Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board Monday December 13, 2021 Minutes Hybrid Present Shannon Pensa, Juan Pequeño, Juliana Sosa, Alma Ortiz-Knopp, Juan Guerra, Nurith Galonsky, James McCoy, Carlos Romero, Brenda Trevino, Josephine Balboa, Courtney Taylor, Maribel De Leon. 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting was called to order at 5:30pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Minutes were not available for the August 9th or November 8th meeting. Items tabled till next meeting. 3) Citizen Comment – No scheduled comments 4) Library Report – Juan Guerra reported that utilization of the library has steadily been increasing since reopening after the COVID closure. People seems to be feeling safer and more comfortable about using the library. In the beginning there were about 400 people coming in a week for both libraries, now the average is about 5,000 a week. This amount is higher than most libraries in South Texas. He reported that the library has purchased, received, and installed the lactation pods. The board is invited to look at them once the meeting is over. The library has added two (2) databases, Hoopla and Freegal. Hoopla is a movie streaming database, and Freegal is a music streaming database. He updated the board that the crosswalk at the Southmost branch is waiting on EPW. The installation should be done by mid-January. The decorative light posts have arrived and are waiting on internal services for installation. Mr. Guerra sadly reported that Chayse Sundt will be leaving the library as of 12/16/2021. Juliana Sosa commented that the library has said that it is difficult to retain librarians. Mr. Guerra confirmed this and stated that there are many contributing factors. Shannon Pensa commented that she can attest to that, and the University also has this issue. 5) Presentation of Library at the Children’s Christmas Parade – Presented by Brenda Trevino. She reported that staff was so happy to participate in this event, even though it was raining that day. Staff came up with the idea and assembled the float (this took about a week). Even though there was rain the crowd was very energetic/enthusiastic, and the kids loved the dinosaurs on the float. At one point the crowd were chanting “Library, Library” as the float went by, which made staff emotional and excited. Staff are already having discussions about Charros Days. Juan Guerra added that staff used the van, which is wrapped in library theme, and this helps promote the library and its services. The design of the float, as seen in the pictures, was to help promote makerspace and the upcoming Dino wall. Juliana commented that this must have taken a lot of work and appreciate all that the staff does. Mr. Guerra went on to mention that Brenda Trevino has been promoted to Head Library Branch Manager. This position is equivalent to Ms. Trevino being the Assistant Director. 6) Presentation on Christmas Programming Trail of Lights – Presented by Brenda Trevino. (Video Presentation provided). Ms. Trevino reported that the Trail of lights is going to premiere tonight at the Southmost Branch Library. Staff set-up different props and inflatables in a trail like fashion for the public to walk and enjoy the display and take pictures. The end of the trail ends at the observatory, where patrons will be able to take pictures with Santa Claus. The pictures will be taken by staff, they will then upload them to the Library Facebook page with a nice Christmas border. Patrons will then be able to access them via the Library’s Facebook page, where they can download them. There will be different themes for the border, such as space, woodland, animals, traditional, and dinosaurs. Mr. Guerra added that this is replace the regular pictures with Santa program, due to COVID, which allows the public to be outside and be safe. He also wanted to recognize the Friends of the Library for their generous donations to make this program happen. The Main Branch’s pictures with Santa will take place next Monday and will essentially be the same and patrons will have the option to walk the trails their leisure (trail is open for more the one date). Ms. Sosa asked if the event at Southmost has gotten a lot of people yet. Ms. Trevino answered that s of a little while ago that staff reports that there were already people in line. Ms. Sosa asked if this would follow the Storybook trail as well or only these little trails. Ms. Trevino responded that it is only the little trails at the libraries. Ms. Sosa asked how many people showed up for Picture with Santa pre-COVID. Both Ms. Trevino and Mr. Guerra answered about 4,000 people, but this was a weeklong event. Ms. Sosa asked if the Storybook trail open and how did that go. Ms. Trevino answered yes, it is open, and that the library had several participants go for Story Time on the Trail. 7) Upcoming Board Appointments – Mr. Guerra reported that the library and several other boards will be going for board appointments with the Commission. The positions up for appointment are Mrs. Pensa, Mr. Pequeno, Mrs. Feist, and Ms. Sosa. Come January the board will have 4 members. Mr. Pequeno has submitted his application for reappointment. Ms. Sosa will do so as soon as possible. Mr. Guerra advised that she contact City Secretary’s office to confirm submission. There are a total of 12 applicants at this moment, and the selections will be up to the city commission. The library will update the board after selections have been made. Mrs. Pensa stated that she did not reapply because she has accepted appointment elsewhere in the community and the January meeting will be a pass off to the new appointees and officers. Mr. Guerra asked Mrs. Pensa if she could conduct the next meeting until the new Chairperson is selected. Mrs. Knopp mentioned she will not be available for the meeting in January since she will be traveling at that time. 8) Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 6:06pm.