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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-06EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 ITEM NO. 1 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Jorge Chac at 6:31 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the Conference Room of the library located at 201 N. Ector Drive. Those present included: Chairperson Jorge Chac, Vice Chairperson Jim Hamilton, Board Members Wanda Peach, John Lentini, Rochelle Ragas, At Devani and Chris McAllister. Board Member Philip Tedone was not present. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Kelsea Ciavaglia, Processes Department Supervisor Laney James, Administrative Assistant Shannon Dayton, Library Aide VISITORS Barney Snitz Jeremy Tompkins ITEM NO. 2 APPROVAL OF LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 4, 2025. The motion was made by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Lentini. All were in favor and the motion carried. Chairperson Chac asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the informational meeting held on October 2, 2025. The motion was made by Mr. Lentini 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 •9 Staff Update Ms. Ciavaglia reintroduced Ms. Dayton and spoke of Ms. Dayton's recent transition to the processes department of the library after working on both the programs and library services teams. Ms. Dayton spoke a bit about her experience at the library and her duties in her new role. Mr. Chac inquired about possible equipment needs for book mending and Ms. Ciavaglia spoke about the continuous improvements and education sought by her team, including an upcoming Book Doctor workshop. The board thanked Ms. Dayton for her time. Ms. Ciavaglia also provided the board with an overview of her department's responsibilities and current projects which include mending, shifting the collection, and relabeling series. Library Board Minutes, Thursday, November 6, Page I of 3 Library Board Minutes, Thursday, November 6, Page 2 of 3 Mr. Hamilton inquired about the possibility for need of additional shelving in the library. Ms. Ciavaglia explained that her team's current priority is to shift the collection within the existing space. Ms. Ragas asked how long materials are kept in the collection, so Ms. Ciavaglia explained that it depends on popularity and relevance. Mr. Lentini asked if hold lists are monitored to reduce wait times. Ms. Ciavaglia shared that there is a threshold where her team will order additional copies if a title is in high demand. Mr. Devani requested data regarding the most popular genres of books and the top circulating titles at future board meetings. Mr. McAllister asked about a system for recommending items based on patron's preferences, so Ms. Ciavaglia explained the capability of such action within the library's catalog via the rating system that is visible to patrons. Ms. Ciavaglia also informed the board of the Book Browser service available through the library's Book an Expert service, wherein which librarians will select titles based on the patron's needs or preferences. •3 Library Update Ms. Ciavaglia provided the board with statistics regarding the library's Think Tank and its usage during the previous school year. Ms. Ciavaglia also reviewed the latest monthly statistical summary and gave all overview of the Newspapers.com digital resource available through the library's TexShare database. Mr. Hamilton asked if the library continues to provide physical newspapers and magazines in the library, so Ms. Ciavaglia summarized the titles available within the library. Ms. Ciavaglia also shared three recent stories of impact. Mr. Chac asked for more details regarding the library's ESL classes. Ms. Ciavaglia provided an overview of the partnership with Irving I.S.D. and the class's structure and focus. Classes and Events Update Ms. Ciavaglia shared the results of the library's Yarn Bomb event and gave an overview of upcoming classes and events including the Read to Me program, Family Place Parent -Child Workshops, Silent Book Club, a blood drive with Carter BloodCare, and a Family Music Fair. ITEM NO. 5 REPORTS + Library Board Chairperson Chairperson Chac inquired about Citizenship Classes with Catholic Charities, so Ms. James explained that the library is pursuing more opportunities with Irving I.S.D. Mr. Chac asked about possible SAT prep classes at the library. Ms. Ciavaglia explained that the library currently offers SAT prep through the Brainfuse digital resource. Mr. Chac spoke about the importance of learning in a group environment. Mr. Chac asked for a motion to move the next meeting of the board to January. The motion did not pass Mr. Chac thanked Ms. Ciavaglia for attending and sharing valuable information. e- Library Board Vice Chairperson Vice Chairperson Hamilton reminded the board that the Holiday in the Park event is coming up at Glade Parks. Mr. Hamilton also spoke about an upcoming veteran's day breakfast and subsequent holiday luncheon at the Senior Center. Library Board Members Mr. Devani asked for more information regarding program partnerships the library maintains. Mr. Devani also requested information about how the library could incorporate computer skills and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence into its educational programming. Ms. Ciavaglia spoke about the current conversation in the library field regarding A.I. and potential responsibility to educate patrons on the topic. Library Board Minutes, Thursday, November 6, Page 3 of 3 Mr. Lentini asked when the Santa letter program will be starting, so Ms. Ciavaglia confirmed it will be after the Thanksgiving holiday. Mr. McAllister inquired about the library's KultureCity designation and any new technologies coming to the library as a result. Ms. Ciavaglia explained that library staff receive training each year to maintain the KultureCity designation. Ms. Ciavaglia also reminded the board that the library offers sensory bags for use in the library and that the library has signage to denote sensory specific areas. Mr. McAllister inquired about use of the library's OM Interactive Sensory Projector, so Ms. Ciavaglia gave the board an overview of the technology and explained that it is only brought out for specific programs and events. ITEM NO. 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Tompkins commended the structure and engagement of the board meeting. Mr. Tompkins also shared his appreciation for the board's service to the library and the city. ITEM NO. 7 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Wee Chairperson Jim Hamilton Date