09-12-22 LAB MinutesSCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
DATE:9/12/2022
Members Present:
Ken Bauer, Chris Bryan, Beverly Clarke, Patti Dilworth, Linda Duvall, Dawn Figueras,
Lee Murphey, Patti Paulson, Margaret Riley, Letticia Sever, Ruth Tienor, Melissa Uhlhorn,
Joanne Ward, Laura Wilson
City Administration/Council Members: Sarah Gonzalez
Visitors: None
CALL TO ORDER: Patti Paulson called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm.
HEARING OF RESIDENTS: None
REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Minutes: Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes of
the 8/1/2022meeting.
- Joanne Ward moved to accept the 8/1/2022 minutes as presented.
- Dawn Figueras seconded the motion.
- The motion carried. The 8/1/2022 minutes were accepted as presented.
2. Treasurer's Report: Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the
712022 Treasurer's Report
- It was explained that the craft expense was for the summer reading
programs.
- Margaret Riley moved to accept the 7/2022 Treasurer's Report as
presented.
- Letticia Sever seconded the motion.
- The motion carried. The 7/2022 Treasurer's Report was accepted as
presented.
3. Librarian's Report: Librarian will report on the following items.
Libra usage and statistics
- Usage numbers are up but not yet back to pre-Covid numbers. Usage has
remained up even after school started.
- The June report includes large attendance programs like "Touch a Truck."
- Attendance at programs has been good.
- Volunteer hours are up.
- Adjustments in the number of cardholders will be upcoming as cards not
used will be dropped.
- Curbside service is still being used.
Library operation and other items of interest
- The library is fully staffed.
- From April Toman - tutoring is being used, often for math for high school
and middle school students. Drop -in tutoring is used mainly by 4tn-8th
graders.
- Stephanie Barbosa has scheduled walk-in tech help for 10/12 and 10/26.
This program might be expanded. Cyber security basics will be offered
on 10/11 and 10/25. This program will have different focuses that rotate.
- Lizzie Bertoia reports that there is a new ESL tutor. The recent
pronunciation class was attended by 17 adults. Mindful Meditation with
Mike Brown will be on Sundays. Medicare 101, Lego Lab, etc. are
ongoing.
4. Bookstore Report: Committee reported on the following items:
General Operation:
- The Book Sale is the 23rd and 24th with set up on the 22nd.
- There has been a large amount of books donated in the last 6 months.
- With the large amount of books being donated, it might be time to
increase the number of book sales. A sale could possibly be done January
13th and 14th with set up on the 12th.
- The sell back program has generated $972 since February.
- A shelf with reduced price books has been set up.
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION:
I. Continued discussion of the spending of investment funds on special
projects.
Melissa Uhlhorn reported on the presentation at the Schertz Budget
Retreat of the 2 LAB proposals regarding the new audio/print books for
children and the WI-FI hot spots. The presentation went well with
recognition from Mark Davis of the LAB's hard work. After discussion, it
was proposed that:
a. LAB spend $5000 of the investment funds for the audio/print
books and that the City will match the $5000 for a total of $10,000.
b. The City will fund, with no LAB contribution, the purchase of 33
WI-FI hot spots to be phased in over 3 years.
II. Other budget retreat reports.
- A part-time programming specialist will be added to the library staff.
- Circulation staff hours will be expanded by 20 hours per week, which will
allow the addition of a 5th person in the morning.
- Library materials will receive $15,000.
- Money for sound proofing of the study rooms was included.
- In general, the focus of the Schertz budget was to spend on staffing,
compensation, and infrastructure.
- The Schertz Magazine will be reduced from 48 to 32 pages to reduce cost
with a goal to try to maintain the same quality and amount of included
information.
- The final vote on the Budget will be coming up soon.
III. Continuation of the SOAR Analysis.
A. Additional opportunities were shared.
1. Partner more with local schools.
2. Reader programs with schools.
3. Banners to advertise library services.
4. QRC codes to access library information.
B. The LAB was asked to share their aspirations for the Library.
1. Book mobile/mobile library.
2. Increase in self-service kiosks for holds, checkout, etc.
3. Additional library branches and access points - i.e. bring the library to the
people.
4. Author events.
5. More exhibits like art and travel.
6. Sponsorship off off -site activities.
7. Use of the courtyard for programs.
B. Off -site reading events and other programs.
9. Guest readers, including teen readers.
10. Parental and joint parent/teen educational programs.
11. Cross department events with other city departments.
12. Community service fair.
13. Programs to increase understanding of social services.
14. Increased opportunities for tutoring and school outreach. Possibly
include library information in school newsletters.
15. Increase in staff.
C. Results
1. Use surveys to gather information.
2. Track repeat program participants.
D. The SOAR discussion, as well as the Vision and Mission statements, will
continue at the next meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Items by the Library Board Members: Briefing and discussion on the following
items.
Correspondence received by the Secretary: None
Other announcements by Library Board Members: None
Call for items to be included on the next agenda:
SOAR analysis.
Vision and Mission statements.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Ruth Tienor moved to adjourn the meeting.
- Letticia Sever seconded the motion.
- The motion carried.
- The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 pm.
- The next meeting will be 10/3/2022.
Patti Paulson, Chair
Chris Bryan, Secretary