Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board February 13, 2023 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests George E. Olivo Josephine Balboa Lazaro Castro Rubi Gonzalez Maribel De Leon Jose A. Gonzalez Chris Pineda Lisa Rodriguez Kayla Trevino Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette Courtney Taylor Sarined Garcia Bertha Pena Brenda Trevino Melinda Clayton Nora I. Garza Bobbi Vasquez Juan Guerra Alisha Hernandez Nurith Galonsky Pizana 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting was called to order by Ms. Rubi Gonzalez at 5:34pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Ms. Alisha Hernandez motioned for approval. Ms. Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette seconded. All voted aye, and the minutes were approved. 3) Introduction of New Members – Ms. Maribel De Leon introduced the newest member of the board Mrs. Nora I. Garza and asked her to tell the members about her background. Mrs. Garza told them she is a school librarian, and she is passionate about libraries. She wanted a way to give back to the community in a way that reflected her passion. 4) Citizen Comment – No Comments 5) Library Report – a. Adult Services – Mr. Jose Gonzalez talked about how we donated books to the Little Lending Libraries at Leon Gardens, Friendship of Women, Lopes High School, Centro Cultural, Central Ave. Park, City Plaza, etc.. He described the parents and kids’ happiness when they received new books. He continued with “The Heart Matters” event, it is being held on the same day at both branches. He explained that the event will have multiple vendors promoting heart health awareness, and the importance of making healthy choices. He then briefed the board on the continued success of The Adult Computer Literacy Classes. He explained that the students seem to be ready for more challenging subjects. Mr. Pineda asked if the demographics have changed or have continued to be the same. Mr. Gonzalez answered that the classes are getting larger but hitting the same demographic. Ms. Lizardi- Burlette asked if AI might be a subject the library will soon be broaching or teaching. Mr. Gonzalez explained that even though the students want more challenging subjects, AI is still a bit too advanced and he would investigate it for future courses. Finally, he broke down all the other programs and events that Adult services held and will hold for February: Blind Date with A Book, Adult Movie Time, Charro Days Photograph Contest, Eat Better Eat Together Cooking Class, Karaoke Night, and  the financial literacy class given by Our Infinite Company. He was happy to share that the financial literacy class will be held at both branches. b. Southmost Updates – Ms. Brenda Trevino quickly shared that both the mural and library painting projects have been completed, and board members are more than welcome to take a look at the work after the meeting. She mentioned that the lobby was painted to correspond with the colors found in the main floor area and to rejuvenate the space. c. Youth Services – Ms. Kayla Trevino went over normal programing for the new board members. Kid’s Night consists of either a craft, science project, or art project for the kids to do and take home with them. Lego day is for kids of all ages to play with Legos. Mr. Pineda asked if the library accepted donations of toys, Ms. Trevino answered yes. Summer Reading Program (SRP) is a summer long program that consists of several types of activities and events for kids, teens, and adults. The Book Fair is held twice a year at both locations, and proceeds are used to purchase the free books that the library gives away. Holiday Events are events that correlate with each Holiday (ex. Eggstravaganza, Pic. W/Santa, Trunk’r’Treat). Story Time & Bouncing Babies are book reading programs for kids where they get to dance and sing along, and do crafts based on the story. Beginning in February the library will have Red Rover Readers visit and do a story time once a month, and that Storytime will focus on teaching empathy through stories. The board asked if this is just a volunteer opportunity or is this a company? Ms. Trevino explained that Red Rover Readers is an organization, and they reached out to the library to do this type of program. The Elks Lodge will also be visiting the library for a one- time special Storytime that focuses on friendship and there will be giveaways. For kids’ night the activities will be DIY No Sew Heart Pillows and “The 3 Little Pigs” STEM Challenge. During this challenge kids will build little houses that will need to withstand the strength of a blow dryer. Ms. Trevino announced that for the first time the library will be checking out Library Explorers Adventure Packs, this is a program in partnership with Texas Children In Nature Network and Driscoll Health Fund. Starting March 15th kids can check out one of 6 Nature Backpacks. The backpacks are filled with activities, journals, books, field guides, tools, and equipment to help families get active and explore the great outdoors. They will be available for a two-week check-out period to library patrons. In addition, families who visit any of the three State Parks in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties with the pack during the two-week check-out period will also receive free entry for up to two adults (ages 13 and up) and accompanying children (ages 12 and under). Finally, the library is preparing for the annual Eggstravaganza, where there will be an egg hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and giveaways. Since Sensory Hour went well with pictures with Santa, the library will be doing the same for this event. d. Teen Services – Mrs. Sarined Garcia reported that the teens programs have been gaining more interest and attendance is slowly increasing. The teens joined the library for Teen Game Night, where they played video games and ate snacks. During Teen Anime Club, teens and their families watched an Anime movie and had Ramen with whatever trimming they wanted to add. The Teen Advisory Council met and the teens shared what they would like to see at the library and what activities they would like to do. The consensus is that they would like to do more hands-on activities. They also showed interest in events that would help them with future goals, school, and real work situations. Taking into consideration what the council members suggested, the library will be working on a Reference 4 Teens program, a Resume Workshop, and in collaboration with Cameron County Workforce the library will be hosting a job fair geared toward teens who are eligible to work. Mrs. Lizardi- Burlette asked if it was possible to suggest a How to Interview workshop or something of that nature. Ms. Gonzalez agreed that even though schools teach kids how to do resumes, no one teaches them how to dress, behave, prepare, or give an interview. Ms. Garcia liked the idea and will research on how to start that type of program. e. MakerSpace Services – Mr. Lazaro Castro began with the Glowforge event the library hosted. This event demoed the machine and taught the public how to use it properly. Patrons got a chance to use the machine and gain hands-on experience. This event also helped the library meet TSLAC grant conditions. He then passed out items that were made on the Glowforge so the board can see what the machine can be used for. MakerSpace hosted Pokémon Day Painting Event. The patrons were able to paint their favorite Pokémon on a mini canvas and could either take it with them or leave it to be displayed at MakerSpace. Mr. Castro then updated the board on the new machine that the library obtained for public use, the sublimation printers. This printer allows the public to print their image directly on heat transfer paper that can then be transferred onto several types of items. This printer is easier to use than the heat press machine. The library was able to purchase these machines through the TSLAC grant. The library is still pending iMac computers that will be used to program the machines, and a Poster Printer, which has been ordered and pending arrival. The library also received a CDBG grant, that will allow MakerSpace to order a Dell Monitor, Dell Computer, Laguna Laser Cutter, and Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle. The grant covers the order for the Southmost Branch and the library will be ordering the same machines for the Main Branch as a match for the grant. Mr. Pineda asked if there was a way to track who uses the machines and for what they are used for. Mr. Lazaro stated that they do keep statistics regarding the number of people who use the machine but not a record of their personal information. Since the machines are still new many people ask for his assistance, so he knows more or less what they are doing. The machine is used for school projects, DIY projects, people who are into cosplay and gaming, and items for promotion of small businesses. f. Outreach – Ms. Courtney Taylor presented on all the places the library visited the month of January. She began with B-Metro Bus Station, which was visited twice that month, staff got to reach individuals of all ages, and different needs. The library is continuing their partnership with El Consulado de Mexico and providing and promoting local services. The library also visited the Farmer’s Market, where they were able to promote services and issue or update library cards. The library was asked to make another appearance at Lupita’s Daycare where Mr. Jose Gonzalez did story time and crafts with them. The library was asked to collaborate with Pints for Paws, where the library was able to support the Brownsville Animal Defense and have some interaction with some cute dogs. Per a staff member, Letty Bent, the library attended Winter Have Health Fair. They promoted all the different type of services they provide to the public. The library hosted The Challenge at both branches, and this allowed the public to see what the library has to offer. The library did some in- reaching, by placing an information table in the entrances of both libraries. They were able to give more in-depth information on some of the databases the library offers. 6) Adjournment – Motion to adjourn by Ms. Rubi Gonzalez and seconded by Mr. Chris Pineda. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.