Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board Monday December 12, 2022 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests Rubi Gonzalez Cynthia Lizardi- Josephine Balboa Lazaro Castro Alisha Hernandez Burlette Maribel De Leon Jose Gonzalez George E. Olivo Chris Pineda Lisa Rodriguez Kayla Trevino Alma Knopp Rachel Ayala Courtney Taylor Sarined Garcia Brenda Trevino 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting was called to order by Ms. Rubi Gonzalez at 5:28pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Mr. Olivo motioned for approval. Ms. Hernandez seconded. All voted aye, and minutes were approved. 3) Citizen Comment – No Comments 4) Library Report – a. Youth Services – Ms. Kayla Trevino talked about the Booked for Christmas event that took place at the Southmost Branch Library. The Main Branch will be having their event next week. She explained that this was a four-day event. It started with T-Rexmas, where staff dressed up in inflatable dinosaur costumes, and patrons could take selfies with them. The second day was Revenge of the Sithmas, where Darth Vader paid the library a visit and patrons could take pictures with him, there was 177 attendees. The third day was the trail of lights; this concludes with pictures with Santa. There were 519 attendees. There were different stations patrons could participate in: picture with Santa, gifts, crafts, and a movie. On the fourth day the library hosted sensory friendly pictures with Santa. This was specifically for children who have sensory needs. We wanted to give them the opportunity to take a picture with Santa without all the noise, crowds, and lights, and there were 37 attendees. The library hopes to have more activities/events that consider families with sensory needs. b. Adult Services – Mr. Jose Gonzalez spoke about the donations the library has made to “The Little Lending Libraries”. The library visited Leon Gardens, Friendship of Women, Gonzalez Elementary, Bob Clark Head Start, Cameron Park Central Cultural, Paredes  Elementary, and Lopez High School for the month of November. The library hosted Family Movie Night on November 30th. The library also hosted a Monday Cooking Class on November 7th. Members of the community were taught how to make Caldo de Pollo. After making the food, they were able to taste it. Cooking classes will resume in January with great, healthy, and tasty foods. Another adult services event - Day of the Dead Face Painting, patrons learned about the Mexican Tradition “Dia De Los Muertos”. They got their faces painted as a catrin or catrina, or other symbols, and did sugar scull crafts. The library wrapped up this semester’s Adult Literacy Computer Classes. The class suggested having a party to celebrate their accomplishments. They are appreciative that the library does this for the community. Classes will begin again in January; the courses will be on an intermediate level. Ms. Hernandez suggested that maybe the library should have the students who feel more comfortable with the computers teach the newer students who are just starting. This will help them practice and absorb what they have learned. Other programing adult services hosted: Veterans Park Tour and Karaoke Night for the whole family. c. MakerSpace Services – Mr. Lazaro Castro updated the board on November’s MakerSpace services. First was the Perler Bead event, patrons were made perler bead Christmas ornaments. The other event was Glass Painting. Patrons were able to paint glass using acrylics, then place the backing. The attendees created awesome art in picture frames. MakerSpace has also been hosting Exploration Theater events to meet CDBG grant requirements. The children love the theater events, they can learn how things are made, star exploration, etc. MakerSpace also receive new Glowforge machines. Glowforge will allow patrons to etch on glass and other materials. MakerSpace is waiting for few more machines to arrive. MakerSpace also heavily assisted with picture with Santa events as well. d. Outreach – Ms. Courtney Taylor told the board about all the places the library visited during the month of November. They visited the Consulate of Mexico and were able to outreach with 274 people. The next event was the Red, White and You Hiring event, this took place at the Brownsville Event Center. Individuals were able to network with different companies and get more information about potential careers. The library was able to promote library services and how they can help people looking for employment. The library was able to outreach with 110 individuals. The next event the library attended was the BISD Principals Meeting (arranged by Ms. Ayala). Ms. Brenda Trevino was able to showcase the library and its wonderful services to 50 school principals. The last location the library visited in November was Palm Grove Elementary School for their Career Day. Ms. Kayla Trevino described to 100 kids that day what it is like to work at the library, and all the awesome things the library does. 5) Adjournment – Motion to adjourn by Ms. Hernandez and seconded by Mr. Olivo. Meeting adjourned at 6:02 pm.