HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-04EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LIBRARY BOARD
THURSDAY, JLTNE 4,2026
ITEMNO.l CALLTOORDER
The regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairperson Rochelle Ragas at 6:30
p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026,in the Conference Room of the library located at 201 N. Ector Drive. Those
present included: Chairperson Rochelle Ragas, Vice Chairperson Jim Hamilton, Board Members John
Lentini, Philip Tedone, Jorge Chac, Al Devani and Chris McAllister. Board Member Wanda Peach was not
present.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Angela Jones, Library Director
Bethany Cuthbertson, Librarian
Laney James, Administrative Assistant
VISITORS
LuAnn Portugal
Barney Snitz
ITEM NO.2 APPROVAL OF LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Chairperson Ragas asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on }day 7,
2026. The motion was made by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Chac. All were in favor and the
motion carried.
ITEM NO.3 WELCOME OF VISITORS
Chairperson Ragas welcomed all visitors.
ITEM NO.4 LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
* StaffUpdate
Ms. Jones introduced Bethany Cuthbertson, a new Librarian in the programming department and spoke
about her focus and duties at the library. Ms. Jones shared her excitement for Ms. Cuthbertson's experience
and expertise.
Ms. Cuthbertson spoke a bit about her educational and professional background.
Mr. Devani inquired about Ms. Cuthbertson's ideas for the library, so she provided a summary of the
programs that she would like to implement.
Ms. Ragas inquired about Ms. Cuthbertson's transition from her previous job to the library. Ms. Cuthbertson
spoke about her new focus on relationship building.
Mr. Chac thanked Ms. Cuthbertson for attending and for sharing her perspective with the board. Mr. Chac
also shared his appreciation for programs focused on fiscal responsibility and budgeting. Ms. Cuthbertson
spoke about one of her craft-based program ideas which will focus on different life skills.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, June 4, Page I of 3
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, June 4, Page 2 of 3
Ms. Jones also informed the Board that the library has a practicum student named Amanda Garcia who will
be working at the library until July to complete her practicum hours in order to obtain her master's degree
at TWU.
* Library Update
Ms. Jones reviewed the latest monthly statistical summary, which included an overview of a recent
customer service tracking project. Ms. Jones informed the Board of a new digital resource: NewsBank,
and showed the Board new Literacy Kits and Fun Kits, which were recently rolled out at the library. Ms.
Jones also shared three recent stories ofimpact.
Mr. McAllister asked if NewsBank provided translations of news sources and Ms. James confirmed that
the news will now be able to be translated via NewsBank.
Mr. Tedone inquired if the library is able to get statistical data on NewsBank and Ms. Jones confirmed that
the library will be able to acquire circulation and usage data on this platform that could not previously be
obtained with physical newspapers.
Mr. Chac inquired if the library has enough printers and scanners for public use. Ms. Jones confirmed they
are able to meet current demand.
Mr. Devani asked if the library has begun to see students coming in for their summer reading lists or
required reading for school. Ms. Jones said they have not, and that is typically seen more towards the second
half of summer. Mr. Devani asked to see the most popular titles from the summer months at a fall meeting
in order to see what was being read and what was being required of the students coming in.
* Classes and Events Update
Ms. Jones gave an overview of upcoming classes and events including the Read to Me program, Silent
Book Club, the NAMI Connection Group, Computer Classes hosted by Goodwill Industries, Kids'
Discovery Hour, a Bird{hemed Scavenger Hunt, a Renaissance-themed Lock-In for teens, the Story Pool-
ooza event, and a live animal program with the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center.
Ms. Jones also shared that the library has started to highlight different resources on the program and events
flyers that go in the patron restrooms.
ITEM NO.5 REPORTS
* Library Board Chairperson
Chairperson Ragas shared her apologies for missing the previous meeting and shared her gratitude to Mr
Hamilton for stepping in.
* Library Board Vice Chairperson
Vice Chairperson Hamilton reminded the Board of the dedication of the Fire Administration building on
June27.
* Library Board Members
Mr. Lentini inquired about the new study pods, so Ms. Jones explained the ongoing progress with the
door handles and the work being done by both the Shushbooth vendor, as well as the City's I.S
department in order to get them configured.
Ms. Ragas inquired about the timeframes for reserving study pods, so Ms. Jones confirmed it would be the
same as the existing study rooms.
Mr. Hamilton inquired why the library acquired the Shushbooths, so Ms. Jones explained the grant process
and the popularity of the library's current study rooms.
Library Board Minutes, Thursday, June 4, Page 3 of 3
Mr. Chac commended the library staff on their pleasant and positive demeanor. Mr. Chac also shared his
gratitude at seeing children excited to use the book vending machine.
Mr. Devani inquired about the new budget items for the upcoming fiscal year, so Ms. Jones shared that they
are still waiting to present the budget to City Council. Ms. Jones shared that some of the library's requests
included new flooring in the children's area, a return shelf for large items, a people counter for the children's
area, additional tablets for staff, and updated audio/ visual equipment.
Mr. Devani asked if there are any budget areas that are being looked at to be cut or reduced, and Ms. Jones
said that there are not.
Mr. Devani asked what the usage has been in the Family Place Play Space, so Ms. Jones shared the estimate
from the last fiscal year.
ITEM NO. 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Portugal inquired aboutthe HEB remodel of the Play Space, so Ms. Jones gave an update regarding
the work being done to accomplish the project.
ITEM NO. 7 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at7:39 p.m.
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