REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION August 26, 2024 – 6P.M. St. John Branch Library 7500 Blessings 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 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 special called meeting on August 3, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the Poet Laureate Committee by Patti Fowler, Austin Public Library Division Manager. Staff briefing on the City of Austin Mentor and Tutor Program by Odera Anyasinti, Program Administrator, COA Mentor/Tutor. 1. 2. 3. Staff briefing on the August Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and approval on a library commission representative on the Poet Laurette Committee. 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. 4. 5.
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION August 26, 2024 – 6P.M. St. John Branch Library 7500 Blessings 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 to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, telephone. To register laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Andrea Herrera Moreno Kezia Frayjo Mark Smith 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 Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's special called meeting on August 3, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the City of Austin Mentor and Tutor Program by Odera Anyasinti, Program Administrator, COA Mentor/Tutor. 1. 2. Staff briefing on the August Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. 3. DISCUSSION 4. Discussion on Board and Commission recommendations related to the Austin Public Library provided in the City of Austin Public Engagement Report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval on a library commission member on the Poet Laurette Committee. 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.
Budget Public Engagement Report Fiscal Year 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission African American Resource Advisory Commission FY 25 Budget Recommendations Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Charelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) Budget Recommendation #1 Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion: $1.5M Justification: The current political climate has had a detrimental impact on youth who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero-based budget to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources. Budget Recommendation #6 Establish an Austin Texas Poet Laureate Program: $50,000 (per Annum) Justification: Since the 1600’s, poet laureate positions have existed in cities, states, and countries to be stewards of poetry in their communities through programs that positively impact the public. As of 2022, Austin is the only major city in Texas without a Poet Laureate program, and we, the undersigned, are of the belief that Austin could benefit from a socio-politically engaged Poet Laureate who uses poetry to promote literacy across the city and to integrate poetry into the fabric of Austin’s history, politics, and culture. According to the National Assembly …
1 Director’s Report August 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 Welcomes African American Cultural & Heritage Facility (AACHF) On July 1st, the AACHF began working under the Austin Public Library. AACHF plays an integral role in the City of Austin’s long-term commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for African Americans. Named after the state-designated African American Cultural Heritage District, the AAHCF adds to the area’s cultural significance by offering arts, business, cultural and entertainment programming. They are currently distributing public surveys to gather feedback on how to improve services and offerings. This data will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of AACHF based on community input and needs. Strategic Plan Summit On July 11th, the Department held a Strategic Plan Summit to introduce the implementation phase of the process. Over 80 staff members attended, representing various parts of the department. They learned about the different methods we will use to measure our success in achieving our 5 Strategic Goals, the process we followed to develop these metrics, and how our Strategic Goals align with the City's objectives. School Supply Drive On July 26th, the COA Mentor/Tutor program organized a School Supply Drive at the Palmer Events Center to support the Austin Independent School District and Gardner Betts Juvenile Detention Center. Seventy-seven volunteers collected, sorted, and packaged donations, resulting in 663 backpacks (a 44% increase from the previous year) and 287 boxes of supplies. The initiative also provided 17 students from the Boys and Girls Clubs with backpacks, supplies, and tours of City Hall, the Palmer Events Center, and the Austin Public Library’s Central Branch. APL Pride 2024 The Library celebration planning team created an evening for the LGBTIA+ community to participate in activities focused on self-expression and nurturing. Over 155 attendees participated in 13+ stations. Stations and activities included movie watching, reading, coloring, a plant talk, photo workshops, tarot reading, button making, tabling partners, maps, and a Pride Walk. The team connected activities to library services and the collection to show it is a place for all. Passport Service Passport Services has hit some important milestones this month. By close of business on August 6th, we reached …
CITY OF AUSTIN MENTOR/TUTOR PROGRAM Odera Anyasinti, MPA Youth/Family Outreach Administrator COA Mentor and Tutor Program odera.anyasinti@austintexas.gov What is the City of Austin Mentor and Tutor (COAMT) Program? The City of Austin Mentor and Tutor Program allows City employees to volunteer in mentoring and tutoring roles with any of the seven programs approved by the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and surrounding districts. COAMT Cont’d Created in 2002 Focuses on low performing schools At its height nearly 400 COA volunteers participated each academic year City provides up to two hours of administrative leave per week during the workday Benefits of COAMT Offers employees an opportunity to give back during the workday Improves the quality of life of Austin-area students Provides community partners with quality volunteers Introduces students to careers in public service Community Partners How it works 1. 2. 3. 4. Obtain Supervisor Approval and Select a Community Partner Complete COA Mentor/Tutor and Community Partner Applications Fulfill Community Partner Orientation Requirements Recieve student match and Begin Regular Meetings with the Student APL Department Liasion Lee Dawson Jr. Received the 2024 APIE Mentor Superstar Award Has been mentoring at Blackshear Elementary for 30 years 18 years through COAMT WHEREAS, all children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society but not all children get the support they need to thrive; and WHEREAS; mentoring by caring individuals is just one way to provide children with the support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and a constructive example that can help them find the best in themselves and live to their potential - RESOLUTION NO. 020425-46 Thank You! Questions?
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 León spoke to the commission regarding various concerns. 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. The minutes from the meeting of August 26, 2024 were approved on September 23, 2024, on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Herrera-Moreno’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Masters absent.
