HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Library Board - 02/07/2017 Library Board Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2017
Members Present: Brian Solarek, Candace Hart,Jane Kratzig,Tom Krepel,Alice Nixon, Harris Worchel and Janis Wood.
Members Absent: Abigail Bair
Staff Present: Laura Garcia, Library Director, and Sylvia Sanchez, Secretary
Call to Order: Brian Solarek called the meeting to order at 10:42 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the January minutes was made by Candace Hart. Motion was seconded by Alice Nixon. Motion passed
unanimously.
New board members Tom Krepel and Janis Wood were introduced.
Friend's Report
Mr. Worchel reported that the Teen Bookfest by the Bay will be at American Bank Center on February 18 starting at 9 a.m. The
Friends will pay$5 a month to boost messages on the Friends Facebook page to encourage new membership and promote
library programs. Friends joined the Amazon Smiles. Friends approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of
Corpus Christi. A brochure and letter will be mailed to local businesses requesting donations for the implementation of Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID)technology which cost about$300,000. Mrs. Garcia explained the benefits of RFID.
Director's Report
Mrs. Garcia reported that the south side gutter at La Retama Central has been temporarily repaired, permanent repairs will be
done later this year. No date has been set for phase 2, replacing the roof.
The Czech exhibit will end on February 28. In March an all-female art exhibit will be hosted at La Retama Central with an
opening reception on March 4 from 6:30—8 p.m. This is in celebration of March being Women's National Month as well as
Contemporary Art Month.
This year the Children's Festival will be expanding to include programing for teens and adults;therefore, we are looking for a
new name. The event will be held on April 29 at La Retama Central. Mrs. Garcia distributed 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
bookmarks.The Corpus Christi Independent School District will partner with the library to promote the program. The goal is to
register 1000 children.
New Business
Alice Nixon distributed a copy of a study done by the University of Texas and commissioned by the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission. The study shows that Texas public libraries provide$2.628 billion in economic benefits to the state.
Collectively, in FY 2015,Texas public libraries were found to offer a sizeable return on investment. For every one dollar spent,
libraries offered $4.64 worth of services, resources and economic opportunity to communities. Mrs. Garcia stated that the link
to this study has been emailed to all board members.
The Board recognized Harris Worchel,Alice Nixon and staff for the outstanding work on the annual report that was submitted
to the City Secretary.
Public Comment
Dr. Hatch Chalkley commented on the inadequacy of the library collection. Mrs. Garcia acknowledged that the collection is
lacking in many areas due to limited funding. Board members and Mrs. Garcia also commented on the collection development
process.
Meeting adjourned at 11:54 a.m.