HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-06EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LIBRARY BOARD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025
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 6, 2025, in the Conference Room of the library at 201 N. Ector Drive. Those present
included: Chairperson Jorge Chac, Vice Chairperson Jim Hamilton, Board Members John Lentini, Rochelle
Ragas, Philip Tedone, Al Devani and Wanda Peach. Board Member Chris McAllister was not present.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Sherry Knight, Library Director
Laney James, Administrative Secretary
VISITORS
Barney Snitz
ITEM NO.2 APPROVAL OF LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 2,
2025. The motion was made by Mr. Hamilton with one correction and seconded by Mr. Lentini as well
as Mr. Tedone. 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
dā¢ Staff Update
Ms. Knight provided a staff update on Rashad Flood, a new part-time Library Aide, who is doing very well
in his training. Ms. Knight also informed the board that the Library will be closed on Feb 17 for carpet
replacement as well as staff development and leadership training.
43 Library Update
Ms. Knight reviewed the latest statistical summaries and provided a brief overview of the SciTech Premium
Collection digital resource by Proquest. Ms. Knight highlighted the popularity of the Library's DVD
collection and shared three recent stories of impact. Ms. Knight also highlighted the usefulness of the
library's patron app for checking out materials in lieu of a physical library card.
Mr. Hamilton inquired about the demand for desktop computers at the library and Ms. Knight explained
that many patrons bring their own devices, but that demand for desktop computers remains steady.
Mr. Chac asked about time limits on the express computers and possible exceptions, and Ms. Knight shared
the purpose and policy surrounding this service.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, February 6, Page 1 of 3
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, February 6, Page 2 of 3
d+ Classes and Events Update
Ms. Knight gave an overview of upcoming classes and events including AARP Tax Assistance, the Read
to Me Program, Euless Garden Club meeting on pruning, Silent Book Club, Destination Lock In: NYC,
Edible Books Contest, and Family Place Parent Child Workshops.
Ms. Knight explained the AARP Tax Assistance is first come -first served, expressing that the volunteers
are able to serve more patrons with that strategy. Ms. Knight shared that this service is available for any
patrons who need basic tax help.
Mr. Devani expressed concern for the marketing and communication for library programs, suggesting a
newsletter or digital flyer.
Ms. Knight explained that the library creates and relies on social media marketing for many of its programs.
Mr. Chac inquired about signage in the library to inform patrons of upcoming events, and Ms. Knight
expressed the use of digital signage as well as the entryway poster at the front of the library.
Ms. Knight explained to the board that the library became Family Place certified in 2019, however the site
visit was pushed due to the building's remodel and the pandemic, so the official site visit would occur on
February 11.
Ms. Knight included information regarding the efforts of the Euless Library Foundation on a Library Giving
Day event coming up on April 1, which will raise awareness and encourage donations to nonprofit
organizations that support public libraries. Ms. Knight added that Channel 5 will be providing media
coverage of the event and that there are also partnerships with Communities Foundation of Texas and HEB
Grocery.
Mr. Hamilton asked if the campaign is national, so Ms. Knight explained its origins in Seattle and its relative
success thus far. Ms. Knight expressed how the effort here in North Texas has gained traction that has not
been seen on a large scale elsewhere.
ITEM NO. 5 REPORTS
ā Library Board Chairperson
Chairperson Chac reminded the board members to RSVP for the upcoming Boards and Commissions
Dinner, expressing the fun experienced in years past.
Mr. Chac suggested budgeting classes for younger patrons and inquired what a Family Place Designation
entails. Ms. Knight gave an overview of what the designation means for the library and how it impacts the
programs and services provided to highlight early literacy.
Mr. Chac expressed his appreciation for the feedback from the board and shared his expectations for the
need of more Al instruction and technology -based information within libraries.
ā Library Board Vice Chairperson
Vice Chairperson Hamilton highlighted the recent edition of Euless today, speaking about the Heritage
House and recommending the upcoming tour.
Mr. Hamilton also included information regarding cold weather emergencies and the various City
departments involved in weather preparedness. Mr. Hamilton expressed his appreciation for the City's
preparedness and Ms. Knight highlighted the emergency coordinator, Suzanne Hendrickson.
Mr. Hamilton brought up the recent personnel changes in the City of Euless and Ms. Knight provided an
overview of the changes, highlighting the fact that the city hires and promotes internally when appropriate.
Ms. Knight expressed her positive outlook regarding the changes at City Hall.
ā Library Board Members
Mr. Devani inquired about the vision of public libraries for the coming years and possible goals for the long
term. Ms. Knight expressed that libraries respond to the needs of their communities and each location uses
their individual staff and resources to address those needs.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, February 6, Page 3 of 3
ITEM NO. 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were made at this time.
ITEM NO. 7 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 7:45 p.m.
Chair orge Chac Date