Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board December 11, 2023 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests George E. Olivo, Cynthia Bertha Peña Josephine Balboa, Lisa Rodriguez, Brenda Lizardi-Burlette, Nora I Treviño, Sarined Garcia, Jose A. Gonzalez, Garza, Alisha Hernandez, Lazaro Castro, Katie Hernandez, Courtney Chris Pineda (Virtual) Taylor, Bobby Vasquez 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting called to order by Mr. George E. Olivo at 5:34pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Mr. Olivo asks that a correction be made to the misspelling of his name in agenda item number 7. Mr. Olivo motioned to approve the minutes. Ms. Nora Garza seconded. 3) Citizen Comment – No Comments 4) Discussion of Additional Marquees for Libraries – Presented by Juan Guerra. Before starting, Mr. Guerra wanted to acknowledge the service of the Ms. Cynthia Lizardi-Burlette on the library board. Mr. Guerra goes on to outline the placements, size and style of the marquees being designed for the Manzano (Southmost Branch) and the Coria (Main Branch) library entrances. These marquees are possible due to the funds given through the closing of the Library Foundation. 5) Library Report a) Adult Services, presented by Jose A. Gonzalez: Mr. Gonzalez starts by informing the board of four new little libraries that have been added, including the Jubilee Leadership Academy, Good Neighbor Settlement House, Bob Clark social Service Center, Sybil Garden. Mr. Gonzales also goes over the end the computer classes and the beginning of the new class cycle. He also reviews the programing of the month, Fall into Giving, Adult Services Committee, and Nanowrimo Writing contest. Ms. Lizardi-Burlette asked who the library is partnering with for programs on financial literacy. Mr. Guerra mentions the city, local banks, and the university as possible resources. Mr. Guerra also mentions that Ms. Hernandez was reappointed to the Library Board and the two vacant seats were tabled by the city commission until the December meeting. b) Youth Services, presented by Katie Hernandez: Ms. Hernandez recalls the pervious programs, such as Kid’s Night, Stories and Snack, Dollar & Sense, and the Level UP Christmas. Ms. Hernandez also covers the upcoming programs for the month of January. c) Teen Services, presented by Sarined Garcia: Ms. Garcia reviews the past programs like Teen Anime Club, Teen Night Writing edition, where the kids got to create their own black-out poetry and the upcoming Teen Night, where the teens would be able to make their own Christmas Ornaments. Ms. Garza suggested since the kids like the black-out poetry night maybe Teen Services could plan something for National Poetry Month. Ms. Garcia stated that she is in communication with UTRGV in the hopes of planning a workshop or something similar in the future. d) Makerspace, presented by Lazaro Castro: Mr. Castro starts by going over the previous month programs, Cutting Boards, Exploration Theater, and Mario Maker/VR. Mr. Castro also highlights some of the patron projects and the library projects for the Level UP Christmas. Mr. Pineda thanked Makerspace for the assistance on his son’s extra credit assignment. e) Outreach, presented by Courtney Taylor: MS. Taylor starts by reviewing the events for the month of November, such as the 2nd Annual Veterans Festival, Farmer’s Market, BMetro, Consulate, Kinder Fun Daycare, Washington Park Tree Lighting, and BCHC Welcome Back Migrant Health Fair. Mr. Guerra comments on the importance of Ms. Taylor’s position and the need for outreach to reach pre-covid numbers. f) Friends of the Library, presented by Bobby Vasquez: Ms. Vasquez updates the board on the hours of the Friends Bookstore at both the Main and Southmost Library. Mr. Guerra mentions the memorandum between Friends and the Library to help staff the bookstore, when needed. 6) Adjournment - Before asking for the motion, Mr. Olivo thanks the library staff for their hard work. Mr. Guerra thanks him for his comment and speaks on the staff’s and librarians' dedication to serving the community. Ms. Lizardi- Burlette motions to adjourn. Ms. Hernandez seconds. All in favor. Meeting adjourns at 6:12 PM