Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board

Brownsville Public Library System Advisory Board September 16, 2024 Minutes Hybrid Present Absent Guests Chair George Olivo, Vice Nora Garza Brenda Trevino, Josephine Balboa, Melinda Chair Chris Pineda (Virtual), Clayton, Lisa Rodriguez, Avery Danielson, Martin Leal, Audria West Bertha Gomez, Sarah Weissinger, Anthony (Virtual), Bertha Pena Chavarria, Allan Polanco, Bobbi Vasquez, (Virtual), Alisha Hernandez Angelita Leal, Jennifer Chavez 1) Call Meeting to Order – Meeting called to order by Mr. Martin Leal at 5:30pm. 2) Discussion and Action of Approval of Minutes – Ms. Alisha Hernandez motions to approve the minutes. Ms. Bertha Pena seconds. All in favor. 3) Public Comment – Public comment made by Angelita Leal of the Angelita’s Casa De Cafe. Mrs. Leal shares that on Sunday they held a fundraiser for Friends of the Library, and they raised $125. Ms. Leal then presents Bobbi Vasquez of Friends of the Library with the $125.00 check. 4) Library Accreditation – Ms. Lisa Rodriguez shares that the library was approved and accredited with the Texas State Library Archives Commission. Ms. Rodriguez informs that board members that this means we can apply for funding, request materials from the Statewide Inter Library Loan Policy, and apply for State Competitive grants. She also provides highlights of the year such as increased library visits, total circulation, and computer usage. 5) Library Report a) Adult Services, presented by Betha Gomez: Ms. Gomez begins by reviewing past programs and events such as the Back-to-School Fair, Let’s Get Cookin’, and Marble Candle Holder. Ms. Gomez then shares upcoming programs for the month of September such as the Computer Classes, Dementia Talks, Support Group, Career VR, Resume Workshop, and Let’s Get Cookin’ where patrons will learn to make flour tortillas. b) Youth Services, presented by Avery Danielson: Ms. Danielson begins by reviewing programs from the month of August such as Kids Nights: Games & Puzzles and Bug in a Jar Suncatcher. She also discussed Bouncing Babies and Stories & Snacks which continues to have good attendance. Ms. Danielson then shares information from past programs such as Lego Lab and Toddler Playdate. She then reviews programs coming up for the month of September such as Sensory Friendly Playdate, Kid’s Night: Mini Golf, Kid’s Night: Clay Mosaic, Toddler Playdate, Lego Lab, Stories y Cuentos, and Stories and Snacks. *At 5:37PM, Mr. Olivo enters the meeting and Mr. Leal passes the Chairman role back to him. c) Teen Services, presented by Sarah Weissinger: Ms. Weissinger shares past programs from the month of August such as Teen Game Night, Teen Anime Night, and Teen Advisory. She also shares information about the re-opening of the Teen Zone. Ms. Weissinger reviews programs that are coming in the month of September such as Teen Night: Oyatsu Surprise, Craft Night, Teen Advisory: Create Your First Resume, and Teen Anime: My Hero Academia. d) Makerspace, presented by Allan Polanco: Mr. Polanco begins by discussing the Stained-Glass Painting program which took place in the month of August. He then reviews programs for the month of September such as Sewing Rocks and Exploration Theater. Mr. Polanco also provides programs coming up in October such as Spooky Cloche and Exploration Theater. e) Outreach, presented by Jennifer Chavez: Ms. Chavez shares the stats for outreach events such as the Back to School Health Fair, Brownsville P.D. Night Out, Back to School Bashes with Housing Authority of Brownsville and Bob Clark- Cameron County, and the Southmost Inolvidable Fest Vol 1. Ms. Chavez then provides upcoming outreaches such as Open Houses at Vela, Rivera, and Besteiro, Fire Fest, Lunada Artisan Market, Cameron County Sherriff’s Office Trick Treat Halloween Event, and Vive Tu Vida. f) Friends of the Library, presented by Bobbi Vasquez: Ms. Vasquez begins by sharing that she is working on updating both branches with new material. 6) Adjournment – Mr. Leal motions to adjourn. Ms. Hernandez seconds. All in favor. Meeting adjourns at 5:59 PM.