HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Library Board - 12/01/2020Library Board Minutes
December 1, 2020 via Webex
Members Present: Alice Nixon, Kirby Tello, Vickie Natale, Candy Hart, Ida Hobbs, Julie Rogers
Members Absent: Nicole Carroll
Staff Present: Laura Garcia, Library Director
Call to Order: Alice Nixon called the meeting to order at 10:33 AM.
Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve minutes of the last meeting was made by Candy Hart and
seconded by Vickie Natale. Motion passed unanimously.
Friends Report: Laura Garcia reported that Roberta Sewell will not seek reappointment. The Friends
Board has been tasked with finding a replacement. The Friends have been meeting to discuss budget for
library programs (virtual/online and/or in person), with hopes that summer programs will be in-person.
Directors Report: Laura Garcia reported that the graduation ceremony for six graduates of the Career
Online High School - Success for Life program will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Salinas Park.
Alice Nixon will be speaking along with keynote speaker Dr. Bernadine Cervantes, retired CCISD Assistant
Superintendent, currently with TAMUCC Educational Leadership Department. Permission from the
Mayor’s office was required to host the outdoor programs due to COVID restrictions.
A Cycle 2 CARES Act grant, from the TSLAC (Texas State Library and Archives Commission) in the amount
of $20,504 has been awarded. The funding will be used to put together ten (10) kits consisting of laptops
and other equipment that will be lent to daycares wanting to participate in interactive library programs.
Circulation is up by 25% since reopening and curbside service, upon request, is still being made available.
Although the City mandate for face coverings is for 10 years and older, the library is following CDC
guidelines and respectfully asking that anyone over 2 years of age also wear a face covering.
A laptop program for individuals needing to participate in virtual job interviews or virtual job fairs is being
developed and will be promoted in the coming weeks. Interviews are being conducted for Library
Assistants, Library Aides and Custodian positions.
Old Business: Ida Hobbs agrees to be reappointed to a new term as a Library Board Member.
New business: Alice Nixon recommended that the Board append to the annual report the article that
appeared in Texas Library Journal this summer written by Daniel Schwartz and Misty Atwood, about what
the Library has been doing during COVID (successfully adhering to pandemic, restrictions/guidelines and
safety measures.)
Alice Nixon will check and report back regarding the following questions by Julie Rogers: What is the
current operating revenue per capita? It was $12.43 in 2017. What is current state average per capita for
Texas public libraries in communities with populations over 250,000? It was $28.58 in 2017.
Excused Absences: Candy Hart moved to excuse Nicole Carroll’s absence from the December meeting and
Ida Hobbs seconded the motion. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.