Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board Monday March 21, 2022 Minutes Hybrid Present Board: Alma Knopp, George E. Olivo, Christopher Pineda, Cynthia Lizardi-Burtlette, Rachel Ayala Guests: James McCoy, Juan Guerra, Brenda Trevino, Josephine Balboa, Maribel De Leon, Cassandra Mendez, Lisa Rodriguez, John Solis, Bertha Gomez 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting was called to order at 5:30pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Mr. Olivo moved for approval pending changes, Mr. Pineda seconded. Board members in attendance voted and minutes were approved. 3) Citizen Comment – No Comments 4) Library Report – Mr. Guerra began by reporting that the next meeting will be held at the Southmost Branch Library so the board members can see the changes/updates that have been done. Mr. John Solis then presented MakerSpace activities. First item was the Library’s Charros Day Parade float. While the weather was cold and wet, the citizens of Brownsville were happy to see the library’s float and chanted as it passed by. He explained that they brought back the dinosaur costume to continue the hints for the Dino wall being built in the children’s department at the Main Branch. He then discussed STEAM week that occurred during spring break at both branches. Mr. Pineda asked how many kids attended the event. Mr. Solis answered between 8 to 10 kids per class at both branches. Ms. Ayala asked how the library promoted this event. Mr. Solis explained that social media was the primary way, but that it was also posted in the newsletter and flyers. There was further discussion on ways to increase promotions and ideas for future events of this nature. Ms. Ayala then asked about the walking trail, and why the grass is so high on the trail. Mr. Guerra explained that this is the responsibility of the parks dept. and that he will do his best to keep in contact with them. Bertha Gomez followed up with a presentation on the Adult Computer Literacy Classes that were held in February and beginning part of March. She explained the class structure, and how receptive the patrons were. The library is looking forward to future classes, and staff learned ways to improve the classes so more individuals can attend. Patrons attending the classes may bring their own laptops. Eventually the classes will tie in the usage of other technological devices, such as phones and tablets. Mr. Pineda asked what type of questions and expectations patrons came into class with. Ms. Gomez answered that the patrons wanted more knowledge on how to use a computer, how to access the internet, and how to access and use basic applications on the computer. Staff hopes that the classes will grow in the future as more computers become available. Ms. Ayala stated that the multipurpose room (pre-COVID) was used for such purposes and had more computers, when will this become available again. Mr. Guerra explained that it is in the works. The library is working with another department to get all the computers back from COVID and up and running. Mr. Guerra and Ms. Trevino began explaining that we are steps closer to getting the Mural painted for the Southmost branch library. The library received the PO for the artist, and that the competition has been promoted to the schools in the Southmost area. The library is waiting for entries and the last date for entry is 04/14/2022. Mr. Pineda asked how the art will be chosen. The answer was a committee will be formed to judge and select the winning entry – which will become the mural. Mr. Pineda suggested that the library do a type of awards ceremony or presentation to recognize the winners and all those who participated. Ms. Trevino also mentioned that staff are preparing for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza, and how this year is going to differ from last year when the library was still closed for COVID. Ms. Ayala asked if there was a way to bring back the book club or provide the space for a community book club. Ms. Trevino explained that the library is attempting to establish a BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) club, where the patrons bring their own book and discuss that book to encourage the rest of the members to read their book. In the past the old fashion type of book club did not do well at the library. People would pick up the book to be read but would not come in for the discussions. Discussion continued regarding increased promotion of such activities for better turnouts and higher patron utilization. 5) Adjournment – Mr. Olivo motions to adjourn. Mr. Pineda seconded. Meeting is adjourned at 6:50 pm.