Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board Monday January 9, 2023 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests Rubi Gonzalez Alisha Hernandez Josephine Balboa Anthony Chavarria George E. Olivo Maribel De Leon Bertha Gomez Bertha A. Pena Lisa Rodriguez Katie Hernandez Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette Courtney Taylor Sarined Garcia Chris Pineda Brenda Trevino Melinda Clayton Bobby Vasquez 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting was called to order by Ms. Rubi Gonzalez at 5:30pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Mr. Olivo motioned for approval. Ms. Lizardi Burlette seconded. All voted aye, and minutes were approved. 3) Introduction of New Members – Ms. Maribel De Leon reported the outcome of the commission meeting. Ms. Bertha Pena was selected to replace Ms. Ayala and will be serving a 3yr term. Ms. Rubi Gonzalez was selected to replace Mrs. Knopp and will complete the 1yr that was left of her term. Finally, Ms. Juliana Sosa was also selected, but has declined the position due to personal obligations. In February the library will be going back to commission to fill the vacancy. Ms. De Leon asked the board to continue to promote the position. 4) Discussion and Action: Appointment of Officers – Ms. De Leon began by explaining that the positions available are Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Recording Secretary. The qualify members are Rubi Gonzalez, Chris Pineda, George E. Olivo, Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette, and Alisha Hernandez. Mr. Pineda asked for an explanation of the responsibilities of each position, and Ms. De Leon gave the explanation. The board began with selecting a Chairperson, and Ms. Gonzalez was asked if she was interested in continuing as Chairperson. Ms. Gonzalez said that she wants to step down and run for another position. Mr. Olivo asked who does that leave for nomination, and Ms. Lizardi-Burlette nominated Mr. Olivo. Ms. De Leon asked Mr. Olivo if he would accept the position, he answered yes. The board voted aye, Mr. Olivo is the new Chairperson. Ms. De Leon asked who would like to nominate themselves or another for Vice Chairperson. Ms. Gonzalez nominated herself, Mr. Pineda seconded the nomination, the board voted aye, and Ms. Gonzalez is the new Vice Chairperson. Ms. De Leon then asked how the board would like to proceed with Recording Secretary position. The board can either nominate a board member or Ms. De Leon could continue in this position. Mr. Olivo asked if a new member could be nominated, and the answer was no, only previous members qualify. Mr. Pineda suggested a cochair, where Ms. De Leon would continue to do the minutes and a member of the board would review them before final submission. Ms. Lizardi asked Ms. De Leon what the process is for the minutes, and Ms. De Leon explained it. Ms. Lizardi Burlet stated that a cochair might prolong the process in place to finalize the minutes and did not think it would be beneficial. After brief explanation on the history of the Recoding Secretary position the board decided to leave it as is and Ms. De Leon will continue as recording secretary. Officer selection was completed, and Mr. Olivo will be taking over the meeting as the new Chairperson. 5) Citizen Comment – No Comments 6) Library Report – a. Adult Services – Ms. Bertha Gomez briefed the board on December programming. First program was the cooking class in collaboration with the Health department. They also did blood pressure and weight check-ins. The library had Adult Movie Time showing “A Christmas Carol”. The Mexican Consulate hosted a Posada for the Southmost Community where they gave presents and snacks. Mr. Olivo asked if the Consulate could also hold something similar at the Central Branch. Ms. Bertha answered that it is possible, but the Consulate reached out to the library specifically for the Southmost Community. The library also hosted Our Infinite Company from McAllen. They provided financial counseling for the public at the Southmost Branch. Finally, the library hosted Karaoke Night and Puzzle of the Month. In the month of February Adult Services will have the following events: The “Heart Matters” Fair, Charro Days Photos, Classical Music Ensemble, Spring Cleaning Workshop, Financial Awareness, and Game Night. The library will continue Adult Movie Night for the rest of the year, and movies selected will reflect activities of the Month. The Adult Computer Literacy Classes are in full swing, and this term will run through March, the next term is from May-July, and the last one is from Sept. – Nov. b. Youth Services – Ms. Katie Hernandez gave an overview of the monthly youth programs such as: Kids Night (STEM and Art based program), Story Time, and Scavenger Hunts. Ms. Hernandez informed the board that there are new computer desks in the children’s area at both branches. The desks are installed and being used. She will be getting quotes to get the children’s dept. at the Main library painted. We will begin focusing on the Easter Eggstravaganza, which will be held March 21st at the Southmost Branch from 6pm -7pm and March 28th at the Main Branch from 6pm – 7pm. Families will be able to take pictures with Easter bunny, participate in an egg hunt, do crafts, and have snacks. The library will also be giving away gift bags, consisting of a toy, book, stickers, and candy. Due to the great response from the sensory hour during Christmas events, the library will also be hosting Eggstravaganza Sensory Friendly Hour on March 22nd at Southmost from 6pm – 7pm, and on March 29th at the Main Branch from 6pm – 7pm. Ms. Hernandez then gave a preview of the ideas and plans for the Summer Reading Program. c. Teen Services – Ms. Sarined Garcia introduced herself and updated the board on December teen activities. The first activity was Craft Day, where teens were able to use various items to create ornaments or post cards. The items were located on a craft cart created by staff. The next activity was Teen Night, where the teens were creating macrame friendship bracelets and other jewelry. Ms. Garcia noticed that the teen loved doing hands on activities. The last teen activity was the Teen Anime Club. They did an Anime Scavenger Hunt and learned the different parts of the library. The best part was observing the teens of different ages and schools come together and help each other. Ms. Garcia also began promoting the Teen Advisory Council at the events and has received good feedback and interest from the attendees. d. Maker Space Services – Mr. Anthony Chavarria told the board that both branches received their Glowforge (laser cutter/engraver) machine, and the machines have sparked questions and curiosity. The machine will be officially demonstrated on February 13th (the public have already started using the machine). The machine is free to use if the patron provides their own material. Ms. Pena asked if the library is attempting to compete with businesses that provide this kind of work. Mr. Chavarria answered no, the library wants to give the public an opportunity to make things with their own hands and creativity. In January, Makerspace began doing STEAM Week programming that featured space exploration. The kids got to use the exploration theater and see the creation of the universe in a 3D type  of environment. They also got to create their own space diorama. Next project in the works is a Tech Zoo. e. Outreach – Ms. Courtney Taylor began her presentation with the Washington Park Tree Lighting Event, staff gave away gift bags and reach out to 506 patrons. On that same day the library participated in the Welcome Migrant Health Fair at BCHC. The reps had asked specifically for the library to feature their notary services. The library was able to give aways two raffle bags and were able reach 52 people. The next event was the Market Square Tree Lighting, where they were able to reach 711 patrons. The library visited the BISD Migrant Families Meeting, and the kids were able to do crafts and enjoy story time. We reached 142 people and were requested to visit two more times. The library also participated in the Run with Santa Claus in collaboration with the Police Dept and Southmost Initiative. The library was able to reach out to 141 people and give gift bags and books. Adult services began to go to Adult Day Cares; they visited La Plaza Adult Day Care, where were able to see 72 people. Patrons were able to enjoy adult story time and crafts. The next event was Pancakes with Santa, and the Children’s dept. staff sacrificed their warmth and adventured out in the cold to read and do crafts with the kids in conjunction with the Parks Dept. They were able reach out to 62 people. The total number of people reached out to this month was 1686 people. 7) Adjournment – Motion to adjourn by Mr. Chris Pineda and seconded by Ms. Rubi Gonzalez. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.