Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board September 11, 2023 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests Alisha Hernandez Chris Pineda Brenda Treviño Bertha Gomez Bertha Peña George E. Olivo Josephine Balboa Beatriz Morales Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette Katie Hernandez Anthony Chavarria Nora I Garza Lisa Rodriguez Courtney Taylor Melinda Clayton Bobbi Vasquez 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting called to order by Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette at 5:33pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Ms. Alisha Hernandez motioned for approval. Ms. Bertha Pena seconded. All voted aye, and the minutes approved. 3) Citizen Comment – No Comments 4) Library Report a) Adult Services: Bertha Gomez presented first on the adult services to attend the pending adult program, Cross-Stitch Heart. The library has continued to visit and distribute books to the Little Lending Libraries located all over Brownsville. During the month of July, the library hosted a Picnic Day, finished the set of the computer classes, and held a Recipe Swap, which featured library cookbooks and discussions by patrons’ favorite dishes. For Picnic Day, patrons were given a snack and were able to sit outside in the shaded area. In August the library organized a Back-To-School Fair, which had several organizations come and set up tables to distribute information about their services to the public. During this event the library also gave out mesh backpacks, 273 at the Southmost Branch and 240 and the Main Branch library. Adult services also provided the Cooking Class: Arroz con pollo and had a showing of the Theory of Everything for the month of August. In September, the programs will include an Open Mic Night, Cooking Class: Flour Tortillas, the movie Under the Moon and the start of new round of computer classes. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette asked if Adult Services had anything planned for the event Mitte on the Move. Ms. Brenda Trevino explained that the event is being hosted by the Mitte Cultural District and different organizations would also be present at the Southmost Library. The library is having a table at Mitte on the Move b) Youth Services: Katie Hernandez presented for Youth Services, starting with the Summer Reading Program recap, all the goals set were exceeded, including Registrations, Brag Tag Entries, Summer Bash Attendance, and submitted reading logs. In August, regular programing continued with Bouncing Babies and Kids Night; the library also introduced a new monthly program, Toddler Playdate, which includes sensory games and a soft play station. Also, in August the library had a Driscoll Kids Fitness class and the Library Explorer Adventure Pack event. For September’s Library Card Sign-up month, the library is having a giveaway. The giveaway is for both new patrons and for existing members. Story Time is becoming Stories and Snacks; in the hope it will increase numbers. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette asked if the library has seen an increase due to the heat. Katie Hernandez states the numbers were already increasing, except for the Storytime at the Southmost Branch, but that has seen an increase due to the addition of snacks. Ms. Trevino goes on to state the library’s overall numbers have increased and the heat may be a factor. c) Teen Services: Beatriz Morales presented for the Teen services. In the month of August, the library held the Teen Advisory club, the VR Career Fair, Teen lock-in at Main, as well as the Game Night and Anime Club. The Teen Lock-in at the Main branch library had about 37 out of the 42 that registered. For the month of September, Teens Services will be partnering with Makerspace for an event where patrons can customize a cloth pencil bag using the sublimation and heat press. Anime Club is showing the Pokemon Movie and diamond painting. The Teen services also have a College Fair at the Southmost Branch planned for the 20th. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette asked when the schools were notified of the College Fair, Beatriz Morales explained the library started contact back in July, to give the schools enough time. Ms. Bertha Pena suggested we reach out to certain people to inform them of the event. d) Makerspace Services: Presented by Anthony Chavarria. In August, Makerspace started the Virtual Reality and Level Design with Mario Maker program. Because of the number of patrons interested, Makerspace is looking into getting more systems to allow more patrons to participate in these events. There is currently one Playstation VR set at each branch. Ms. Nora Garza asked if the patrons were able to save the designs in the Mario Maker game, Anthony Chavarria explained they could save, so they could work on the level the next time. Makerspace also sets up the Exploration Theater once a month. Makerspace also hosted the DIY Machines event, where staff demonstrated the machines available. e) Outreach: Presented by Courtney Taylor. Adult daycares trips are shifting to library visits. Farmer’s Market outreach continued despite the heat. Several other outreaches occurred, with different resources from the library. Library Staff also attended the Kids Appreciation Day for the Gladys Porter Zoo and the National Night Out. The library helped the Office of Emergency Management host the All-Hazards Awareness Fair. Ms. Nora Garza stated that it is impressive that the library going to so many outreaches. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette suggested outreaches can pass out tokens to determine which outreaches are effective. Courtney Taylor informed her the library has given out Makerspace Vouches to introduce the public to the new services. In summer due to the weather there are few people at some of the outreaches. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette mentioned reaching out to Laura Holbrook that runs the Inclusion Caboos. f) Southmost Renovations: Brenda Trevino updated the Board on all the changes at the Southmost Branch, including painting the IRC, the new children’s program room, which used to be the Branch Manager’s office and study room. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette asked on the longevity of the furniture; Ms. Trevino explained it will be the first purchase since the original furniture. Ms. Trevino also mentioned the addition of the Shushbooth to the Main and Southmost Branches. g) Friends of the Library: Bobbie Vasquez presented to the board. The Friends of the library are averaging about $1000 a month, especially since the store started taking credit cards. Friends are working to get more volunteers to expand hours. 6) Adjournment-- Motion to adjourn by Alisha Hernandez, seconded by Nora Garza, motion approved, meeting adjourned at 6:18 pm.