Library Commission Community Interest Announcement Reception for Library Commission, Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association December 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Laura Polio 512-974-9624
1. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION December 16, 2024 – 6 P.M. Austin Central Library Art Gallery 710 W Cesar Chavez St. AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Mark Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Steve DeRosa Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on November 18, 2024. 2. 3. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services. Discussion of the December Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrel, Interim Director of Libraries. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 5. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION November 18 , 2024 – 6P.M. University Hills Branch Library 4721 Loyola Lane Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Mark Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Steve DeRosa Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's regular meeting on October 28, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Library Community Engagement by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library 1. 2. Staff briefing on the November Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation in support of Austin Public Library’s hotspot circulation program. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov. 3.
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241118-004 Date: 11/18/2024 Subject: Increase the spending total allowed by Austin Public Library on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Motion By: Commissioner Davis Seconded By: vice Chair Mehta Recommendation Grant additional authority to increase the spending total allowed by Austin Public Library on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Library Commission recommends that Austin City Council supports the request for council approval from Austin Public Library and grants additional authority to increase the spending total allowed on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Rationale: The Austin Library Commission strongly recommends that the Austin City Council approve the request from Austin Public Library (APL) to increase the spending total on the existing wireless contract. This approval would allow APL to order 500 brand-new 5G Wi-Fi hotspots and gain access to an online management portal, enhancing the Library’s ability to serve the community’s digital needs. These new devices would replace the current hotspots, which are reaching the end of their useful life and are no longer able to meet the high demand from Austin residents. APL would cover the monthly service fees for these devices through its existing budget. The demand for Wi-Fi hotspots is significant, with a current waitlist of 234 people for just 29 available devices. Originally, APL had a larger pool of hotspots, but many have been lost, damaged, or are no longer functioning. By increasing the number of available devices, APL will be better positioned to meet the needs of underserved communities, providing equitable access to digital resources for those who may otherwise have limited or no internet access. Their goal is to add at least 300 new devices into circulation by January 2025, if not sooner, and assign additional devices to library branches for outreach services that help serve the community more broadly. This initiative supports Austin's broader digital equity goals, which were recently recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) when the City of Austin was named a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. Austin earned this designation for its ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and provide residents with affordable internet access, devices, and digital literacy programs. The City’s commitment to digital inclusion is evident in its support of various programs, such as the Technology Opportunities Program, the Community PC Program, and digital literacy training initiatives through partners like Austin Free-Net. …
N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T L a u r a T a d e n a C o m m u n i t y E n g a g e m e n t L i b r a r i a n THE POWER OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT B u i l d t r u s t a n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s F o s t e r s i n c l u s i o n a n d a m p l i f i e s v o i c e s R e f l e c t s c o m m u n i t y n e e d s D r i v e s i n n o v a t i o n a n d r e l e v a n c e I m p r o v e s a c c e s s a n d s t r e n g t h e n s o u t c o m e s STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT A P L M I S S I O N & V I S I O N M i s s i o n : I n s p i r e a l l t o d i s c o v e r , l e a r n , a n d c r e a t e . V i s i o n : B e a m o d e l o f e q u i t y , d i v e r s i t y , a c c e s s , a n d i n c l u s i o n . P U R P O S E A N D G O A L A s s e s s a n d e n h a n c e h o w e f f e c t i v e l y A P L e n g a g e s w i t h …
1 Director’s Report November 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Facilities Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Gallery ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 APL Data & Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….6 Cardholders & Visitors …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………….7 Circulation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..8 Check Outs & Conference Rooms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Platforms & Tech ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..10 Volunteers.………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………….………………….11 Budget & Expenditures .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 HIGHLIGHTS APL Hosts Netherlands & Dutch Caribbean APL hosted an International Study Visit for 24 library professionals from the Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean. The four-day event featured collaborative roundtables, in-depth discussions with APL's Executive Leadership Team, and presentations on community engagement, school partnerships, and outreach strategies led by Jennifer Peters, Laura Tadena, Jenny Stirrat, and Melissa Sanchez. The group visited library locations, including the Central Library, St. John Branch, Windsor Park Branch, Terrazas Branch, Austin History Center, and African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. The group also had the opportunity to tour Austin City Hall and view the People's Gallery. The event concluded with a reflection session, which helped to foster cross-cultural insight and innovative approaches to library services. Nature Smart Libraries New Project! Pollinator Garden at Ruiz and Cepeda Branch Libraries Austin Public Library is in the planning and design stage of installing pollinator gardens at both Ruiz and Cepeda. The gardens will serve as a resource for educating the community about the importance of pollinators and connecting people with nature APL and Roots and Wings! APL is participating in the Roots and Wings Festival and is offering a variety of programs that highlight nature, creativity, and environmental stewardship. One highlight is the Urban Forest Explorers Nature Play Kit, which was made possible by a Roots and Wings grant. The kits will circulate with PARD’s Loose Parts Kit and will also be available in the youth areas of Cepeda, Ruiz, and Twin Oak Branch Libraries throughout the festival. APL Branch and Librarian Spotlight - Kayla De La Portilla @ Terrazas Branch Terrazas recently completed its renovation and the children's area now includes elements of nature play in the space. Kayla De La Portilla, Youth Librarian, has helped transform the area by introducing engaging, hands-on activities that connect children with the natural world. African American Cultural and Heritage Facility (AACHF) The AACHF recently played host to the City of Austin's Equity Office for their "Equity 101" workshop, a pivotal event aimed at fostering, understanding and promoting inclusivity within the community. This workshop provided participants with foundational knowledge on equity principles, highlighting the importance of addressing …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 28 OCTOBER 2024 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the John Gillum Branch Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice- Chair, Melissah Hasdorff, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Magen Davis, Mark Smith Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa, Kezia Frayjo, Christina Masters PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León spoke to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the September 23, 2024, special called meeting. The minutes from the special called meeting of September 23, 2024, were approved with amendments on a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Chair Mehta, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners DeRosa, Frayjo, and Masters absent. The amendments were as follows: 1. Corrections to the spelling of “African” in the first sentence of the minutes. Library Commission Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 2. Correction of Commissioner Herrera Moreno’s name in the Approval of Minutes and Discussion and Action Items sections’ 3. Capitalization of the word “Commission” in the Public Comment and Staff Briefing Sections 4. Addition of the statement, “Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding approval of minutes concerns” in the Approval of Minutes section. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding approval of minutes concerns. STAFF BRIEFINGS Librarian III. 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Summer 2024 Programming by Alanna Graves, The presentation was made by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. 3. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Bond Progress Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The presentation was made by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 4. Staff briefing on the October Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule The motion to approve the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Herrera Moreno’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa, Frayjo, and Masters absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. The update was given by Commissioner Herrera Moreno. Carlos León provided public …
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION October 28, 2024 – 6P.M. John Gillum Branch Library 2502 Steck Ave. Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Andrea Herrera Moreno Kezia Frayjo Mark Smith Melissah Hasdorff AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Cristina Masters Magen Davis Steve DeRosa The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's special called meeting on September 23, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Summer 2024 Programming by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Bond Progress Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Staff briefing on the October Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approval of the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov. 3. 4. 5.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes September 23, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 23 SEPTEMBER 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Affrican American Cultural and Heritage Center, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair, Magen Davis, Steve DeRosa, Mark Smith, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Kezia Frayjo Commission Members Absent: Christina Masters PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León spoke to the commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 26, 2024, special called meeting. The minutes of the September 23, 2024, special called meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Herrera-Moreno’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Masters absent. The amendments were: the removal of the wording, “Criminal Trespass Notices received.on May 9, 2024, at the Old Quarry and May 13, 2024, at the Howson branch libraries.”, and the addition of the wording, “various concerns.” STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Security by St. John Requejo, Facilities Services Manager, Ida Garza, Central Security Supervisor, and Lloyd Black, Branch Security Supervisor. Library Commission Meeting Minutes September 23, 2024 The presentation was made by St. John Requejo, Facilities Services Manager, Ida Garza, Central Security Supervisor, and Lloyd Black, Branch Security Supervisor. Carlos León provided public comment to the commission regarding security concerns. 3. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Partnerships by Jennifer Peters, Division Manager, Programs & Partnerships and Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian. The presentation was made by Jennifer Peters, Division Manager, Programs & Partnerships and Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian. 4. Staff briefing on the September Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and creation of a working group to bring forward recommendations on strategic advocacy for library budget and initiatives to City Council. The Commission approved the creation of a working group to include Commissioner Herrera- Moreno as chair, with Commisisoner Smth, and Commissioner DeRosa to bring forward recommendations on strategic advocacy for library budget and initiatives to City Council with Commissioner Davis’ motion and Vice Chair Mehta’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner …
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION October 28, 2024 – 6P.M. John Gillum Branch Library 2502 Steck Ave. Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Andrea Herrera Moreno Kezia Frayjo Mark Smith Melissah Hasdorff Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Cristina Masters Magen Davis Steve DeRosa AGENDA REVISED CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's special called meeting on September 23, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Summer 2024 Programming by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Bond Progress Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Staff briefing on the October Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approval of the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Proposed Scope for Library Commission Working Group Working Group Members: Smith, DeRosa, Herrera Moreno Directive from October 23, 2024, Commission Meeting “Working group to bring forward recommendations on strategic advocacy for library budget and initiatives to City Council.” Working Group Proposed Scope The Library Commissioners seek ways to better advocate for APL and strategically connect with City Council members and other Commissioners to support the library's financial and collaborative efforts. Strategic Area: Galvaze support for the Library’s financial plans Understand the annual budgeting cycle and create a calendar to help Commissioners communicate with their City Council members and others to support APL’s goals Understand the 2026 Bond plan as it pertains to the APL and create a calendar for activation, communication, and advocacy by Commissioners Draft up a request for a new/improved section in the monthly Directors Report that includes APL’s priorities that can assist commissioners in focusing their advocacy message Strategic Area: Galvanize support for the Library’s priorities by communicating and collaborating with other Commissions and City Council meetings Identify CoA Commissions that have overlapping interests and initiatives - Running list: CTCC, PARD, PUBLIC HEALTH, AFD, APD, African American Resource Advisory Streamline and clarify the process for Library Commission members to represent at other CoA Boards and Commissions Assign board member to contact other commissions Identify individual point of contact in each commission Work with other commission board members to identify and prioritize common goals. Identify a way for the APL team to share with the Library Commission when Library business is part of City Council agendas Draft up a request for a new/improved section in the monthly Directors Report that includes APL’s priorities that can guide Commissioners activation Establish a process to communicate inter-commission collaborations to the Council. - - - - - - Identify and nurture APL advocates within the City Council members - - - - - -
2025 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission The Library Commission meets on the last Monday of each month. LOCATION DISTRICT 6 PM Carver Branch | 1161 Angelina St Little Walnut Branch | 835 W Rundberg Ln Menchaca Rd Branch | 5500 Menchaca Rd 1 4 5 9 2 7 3 9 10 10 3 Faulk | 800 Guadalupe Street Southeast Branch | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr Cepeda Branch | 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S 5th St Howson Branch | 2500 Exposition Blvd Old Quarry Branch | 7051 Village Center Dr Ruiz Branch | 1600 Grove Blvd. MEETING DATES & TIMES 6 PM 6 PM 6 PM 6 PM Monday, January 27 Monday, February 24 Monday, March 31 Monday, April 28 Monday, May 19* Monday, June 30 Monday, July 28 Monday, August 25 Monday, September 29 Monday, October 27 Monday, November 17* 6 PM Monday, December 15* 6 PM 6 PM 6 PM 6 PM 6 PM 6 PM Central | 710 W Cesar Chavez St. 9 *Date Change Due to Holiday The purpose of the board is to make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150
1 Director’s Report October 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Facilities Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Gallery ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 APL Data & Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….6 Cardholders & Visitors …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………….7 Circulation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..8 Check Outs & Conference Rooms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Platforms & Tech ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..10 Volunteers.………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………….………………….11 Budget & Expenditures .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 HIGHLIGHTS Leadership Update At the end of September, Hannah Terrell, former Assistant Director, transitioned to Acting Director of Libraries. Hannah brings 20 years of library experience, both in school and public libraries, and has been with Austin Public Library for the last three years. Hannah will serve in an interim capacity while the City of Austin hosts a search for the next Director of Libraries. Banned Books Week In 1982, the rise in book challenges led to the creation of Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read. This year, The Library Foundation, in partnership with PEN America Austin and Austin Public Library, supported events and Banned Book Club Kits. These kits, available in all APL libraries, contain books frequently targeted for censorship and are designed for ongoing discussions about banned books all year long. Most kits have 8 copies of the same book. Banned Books Week ran from September 22-28, 2024 APL Vinyl Brunch Carver branch had its first Sunday Vinyl Brunch series on September 8. The event had a total of 53 in attendances and showcased DJ Boozwa. APL’s Carver Branch location houses a vinyl record collection of a few hundred records, spanning from a pressing of the first album from The Jackson 5 to jazz collections from the 60s and 70s. The Carver Branch is the only one of Austin Public Library’s system of 20 locations that has vinyl records available for checkout. Recycle Reads Guitar Meetups Recycled Reads will start a monthly meet up of guitar students to practice and learn from each other. The first meet up took place at the end of September, where participants met to choose a song or songs to practice with a group. In October, they will host Voces y Guitarras, a monthly meeting where participants can perform and play their chosen songs. Menchaca Turns 50 Menchaca Branch Library celebrated 50 years on September 28! This branch has a rich history that dates back to the 1940s. The establishment of this branch was initiated as a component of a comprehensive effort aimed at extending library services and materials to underprivileged communities in …
Ala nna Gra ves Libra ria n III: Summer Experience Coordina tor a la nna .gra ves@a ustintexa s.gov | 512-974-7311 Program features a summer learning ch a lle n ge , pr iz e s, a n d ov e r 3 0 0 f r e e e v e n t s f r o m J u n e 1st - Au gu st 10 t h 2 0 2 4 Summer Learning Ch a lle n ge THIS SUMMER, WE CHALLENGE YOU TO READ, LEARN, AND EARN FREE PRIZES READ COMPLETE EARN 600 Minutes Learning Badges Free Prizes Learning badges are scaled for each age group : babies & toddlers, kids & tweens, teens, and adults HOW T O PART ICIPAT E Online Pa pe r Logs Available at APL Locations or PDF download at library.austintexas.gov/summer FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! CHALLENGE FINISHER STATS 2023 2024 % difference Minutes Logged 2,157,070 3,383,106 +56.83% increase Readers Enrolled 4,256 6,265 +47.2% increase Prizes Distributed 2,763 4,145 +50.01% increase *CONGRATS TO RUIZ FOR GIVING OUT THE MOST PRIZES (435)! CHALLENGE FINISHER STATS 2023 2024 % difference Babies, Toddlers & Pre -K 776 1,012 +30.4% increase Kids & Tweens 1,331 1,712 +28.6% increase Teens Adults 146 512 173 +18.5% increase 1,248 +143.75% increase TOP 5 BOOKS LOGGED BY AGE GROUP by Bill Martin Jr. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Giraffes Can’t Dance Llama Llama Red Pajama The Very Hungry Caterpillar Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Giles Andreae by Anna Dewdney by Eric Carle by Bill Martin Jr. The Chalice of the Gods Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix b y Re b e c c a Ro s s Ruthless Vows The Summer I Turned Pretty Heartstopper b y A lic e O s e m a n b y J e n n y Ha n b y Ric k Rio r d a n b y J . K. Ro w lin g Babies & Toddlers Kids & Tweens Teens Adults Dog Man : The Scarlet Shedder b y D a v P ilk e y The Wild Robot b y P e t e r Br o w n Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets b y J . K. Ro w lin g Wings of Fire: The Lost Heir New Dragon City b y M a r i …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION September 23, 2024 – 6P.M. African American Cultural and Heritage Facility 912 E 11th Street Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Andrea Herrera Moreno Kezia Frayjo Mark Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Cristina Masters Magen Davis Steve DeRosa The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's regular meeting on August 26, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Security by St. John Requejo, Facilities Services Manager, Ida Garza, Central Security Supervisor, and Lloyd Black, Branch Security Supervisor. 1. 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Partnerships by Jennifer Peters, Division Manager, Programs & Partnerships and Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian. Staff briefing on the September Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and creation of a working group to bring forward recommendations on strategic advocacy for library budget and initiatives to City Council. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov. 3. 4. 5.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26, August , 2024 REGULAR MEETING 26 August 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the St John Branch Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, , Magen Davis, Steve DeRosa, Mark Smith, Kezia Frayjo, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair, Christina Masters Commission Members Absent: none PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Leon spoke to the commission regarding Criminal Trespass Notices received.on May 9, 2024, at the Old Quarry and May 13, 2024, at the Howson branch libraries. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 3, 2024, special called meeting. The minutes of the August 3, 2024, special called meeting were approved on Commisison Member DeRosa’s motion and Commisison Member Davis’ second on a 7-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the City of Austin Mentor and Tutor Program by Odera Anyasinti, Program Administrator, COA Mentor/Tutor. The presentation was made by Odera Anyasinti, Program Administrator, COA Mentor/Tutor. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26, August , 2024 3. Staff Staff briefing on the August Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION 4. Discussion on Board and Commission recommendations related to the Austin Public Library provided in the City of Austin Public Engagement Report. The Commission reviewed the Board and Commission recommendations related to the library in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Public Engagement Report. The discussion focused on how to strategically advocate for the library, including providing public comment at council meetings and potentially forming a future workgroup. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval on a library commission member on the Poet Laurette Committee. The Commission approved Commission Member Frayjo to participate on the Poet Laurette Committee with Commission Member Smith’s motion and Commission Member Herrera Moreno’s second on a 7-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Working Group for Budget Recommendations Advocating at City Council Meetings Library Safety and Security Summer Reading Recap Adjournment: Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. without objection.
Library Commission Community Interest Announcement Commission Reception September 23, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. African American Cultural and Heritage Facility 912 E 11th Street Laura Polio 512-974-9624 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur.
Director’s Report September 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Facilities Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Gallery ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 APL Data & Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….6 Cardholders & Visitors …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………….7 Circulation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..8 Check Outs & Conference Rooms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Platforms & Tech ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..10 Volunteers.………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………….………………….11 Budget & Expenditures .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 HIGHLIGHTS Leadership Transitions This month marks the end of the tenure of Roosevelt Weeks as Director of Libraries at Austin Public Library. Having served as Director of Austin Public Library since 2017, Roosevelt Weeks has accepted the position of Library Director for Fort Bend County Libraries in Fort Bend County, Texas. Mr. Weeks’ final day as Austin Public Library Director will be September 27, 2024. Beginning September 28, 2024 current Assistant Director Hannah Terrell will become Acting Director for Austin Public Library. North Village Branch Renamed John Gillum Branch The Austin City Council has passed an ordinance renaming the North Village Branch Library on Steck Avenue after former Austin Public Library Facilities Manager John Gillum. John Gillum worked for Austin Public Library from 1979 until his retirement in 2019. He was the Facilities Planning Manager and later the Facilities Process Manager, overseeing every aspect of the planning design, construction, and renovation of all Austin Public Library facilities and playing a significant role in the relocation and development of the North Village Branch Library. APL Staff Development Day Austin Public Library leadership hosted a Staff Development Day themed “URL: Unreal, Relearn, and Learn” where all staff attended a day-long virtual working session. The day-long working session included a keynote speaker, leadership presentations, and 14 different cohort groups with 30+ staff in each group. The cohort groups were administered by leadership and guided staff through three themed learning sessions focused on adaptability and resilience. I.D.E.A.L. Summer Workshop Series This summer, APL's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access in Libraries (I.D.E.A.L.) office hosted the summer series "Organizational Culture Transformation” workshop. I.D.E.A.L partnered with AISD's Organizational Transformation Team to facilitate and explore essential topics of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in libraries. The collaborative series offered a dynamic range of thoughtfully designed sessions to deepen understanding and enhance daily operations by creating an inclusive library experience for all. Through interactive workshops and expert-led discussions, 1 participants were able to gain insight and learn practical tools to adopt equitable practices and policies that embrace differences and diverse communities. Spicewood Springs Branch Expand Language Learning Programs Over the past year, the number language learning …