HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Library Board - 11/05/2013 Minutes
Library Board Meeting
November 5,2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
John Keys Laura Garcia, Director
Rachel Buck Sylvia Sanchez, Secretary
Dr. Stuart Elovitz
Natalie Rogen
Roberta Sewell
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Sue Donahoe
Call to Order
Mr. John Keys called the meeting to order at 10:33 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
Motion for approval of the minutes of October 1, 2013 was made by Roberta.Sewell and seconded by Dr.
Stuart Elovitz. Motion passed unanimously.
Friends of Library
Mrs. Rogen reported that the Friends Annual Meeting will be at 2:00 p.m. on December 14 at Neyland
Library. Followed at 3:00 p.m.by performer Dave Ehlert who will bring Abe Lincoln & Mark Twain
to life through drama and humor in his live theatrical performance. Friends PayPal account is in
operation and the initial testing was a success. Friends will purchase a new computer or laptop
to assist with the online account and membership drive. The current Friends computer is
approximately 8 years old and does not have sufficient memory to process all the required
updates. Mrs. Garcia stated that Friends board members have discussed setting up a
computer/laptop during library programs to increase Friends donations and/or membership. Ms.
Buck stated that Wi-Fi will be required to run programs similar to PayPal. Mrs. Garcia reported
that all library buildings have Wi-Fi. She stated staff uses Wi-Fi during programming, training
and meetings.
Director's Report
Mrs. Garcia reported that the first Library Food for Fines Drive was a success. A total of 4,588 pounds
was collected for the Food Bank and the Elderly Nutrition Program will receive $642.32. Mrs. Garcia
added that$4,729 of overdue fines was cleared and $4,684 was collected in overdue fines. Mrs. Garcia
reported on the following programs:
• The CDBG project at Central Library is tentatively scheduled to start January 2014. The project
requires upgrading the public elevator. There will also be repairs to the outside entry way of the
library;repairs are required to have both areas compliant with current ADA requirements.
• The Local Author Book Sale Program will be at Neyland Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Authors
are from the Coastal Bend area. The authors will donate 30% of their sales to Neyland Library.
• David Nuss from the Food Bank will present a Healthy Cooking Class on November 16, at
McDonald Library. Two classes had to be scheduled due to the increase of class registration. The
classes are for adults and children.
• The Impact Grant Programs will begin in December. Tech Time Story Time programs will be at all
libraries using Kindle Readers. Families that participate will be able to use Kindle Readers during the
program.
• The annual Voices of South Texas event will be held on November 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
Old Bayview Cemetery. They are going to re-enact and recount stories of those buried there. QR
codes will be used to link individuals to the Old Bayview website which was created by and is
maintained by library staff.
New Business
Mr. Keys introduced and welcomed Rachel Buck to the board. Ms. Buck was appointed by City
Council last month. Mrs. Garcia reported that the council will appoint 3 additional members on
November 12 for the current vacant board positions.
Motion was made by Natalie Rogen and seconded by Rachel Buck to excuse Sue Donahoe from
today's meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
Dr. Chalkley inquired if it was necessary to purchase new equipment for Friends in order to run Chrome.
Mrs. Sanchez stated that the computer does not have enough memory to download the necessary updates
and the additional required applications. Mrs. Garcia added that Mr. Hatley, Library Technology
Manager,worked on the computer. Mr. Hatley's recommendation was to purchase new equipment.
Meeting adjourned at 11:07 a.m.
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