LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING October 25, 2021 - 5:30 PM Central Library Event Center 710 W Cesar Chavez St. AUSTIN, TEXAS The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. Section 2-1-150 of the City Code. General Communication & Communication on Agenda Items: The first 5 speakers signed up for citizen communication 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 during the time set aside for general citizen communication. Those who wish to speak on agenda items must be signed up prior to the meeting being called to order and will be allowed three minutes to speak when the agenda item comes up. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert, Chair; JC Dwyer; Eric Frierson; Lynda Infante; Ryan Marquess; Daniella Ramos; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting 3. Approval of Minutes from the October 9, 2021 Special Called Meeting 4. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Performance Metrics, Emi Johnson, Business Process, Improvement & Innovation 5. Old Business a. None 6. New Business 2022 a. Discussion and possible action on the Library Commission meeting schedule for b. Discussion of reactivating the Fine Free Libraries working group 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities 8. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Sharon Herfurth at the Library Department, at 512- 974-7420 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512- 974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov
MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION 2022 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission The Library Commission meets monthly Monday, January 24 Monday, February 28 Monday, March 28 Monday, April 25 Monday, May 23 Monday, June 27 Monday, July 25 Monday, August 22 Monday, September 26 Monday, October 24 Monday, November 28 Monday, December 19 5:30 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch | 3101 Oak Springs Dr (3) 5:30 PM Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr (7) 5:30 PM Old Quarry Branch | 7051 Village Center Dr (10) 5:30 PM Manchaca Rd Branch | 5500 Menchaca Rd (5) 5:30 PM Little Walnut Branch | 835 W Rundberg Ln (4) 5:30 PM Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S 5th St (9) 5:30 PM Hampton Branch | 5125 Convict Hill Rd (8) 5:30 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St 5:30 PM Spicewood Springs | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd (6) 5:30 PM Southeast Branch | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd (2) 5:30 PM Windsor Park Branch | 5833 Westminster Dr (1) 5:30 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St _______________________________________ The purpose of the board is make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 9 October, 2021 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 9 October, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 10:14 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Patricia Dabbert; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Members Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Courtney Rosenthal Citizen Communication: None 1. Team Building Exercise Commissioners introduced themselves and Vice Chair Self explained the role of a Commissioner. 2. Discussion of Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings, October 2021 – March 2022 The following topics were proposed: October - Overview of Metrics That APL Uses to Measure its Success; Transportation Accessibility for Central Library; Reactivating Fine Free Libraries Working Group November – Usage Data & Demographics of Library Users; Redistricting & Demographics of Austin Residents; Outreach & the Bookmobile December – Reception for Library Foundation & Austin History Center Association board members; Library hours; Accessibility to technology (laptops, tablets, hot spots); Community Services January – Fine Free Libraries Working Group Update; Security February – Facilities Update; Recycled Reads; Use of Central Rental Spaces March – Project Outcome; Civic Engagement Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m. without objection.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 September, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 27 September, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Chair Pat Dabbert and Commission Courtney Rosenthal Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Commissioners and APL staff introduced themselves. 2. Approval of Minutes from the August 30, 2021 Special Called Meeting via Videoconferencing The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Frierson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Chair Dabbert and Commission Member Rosenthal absent. 3. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Equity Office Carmaleta McKinnis-Williams, APL Equity Officer, presented the role of the Equity Office and her activities as Equity Officer. 4. Old Business 5. New Business a. Discussion of a Library Commission Planning Retreat The retreat was set for Saturday, October 9, starting at 10 a.m. at the Central Library. a. Discussion and possible action on the Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy, Nina Rinaldi, Shoal Creek Conservancy Commissioners viewed the presentation. No action taken. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 September, 2021 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for September covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Demographics of new library card holders Samples of EDI policies in other libraries Adjournment: Vice Chair Self adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. without objection. Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m. without objection.
End of Year Summary Fiscal Year 2021 and Trends Budget 1,020,000 1,000,000 980,000 960,000 940,000 920,000 900,000 6,000,000 5,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 0 Total FTEs Allocated 442.3 443.6 443.6 446.0 433.3 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 8 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 1,000,594 $58,868,376 $60,000,000 $70,000,000 $50,000,000 $40,000,000 $30,000,000 $20,000,000 Department Budget for Legal Service Area FY Total Population of Austin FY Annual Budget $47,167,036 $50,445,772 937,065 937,069 967,629 $52,168,472 972,499 $54,685,661 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Materials Budget Per Resident FY Total Population of Austin FY Annual Materials Budget Allocated Per Person $3,599,633 $4 $4,320,747 $5 $4,477,635 $5 $5,232,169 $5 $5,400,823 $5 937,065 937,069 967,629 972,499 1,000,594 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 $6 $5 $4 $3 $2 $1 $0 COVID IMPACTS Libraries closed to the public in March 2020. May 2020 Library programs pivoted to virtual and outdoor events. June 2020 Book drops opened and curbside services offered. June 2021 Library locations reopened to the public at limited capacity. Austin History Center opened 2 days/week to offer remote reference and e-document services. Social distancing reduced the number of public computers. Library staff volunteered to work at Emergency Operation Centers. “All this stuff is new, but like any new process, you’re getting used to it,” Fitzgerald (a library customer) said. “During these times, as long as it’s good for public safety, we’re good.” ~Austin Monitor October 2, 2020 Branch Closures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Little Walnut Creek - vaccination clinic Southeast - vaccination clinic Terrazas - Downtown Austin Community Court Cepeda - renovation University Hills - renovation Yarborough - renovation Pleasant Hill - renovation Collection Physical Collection Size Virtual Collection Size CO L L E C T I O N S S I Z E T R E N D S 2,413,512 1,254,350 865,111 881,748 1,196,297 934,438 EOY 2019 EOY 2020 EOY 2021 e-MATERIALS TRENDS eBooks in Collection eAudio in Collection eMusic in Collection 422,888 431,780 492,894 251,526 156,478 252,195 164,843 253,685 154,913 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 Visitors VISITORS Trends FY 2021 91,730 91,376 76,407 68,950 JUN JUL AUG SEP Central Visitors Trends FY 2021 22,903 17,241 10,592 8,626 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 3,627,832 VISITORS EOY TRENDS 1,596,937 527,375 EOY 2019 EOY 2020 EOY 2021 JUN JUL AUG SEP Cardholders CARDHOLDERS …
Director’s Report October 2021 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 8 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 15 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 16 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 18 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 24 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 28 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 29 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 29 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 29 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 29 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 29 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 30 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 30 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 31 Collections Usage September ______________________________________________________________ 31 HIGHLIGHTS 3 All Travis County Students Can Receive Free Austin Public Library Cards Starting October 1 Beginning October 1, 2021, any student enrolled in school in Travis County will be able to receive a free library card from Austin Public Library, even if they reside outside the city of Austin. Austin Public Library Cards are free for all city residents, and any person who is not an Austin resident is able to receive a Non-Resident Library Card for a $30 quarterly or $120 annual fee. Starting October 1, that fee will be waived for any student who either lives in or is enrolled in a school in Travis County, including private and home school students, until the completion of high school. The change to the Library’s fee schedule is the result of an updated budget for the Library approved by the Austin City Council in August and going into effect when the new fiscal year starts on October 1. The expansion of access to free Austin Public Library Cards supports the Library’s priority of Literacy Advancement, as well as the Culture and Lifelong Learning Strategic Outcome. There are tens of thousands of students who live in Travis County and outside of the city limits who attend school districts other than Austin ISD, many of them in municipalities or unincorporated parts of the county with limited or no library service. By eliminating a financial barrier to accessing the collections at our library branches, as well as to the digital resources available through the Virtual Library, the Library is advancing literacy within the Greater Austin community, as well as providing more people the opportunity to become enriched by Austin's unique civic, cultural, ethnic, and learning opportunities. A Non-Resident Austin Public …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 October, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 25 October, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Pat Dabbert and Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Courtney Rosenthal Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Steven Self and Commission Members Eric Frierson and Lily Trieu Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert introduced Kerry McGuire, the new Library Foundation Development Manager. 2. Approval of Minutes from the September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved as corrected on a 6-0 vote. The correction was to strike the last sentence, “Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m. without objection.” Vice Chair Self and Commission Members Frierson and Trieu absent. 3. Approval of Minutes from the October 9, 2021 Special Called Meeting The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Self and Commission Members Frierson and Trieu absent. 4. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Performance Metrics Emi Johnson, Business Process, Improvement & Innovation, gave the briefing. 5. Old Business: none 6. New Business for meetings to 6 PM. a. Discussion and possible action on the Library Commission meeting schedule for 2022 The 2022 meeting schedule was approved without objection with a change in the starting time Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 October, 2021 b. Discussion of reactivating the Fine Free Libraries working group The working group members will be Commission Members Dwyer and Infante and Vice Chair Self. Emi Johnson will provide staff support. 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 8. Future Agenda Items Volunteer Services Update and introduction of new volunteer coordinator Usage Data & Demographics of Library Users Redistricting & Demographics of Austin Residents Outreach & the Bookmobile Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 6:23 p.m. without objection.
