REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION June 30, 2025 – 6 P.M. Yarborough Branch Library 2200 Hancock Drive 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 via video conference. 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 COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig 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 regular meeting on May 19, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Immigrant Services, provided by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III, Austin Public Library. 3. Staff briefing on the June APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and Approval of the Date, Time and Agenda for a Special Called Library Commission Retreat. 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 you require 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.
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director June 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Roots Unveiled Showcases 200 Years of Chinese American Stories The exhibition reception for Roots Unveiled: Chinese American History 1783–1945 was held on May 18 at the Central Library Gallery, drawing more than 200 attendees. As the first major institutional exhibition in Texas to explore the 200-year journey of Chinese Americans, it features over 60 historical artifacts, rarely seen archival materials, oral histories, and contemporary artworks. Highlights include Texas Roses, a collaborative portrait created by 71 local residents, and Cousins, a photo series reconnecting branches of the Lung family across the U.S. and China. The event brought together artists, scholars, and descendants of Austin’s earliest Chinese American families, alongside special guests such as Texas State Representative Gene Wu, Dr. Mitchel Wong, and leaders from the Austin Chinese American Network. Together, they helped underscore the powerful message that Chinese American history is an essential part of American history. Families Gather for a Fun-Filled Kids Block Party The Kids Block Party on Saturday, June 7 brought energy and excitement to the Central Library and Seaholm Intake Facility. Families participated in outdoor games, nature play, crafts, puppet- making, and STEM activities, with support from Parks and Recreation, the Austin Park Rangers, and other community partners. Highlights included storytimes, a laser light show, typewritten poems from Typewriter Rodeo, and photos with HEB Buddy. Inside the library, kids explored 3D pens, Makey Makey banana pianos, and a sensory-friendly room for quiet breaks. With something for every age, the event welcomed families into a summer of creativity, learning, and connection. The Reading and Badge Challenge 2025 The Reading and Badge Challenge 2025 launched on June 7 as part of Summer at Austin Public Library, inviting readers of all ages to explore the theme “Color Our World”. Participants are encouraged to read or be read to for at least 20 minutes a day—or a total of 600 minutes—and complete three activity badges by August 10. Starting June 10, readers can claim a prize at any APL branch while supplies last: a free book for ages 0–17 and a free mug for adults. The challenge is available online through Beanstack or in print at all library locations. APL Strategic Plan We are continuing the implementation phase of our strategic plan. Currently, we are customizing the tool provided by UT to ensure it aligns with …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Southeast Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Mehta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025 The April 28, 2025, minutes were approved at the May 19, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioner Gore. The motion passed on an 8–0 vote. Chair Infante Huerta and Commissioner Davis were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy & Communications for the Texas Library Association, on legislative issues impacting libraries and TLA’s work in this area. Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy & Communications for the Texas Library Association, presented information on legislative issues impacting libraries and TLA’s work in this area. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on Summer at Austin Public Library and Kids Block Party, by Alanna Graves, Librarian III, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Alanna Graves, Librarian III, Austin Public Library. 4. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Language Access, by Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. 5. Staff briefing on the May APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Mehta adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. without objection.
Welcoming Services at Austin Public Library Newcomer Engagement & Navigation June 30, 2025 Laura Tadena (she/her/ella) Community Engagement Librarian Austin Central Library Agenda 1 2 3 4 5 Community Context & Growth Overview of APL’s Welcoming Services Enhanced Library Cards What’s Next Q&A Austin is a Welcoming City The City of Austin is part of a Welcoming Network, a national coalition of 300+ local governments and nonprofits working to build more inclusive and welcoming communities in the United States. Austin is pursuing Certified Welcoming status, with a goal of achieving a 2-star designation The Welcoming Standard recognizes public libraries as essential infrastructure for: Hubs for language access and learning Facilitators of civic participation Anchors of cultural connection and trust- building Why this work matters. Austin is rapidly changing: One of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the U.S. Immigrants make up 14% of Austin’s population. Nearly 1 in 3 children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Libraries are already essential to this populations: According to ALA’s New Americans Library Project White Paper: Over 55% of new Americans use their public library weekly. Vera Institute (n.d.). Profile of the foreign-born population in Austin, Texas: https://vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com/production/downloads/publications/profile-foreign- born-population-austin.pdf Language Access & Community Need What is “Linguistic Isolation”? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a household is considered linguistically isolated if: “No person age 14 or older speaks English at least ‘very well.’” What does this mean? No one in the home can confidently navigate forms, services, or institutions in English. These households are more likely to face barriers to education, health care, housing, and civic participation. Darker areas = higher levels of linguistic isolation; helps to identify residents who may need: Translated information In-language services Bilingual or multilingual staff Outreach that is culturally and linguistically responsive Map: 2020 ACS Linguistic Isolation by Census Tract What are Welcoming Services? Austin Public Library plays a vital role in helping all Austinites, regardless of language, status, or origin, feel welcomed and empowered to discover, learn and create. Welcoming Services are: Rooted in trust, safety, and dignity Designed to support newcomers and multilingual communities Moves beyond access to foster belonging, leadership, and connection Strategic Alignment APL’s Strategic Plan City of Austin Alignment Certified Welcoming Standards SG1 Provide Community-Centric Programs & Services: We design services with and for our diverse communities. SG3 Foster Stakeholder Relationships: We build partnerships that strengthen community trust and connection. SG4 …
