ Library Board Members
Mr. McAllister informed the board that the Senior Center Open House will be occurring soon, as well as a
City Town Hall on January 16th at 7 p.m.
Mr. Lentini spoke about the Santa Letters program that recently concluded at the Library.
ITEM NO. 7 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Portugal spoke about her love for the library and her years of experience with the City of Euless. Ms.
Portugal spoke of an upcoming trip that will cause her to miss the upcoming Board meeting.
Ms. Portugal spoke about some businesses that are developing in Glade Parks.
ITEM NO. 8 ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by Mr. Lentini and seconded by
Mr. Hamilton. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
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