Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board June 10, 2024 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests Chair George E. Olivo, Alisha Hernandez, Juan Guerra, Josephine Balboa, Lisa Rodriguez, Vice Chair Chris Pineda, Bertha A. Pena, Melinda Clayton, Lazaro Castro, Courtney Martin Leal, Nora Garza Audria L. West Taylor, Jose A. Gonzalez, Bobbi Vasquez, Jennifer Chavez 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting called to order by Mr. George E. Olivo at 5:30pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Ms. Nora Garza motions to approve the minutes. Mr. Martin Leal seconds. All in favor. 3) Public Comment – No public comments. 4) Main Branch Library Updates – Presented by Mr. Juan Guerra. Mr. Guerra discusses the incident that occurred on May 11th at the Main Library Branch. He shares that precautionary measures were taken by closing the library for the remainder of the week, and staff was taken into consideration. Mr. Guerra explains that training drills will be done and there are plans regarding police presence in the near future. 5) Southmost Branch Library Updates – Presented by Josephine Balboa. Ms. Balboa shares changes that have been made to the Southmost Branch Library such as repainting outside areas and installing outside outlets. Mr. Guerra adds that there are plans to have a trail and more seating areas. He then explains the pilot process of leaving the gates open so the public can sit outside near the library and have access to the Wi-Fi. 6) Library Report a) Adult Services, presented by Jose A. Gonzalez: Mr. Gonzalez provides an update for the 11 Little Libraries. He shares that 223 books were delivered to these Little Libraries which shows that people are taking away a lot of books. Mr. Gonzalez moves on to discuss the Adult Computer Classes, which have resumed again, and adds that they have been getting a good number of patrons at these classes. He then shares the Mother’s Day event Flower Making with Mom which had a great turnout. Make Your Own Pinata was another successful event for both library branches. Mr. Gonzalez then reviews the Let’s Get Cooking class, Citizenship Class, and Gardening for Adults – Native Plants of the RGV. He also discusses first time collaboration with BTX Health Center for a cooking class and explains it should occur again in September or October. Mr. Gonzalez provides upcoming programs for the Summer Reading Program such as DIY Natural Plant Fertilizer, Chamomango with Dad, Disney Trivia, Landscaping for Birds, Amelia Earhart, Picnic at the Library, and Sanrio Trivia. He also covers programs for the month of August such as Back to School Fair, Cooking Class, CDCB Financial Class, Voteriders, and Marble Candle holder. b) Youth Services, presented by Lazaro Castro: Mr. Castro begins by reviewing the Summer Reading Program. He shares general information about the program such as registration start and end dates, presenters, brag tag giveaway eligibility and events taking place such as Fragile Planet Wildlife Park, Dinosaurs of Texas, Magician Oscar Munoz, Toddler Dance Party, Library Expedition, and Camp Cryptid. Mr. Castro shares the turnout for the Kick-Off Party for the Summer Reading Program which was 320 registrations for the Main Branch and 284 registrations for the Southmost Branch. He then reviews the upcoming Summer Bash to take place at the Southmost Branch Library on June 26th. c) Teen Services, presented by Jennifer Chavez: Ms. Chavez reviews the Job Fair that took place in May at the Main Branch which brought in over 300 people. She shares that companies such as Forza Steel, Fred Loya, Teleperformance, and Metro by T-Mobile were in attendance. Ms. Chavez then provides the upcoming events for June such as Build Your Own Pirate Ship and the Steampunk Tea Party. d) Makerspace, presented by Lazaro Castro: Mr. Castro begins by reviewing the Resin Jewelry and Summer Wreath Events held at both library branches. He shares that both events were successful at each library branch. He then provides upcoming events such as DIY Framed Forest Garden and Pokémon GO Fest. e) Outreach, presented by Courtney Taylor: Ms. Taylor begins by reviewing in-reach events that took place in April and May such as the Job Fair and End of School Bash. She then provides the outreach events for the month of April such as BCHC Migrant Farwell, UTRGV Health Pachanga, BISD Migrant Meeting, BISD Chatting with Superintendents Parent Meeting. Ms. Taylor reviews the outreach events for the month of May such as the One City Informational Fair, Harmony, Tropical Mental Health Fair, Villa Nueva, Children’s Museum, and Canales Elementary. She also provides the upcoming outreach events such as the Lunada Artisan Market, Blue Tie Affair at the Park, and Brownsville Men’s Wellness Summit ’24. f) Friends of the Library, presented by Bobbi Vasquez: Ms. Vasquez begins by sharing the librarians have been helping out at both library branch locations. Mr. Guerra adds that the Summer Reading Program wouldn’t be possible without the help of Friends of the Library. 6) Adjournment - Before the motion, Mr. Guerra shares that the tentative date for the 30th Anniversary Celebration is September 25, 2024. Mr. Leal motions to adjourn. Ms. Garza seconds. All in favor. Meeting adjourns at 6:33 PM.