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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-08EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 ITEM NO. 1 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Jorge Chac at 6:33 p.m. on Thursday, January 8,2026, in the Conference Room of the library located at 201 N. Ector Drive. Those present included: Chairperson Jorge Chac, Board Members Wanda Peach, John Lentini, Philip Tedone, Al Devani, Rochelle Ragas and Chris McAllister. Vice Chairperson Jim Hamilton was not present. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Mollie Myers, Library Services Supervisor Laney James, Administrative Assistant Andrea Ortiz, Libr ary A ide Victoria Martinez, Library Aide VISITORS Barney Snitz LuAnn 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 December 4,2025. The motion was made by Mr. Lentini and seconded by Ms. Ragas. All were in favor and the motion carried. ITEM NO.3 WELCOME OF VISITORS Chairperson Chac welcomed all visitors. ITEM NO. 4 ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chairperson Chac encouraged the Board to rotate officer positions in order for the experiences to be shared. Mr. Devani made a motion to nominate Rochelle Ragas as Chairperson and Mr. Chac seconded the motion. Mr. Chac expressed his congratulations to Ms. Ragas. Mr. McAllister made a motion to re-nominate Jim Hamilton as Vice Chairperson and Mr. Tedone seconded the motion. Mr. Devani made a motion to nominate Mr. Tedone as Library Board Liaison to the Euless Library Foundation (ELF) and Mr. McAllister seconded the motion. All were in favor of the nominations and the motions carried. Mr. Chac expressed his gratitude for his time as Chairperson as well as for the newly elected officers. ITEM NO. 5 LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT Library Board Minutes, Thursday, January 8, Page I of 3 ! i Library Board Minutes, Thursday, January 8, Page 2 of 3 t Staff Update Ms. Myers introduced two new part-time staff members in the Library Services Department: Andrea Ortiz and Victoria Martinez. Ms. Martinez introduced herself and gave the Board an overyiew of her personal and professional background. Ms. Ortiz spoke about her educational background, her interests, and aspirations. Ms. Myers spoke about their quickly acquired skills at the library and their aptitude for the work done at the library. Mr. Devani asked what their favorite part of working at the library is and Ms. Martinez said it is helping people, particularly in the children's area. Ms. Ortiz said it is making a positive impact and seeing the gratitude from patrons, adding that she particularly likes working at the service desk for direct interaction with patrons. The Board welcomed the new employees and thanked them for their time. , Library Update Ms. Myers reviewed the latest monthly statistical summary and gave an overview of the Gale: Health and Wellness digital resource available through the library's TexShare database. Mr. Tedone inquired about possible reporting of demographics alongside digital and physical circulation numbers. Mr. Devani asked for more trend analysis on a quarterly basis of genre popularity as well as visits, etc. Mr. Devani also asked for trending titles. Ms. Myers also shared three recent stories of impact. Ms. Myers provided the Board with an overview of the Library Services ("People") Department, sharing the values, goals, and tasks of the frontline staff that help make the library operate smoothly on a day-to- day basis. Mr. Tedone asked for a refresher on the de-escalation information given to staff. Mr. Chac complimented the presentation and compared the environment at the Euless Library to his experience at other local libraries. Mr. Chac commended the autonomy provided to staff. Mr. Devani asked for a potential area of opportunity or improvement for the department for the year, so Ms. Myers shared that she is focusing on cash handling training for her staff, as that is an area in which there is no flexibility or room for error. * Classes and Events Update Ms. Myers gave an overview of upcoming classes and events including ESL Class Registration,2026 Resolution Grab & Go Bags, the Adult Winter Reading Challenge, a harp performance by Victoria Gonzalez, Silent Book Club, and a Stuffie Storytime & Sleepover. Ms. Myers added that there is an adults- only Romantasy themed lock-in event in February. ITEM NO.6 REPORTS n Library Board Chairperson Chairperson Chac inquired how long Sherry Knight served at the library and asked how she might be honored for her years of service. Ms. Myers deferred that request to Interim Library Director Angela Jones. Mr. Chac asked how the legacy lab has been going, and Ms. Myers confirmed that it had recently increased in popularity. Mr. Chac shared his gratitude to the Board for his time as Chair. * Library Board Vice Chairperson No reports were made at this time. * Library Board Members Mr. Lentini asked for an update on Ms. Jones' Interim status. Ms. Myers confirmed that there is not yet an update. Mr. Lentini thanked Ms. Myers for her presentation and for her department's work for the library. l Library Board Minutes, Thursday, January 8, Page 3 of 3 Mr. McAllister asked if the library had a 3D printer and Ms. Myers confirmed they did at one point but not since the building's remodel. Mr. Tedone asked if library staff had received training to know where the boundaries are for assisting patrons with immigration and other legal forms. Ms. Myers clarified the library's policies and training as well as asked for any additional resources of which the Board may be aware. Mr. Tedone suggested reaching out to local law schools, adding that their students and professors may be interested in providing this kind of assistance. Mr. Lentini reminded the Board that the city Town Hall was scheduled for the next week on the 15th. Ms. Myers added that each department would be present to share information with attendees. ITEM NO.7 PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Portugal encouraged Ms. Myers to share her presentation on her department with the City Council. Ms. Portugal shared her positive experiences at the library and thanked Ms. Myers for her work. ITEM NO. 8 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7 :47 p.m. +2 zlz Date