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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-03EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025 ITEM NO. 1 CALLED TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Jorge Chac at 7:01 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 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, Al Devani and Wanda Peach. Board Members Chris McAllister and Philip Tedone were not present. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Sherry Knight, Library Director Kelsea Ciavaglia, Senior Librarian Laney James, Administrative Secretary VISITORS Barney Snitz Katherine Flannery Luanne Portugal ITEM NO.2 APPROVAL OF LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 6, 2025. The motion was made to accept the minutes as corrected by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Ms. Ragas. 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 42• Library Acquisitions Process Update Ms. Knight introduced Ms. Ciavaglia and provided an overview of her responsibilities at the library. Ms. Ciavaglia then delivered a report detailing the procedures involved in materials acquisition and collection management. Ms. Ciavaglia informed the Board of the various media types included in the library's collection and outlined the processes by which her department evaluates and fulfills material requests and purchase suggestions submitted by both patrons and staff. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Chac regarding the vendors utilized by the Bedford and Hurst libraries, Ms. Knight explained that most public libraries, including those mentioned, primarily rely on three main vendors for materials procurement. Mr. Devani inquired about trends related to periodical materials. In response, Ms. Ciavaglia noted a decline in the popularity of periodicals, citing concerns related to their cost and limited longevity. Library Board Minutes, Thursday, April 3, Page 1 of 3 Library Board Minutes, Thursday, April 3, Page 2 of 3 Members of the Board expressed their appreciation and commended Ms. Ciavaglia and her department for their ongoing efforts and contributions to the library's services. Library Update Ms. Knight presented to the Board several of the library's requests for the upcoming fiscal year. These included the installation of more resilient flooring in the children's area, upgrades to the library's audio- visual system, the replacement of public and staff computers, the acquisition of a mobile teaching kitchen, and the addition of RFID equipment to support materials management. Mr. Chac inquired about the quality of the replacement computers and the procedures for disposing of outdated equipment. Ms. Knight responded by outlining the City's purchasing guidelines and noted that obsolete equipment is typically sold through the City's annual auction. Mr. Hamilton asked whether the mobile teaching kitchen could be used for outreach events. Ms. Knight explained that due to the size and configuration of the unit, the mobile kitchen is intended for on -site use within the library. Ms. Knight also spoke of the City Council's continued support of the library throughout the budget preparation process and informed the Board of the next steps. In response to a follow-up question from Mr. Chac regarding the prioritization of the library's requests, Ms. Knight emphasized that the library remains focused on core services. Ms. Knight then reviewed the latest statistical reports and shared three recent stories of impact. Ms. Knight concluded by recognizing National Library Week and expressed appreciation to the Board and Foundation members who attended the mayor's proclamation. ❖ Classes and Events Update Ms. Knight provided an overview of upcoming classes and events, including Google AI Essentials, the OEI Hearing Loss Information Table, the Read to Me program, the Euless Garden Club Plant Swap, Silent Book Club, Hoedown Preschool Prom, ELF Book Sale, and Teen Volunteer Orientation. In response to Mr. Devani's inquiry, Ms. Knight described the simple registration process for the Google AI course. Ms. Knight then introduced a recent pilot project launched during spring break to support literacy among young patrons. As part of the initiative, staff offered snacks and small prizes to children who read aloud to them for a set time. Ms. Knight reported the project's initial success and stated it would continue through the summer. When Mr. Hamilton inquired about the project's name, Ms. Knight explained that the program developed organically from staff efforts. In response to Mr. Lentini's question regarding location, Ms. Knight noted its flexibility due to the informal nature of the program. Mr. Chac moved to approve and accept the continuation of the project. Mr. Lentini seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Ms. Knight agreed to keep the Board informed on its progress. Mr. Chac also offered to contribute to the snack and prize fund, which Ms. Knight welcomed. Ms. Flannery suggested exploring support from education or social work students to help sustain the program. ITEM NO. 5 REPORTS ❖ Library Board Chairperson Chairperson Chac expressed his gratitude for the information provided in the meeting. ❖ Library Board Vice Chairperson Vice Chairperson Hamilton had no reports at this time. d• Library Board Members Mr. Lentini shared the ease with which he was able to sign up for the Google AI program. Library Board Minutes, Thursday, April 3, Page 3 of 3 ITEM NO. 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Flannery informed the Board of the upcoming ELF Book Sale and requested assistance from available members for setup the day prior to the event. Ms. Flannery also shared details regarding a partnership with Pokey O's Cookies & Ice Cream in support of the sale. Ms. Portugal inquired about the library's volunteer management. Ms. Knight explained that Librarian Amber Alvarez oversees volunteer scheduling, training, and general coordination. In a follow-up, Mr. Portugal asked about volunteer recruitment strategies, and Ms. Knight described how many volunteers learn of opportunities through library outreach and programming. 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 8:14 p.m. C rperson Jorge Chac Date