Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

I. Call Meeting to Order. Meeting was called to order at 5:44 p.m. II. Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes. Tabled minutes to the next meeting for approval. III. Citizen Comment. None. IV. Library Report. Brenda Trevino gave library report: Updated board on crosswalk; Programs have great turnout; We have all librarians’s staff so we can fully work on library; two part time positions at the library are being converted to full time; Re-re-re-opening is Sept. 30; Mr. Guerra spoke about the work plan for library at Southmost Branch; We have 9 librarians now working full-time all from the RGV; Ms. Pensa congratulated Mr. Guerra, Brenda and the staff, Ms. Ayala also congratulated Mr. Guerra and library staff. V. Discussion of Task Force Recommendations and Plan of Action for Implementation: Kayla Trevino reported on BPL Task Force Proposals: Thanked the task force, A. Current projects: Chess Lessons started this month at main branch; Library newsletter is going out monthly; there are regular email updates to other librarians in schools; implemented First Library Card, there are raffles if you sign up for card; there are art workshops at both library branches; B. 2022 Fiscal Year Projects: Maker Space; Rock Garden/ Art workshop as a way to revamp courtyard at main branch; bookclubs (rethinking) Music and dance workshops at southmost branch, C. Long term projects: mini library, wanted to donate books to mini library; seed library and community garden wanted to partner with brownsville wellness coalition. ; Acting workshops. Ms. Pena advised or clarified that she wanted the children to be exposed to classical art to reenact the story, story telling by demonstrating a character, this would be good for children development to develop their skills. Rachel Ayala stated that BISD Fine Art Department can help; Monthly Career Talks, get one person once a month to talk about what they do, Ms. Ayala inquired into what library programing there is for  adults. Brenda Trevino stated they are going to bring it back. Ms. Pena and Ms. Ayala stated they would volunteer to help. D. Proposals with Barriers to Entry: Instrument lending library, too costly; Duel Enrollment classes, there are a list of qualified areas, we cannot do that one, the students have to go to the H.S.; Marketing with local vendors, cannot promote private businesses it can become a conflict of interest; Music Choir, we don’t have resources to host; TSC 21st Century, we cannot participate because we are not in ISD , we cannot applyMs. Pena stated that dual enrollment is so popular, not enough space for students, wants to utilize space for children and students. Mr. Guerra stated we have resources, just a matter of advertising our resources so the students know, so they can use it. Ms. Pensa stated there are sites for students at different locations, good point, all librarians could do better to advertise and connect with the students. Comments on the long terms projects from board members were that there could be workshops on how to write a resume, filling out applications during career talk and that could be added, Ms. Pensa could reach out to the Brownsville Leadership and other organizations for speakers. VI. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned.