October 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 6 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 6 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 8 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 13 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 15 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 17 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 19 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 22 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 24 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 24 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 24 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 24 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 24 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 24 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 25 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 26 Virtual Collections Usage September ________________________________________________________ 26 HIGHLIGHTS Summer Reading Wrap-Up 3 When the Austin Public Library (APL) closed for public safety in the COVID-19 Austin Stay-at-Home order in March 2020, APL librarians quickly realized that we would have to pivot and present an entirely online virtual summer reading program. Librarians and library staff collaborated and created quests, or activities, for all age groups that would engage and entertain the public. We provided activities for all age groups such as sharing their COVID-19 story with the Austin History Center for their living-story archive, recreating book covers with found items, learning to draw a landscape, building forts, APL staff-written “Choose Your Own Adventure” interactive stories, and early learning singing time – in conjunction with guided reading activities and suggested reading lists by age group. 2020’s APL Virtual Summer Reading program, themed “Imagine Your Story” provided new virtual activities each month for the public in a way that allowed for social distancing and Austin’s Stay at Home order. Notably, the virtual format enabled APL to provide all summer reading programs and materials in both Spanish and English. APL saw a 39% increase in APL Summer Reading site views alone for the month of June 2020 (as compared to June 2019 site views), with nearly 10,000 individual views between June – August 2020. On October 15, City Council approved a $49,975 CARES (IMLS/TSLAC) grant for the Austin Public Library. The funding will be used to buy laptops and hotspots for low income students in the Austin area. In October, the City Audit department found fraud and waste in the Austin Public Library. We appreciate the work of the Auditor’s Office on this investigation and accept their findings. We take fraud, waste, and abuse seriously, and while participating in the …
Special Meeting of the Library Commission WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, 3 – 4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held September 30, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance no later than Tuesday, September 29 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 30, 2020 Library Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Tuesday, September 29. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov by Noon on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Library Commission FECHA de la reunion WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, 3 – 4:30 PM La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación Tuesday, September 29 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán …
Austin Public Library Fiscal Year 2020-21 Approved Budget The Operating Budget for Austin Public Library in the General Fund (1000) includes an increase of $4,182,715 or 7.6%. The increase in Materials budget, including books and subscriptions, is $168,653, or 3.6% for inflation. FY 2019 Budget FY 2020 Budget FY 2021 Budget Expenditures Revenues Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs): Materials Budget: $52,168,472 $776,845 443.55 $4,477,635 $54,685,661 $577,258 443.55 $5,232,169 $58,868,376 $239,815 445.55 $5,400,823 Highlights of FY 2021 Operating Budget – General Fund Requirements FTEs CITY-WIDE Personnel Wage increase of 2.0% for eligible employees and adjustments $ 1,343,938 .00 for accrued payroll, insurance & market adjustments Vacancy savings adjustment Internal Support Services allocation changes Administrative Support Communications & Technology Management (CTM) Capital Projects Management Fund (CPMF) Fleet Maintenance & fuel DEPARTMENT-WIDE ($ 102,383) $ 94,057 $ 2,675,356 ($ 83,886) $ 14,644 Facility Services Representative positions added to change from contract $ 128,362 2.00 to employees for parking attendant services at Central Library Reimbursement for Facilities Service Representative positions from ($ 128,362) parking revenue in Special Revenue Fund Materials Budget (Books and Subscriptions): 3.5% increase for materials, due to inflation & population growth 5.0% increase for subscriptions/databases to fund rising costs $ 147,845 $ 20,808 Cataloging/Processing – increase based on cost of Materials $ 29,569 IT software – increase for hardware & software licenses and contracts $ 301,100 Vacancy savings funded expenditures – Contingent upon vacancy rate Materials Budget (Books and Subscriptions) Programs Cataloging/Processing Security Cameras Internships - temporary employees Furniture Training $ 584,000 $ 275,384 $ 116,000 $ 100,000 $ 99,900 $ 183,300 $ 30,000 Austin Public Library Fiscal Year 2020-21 Approved Budget FY 2021 Operating Budget - Library Facilities Maintenance and Improvements Fund The Operating Budget in the new Library Facilities Maintenance and Improvements Fund (7LIB) is $911,422 in expenditures. This includes $411,422 in operating costs for the Central Library gift shop, facility rentals, and parking garage, as well as facilities maintenance that were previously reported in unbudgeted Special Revenue Funds. Consultant fees of $500,000 are appropriated to update the strategic plan for the Library system and facilities. Revenues from Central Library operations including gift shop, facility rentals, parking garage fees, and café rental are budgeted at $667,556, plus a one-time transfer of $2,142,934 from the unbudgeted Special Revenue Funds for these operations. FY 2021 Operating Budget – Historic Preservation Fund The Operating Budget in …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 June, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 22 June, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:12 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Lily Trieu, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: Commission Members Aguilar and Ramos Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on an 6-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu abstained. Commission members Aguilar and Ramos absent. 2. Staff Briefing: Reopening Phase 3 – Curbside Services Patti Fowler, Interim Assistant Director, Public Services, gave the briefing. Staff Briefing: Update on City of Austin FY21 Budget Process Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II, presented the Austin Public Library FY21 proposed budget update. 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group Recommendation Recommendation 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources was approved on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu abstained. Commission members Aguilar and Ramos absent. 4. New Business: None Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 June, 2020 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans. Commissioner Dwyer asked if there was an update to proposed changes to youth policies. 6. Future Agenda Items Plans for Austin History Center expansion, Lee Cooke AHCA President Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:38 p.m. without objection.
September 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 12 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 14 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 16 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 18 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 20 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 21 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 21 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 21 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 21 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 21 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 22 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 22 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 23 Virtual Collections Usage August ____________________________________________________________ 23 HIGHLIGHTS 3 COVID-19 Update – Library Book Drops Open & Curbside Service Enhancements Austin Public Library is providing a roadmap for future service changes as they relate to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-phase approach outlines several possible reopening scenarios, each dependent on factors such as recommendations from county, state and federal health agencies, social distancing protocols, critical community needs, and logistical and budgetary considerations. Phase 2 – BOOK DROPS OPEN began on Monday, June 1. Phase 3 – CURBSIDE SERVICE began on Monday, June 8 at select locations, beginning with Central, Manchaca, Ruiz, Carver, Windsor Park, University Hills, North Village, Spicewood Springs and Milwood. The Hampton Branch at Oak Hill began curbside service on July 27. Old Quarry began curbside service on August 10. This will bring the total curbside locations to eleven. Additional locations will be added as health and safety precautions allow. The Austin History Center began remote reference and e-document service on June 1. Library cards are now issued Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM outside at the Austin Public Library locations providing curbside service. On Monday, September 14, all locations providing curbside service extended hours to 8 PM on alternating evenings. Extending curbside hours gives customers more flexibility in retrieving reserves. During all phases, the following practices will be in place: • Enhanced procedures for frequent cleaning and disinfecting common areas • Use of protective gear such as masks and gloves by all staff – masks or face coverings are required, • Implementation of a teleworking policy that makes sense operationally and allows for social distancing in • Adherence to existing policies for sick leave • Frequent communication at all levels to facilitate cooperation and consistent best practices throughout gloves are …
Special Meeting of the Library Commission MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2020, 3 – 4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held June 22, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance no later than Sunday, June 21 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 22, 2020 Library Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, June 21. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov by Noon on Sunday, June 21, 2020. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live LIBRARY COMMISSION June 22, 2020 – 3 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING 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. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Catherine Hanna, Chair; Deborah Pardo-Kaplan; Daniella Ramos; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; Lily Trieu; and Chad Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting 2. Staff Briefing: Reopening Phase 3 – Curbside Service, Patti Fowler, Interim Assistant Director, Public Services Staff Briefing: Update on City of Austin FY21 Budget Process, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group 3. Old Business Recommendation 4. New Business None facilities, and APL Priorities 6. Future Agenda Items 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering programming highlights, ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 April, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 27 April, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, April 27, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the February 24, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Aguilar’s motion and Commission Member Ramos’ second on an 8-0 vote. 2. Staff Briefing: FY21 Proposed Budget Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II, presented the Austin Public Library FY21 proposed budget. 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group Recommendation No action taken. b. Discussion and possible action on an FY21 Library Budget Recommendation Recommendation 20200427-3b: Support for Austin Public Library FY21 Budget was approved on Commission Member Williams’ motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on an 8- 0 vote. 4. New Business: a. Election of Officers: Elections for Chair – Commission Member Dabbert nominated Chair Hanna with a second by Commission Member Williams. Having no other nominations, Catherine Hanna was elected Chair on an 8-0 vote. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 April, 2020 Elections for Vice Chair – Chair Hanna nominated Vice Chair Self for Vice Chair with a second by Commission Member Ramos. Having no other nominations, Steven Self was elected Vice Chair on an 8-0 vote. Elections for Parliamentarian – The Parliamentarian position will be left open for now. 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for April 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans. 6. Future Agenda Items Commission Retreat Update on Recycled Reads Plans Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m. without objection.
May 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 12 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 14 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 17 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 19 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 21 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 22 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 22 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 22 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 22 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 22 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 22 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 23 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 24 Virtual Collections Usage April ______________________________________________________________ 24 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Announces Plan for Service Changes Austin Public Library has provided a roadmap for future service changes as they relate to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-phase approach outlines several possible reopening scenarios, each dependent on factors such as recommendations from county, state and federal health agencies, social distancing protocols, critical community needs, and logistical and budgetary considerations. Phase 2 – BOOK DROPS OPEN will begin June 1. Phase 3 – CURBSIDE SERVICE will begin on Monday, June 8 During all phases, the following practices will be in place: • Enhanced procedures for frequent cleaning and disinfecting common areas • Use of protective gear such as masks and gloves by all staff – masks or face coverings are required, • Implementation of a teleworking policy that makes sense operationally and allows for social distancing in • Adherence to existing policies for sick leave • Frequent communication at all levels to facilitate cooperation and consistent best practices throughout gloves are not our facilities the organization The phases outlined above are subject to change as the pandemic environment evolves. For the most current information regarding Library services, please visit library.austintexas.gov . Austin Public Library Launches APL+ The newest addition to Austin Public Library’s Virtual Collection, APL+, is now available at library.austintexas.gov. APL+ provides Austin Public Library programming and information literacy in video shorts accessible via the internet. Content is searchable by target audience – Adult, Teen, or Child – and covers topics such as sing-a-longs, crafting, book talks, cooking, virtual library navigation, and digital scavenger hunts. Virtual Job Assistance Take advantage of the resources available at Austin Public Library’s Job Portal, available at library.austintexas.gov. Jump start your job search with a 30-minute, 1-on-1 job coaching session; …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Seconded By: Date: June 22, 2020 Subject: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their budgetary authority to make access to library resources more equitable by eliminating late fees for the return of adult library materials and non- resident library card fees for all Austinites residing in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. Rationale: The Austin Public Library has a commitment to equity, to assure that all members of the Austin community have equal access to Library services and programs. However, as the American Library Association and numerous public library systems around the country have recognized, monetary fines present an economic barrier to access of library materials and services, especially among low-income patrons. In a Resolution passed on January 27, 2019, the American Library Association urged libraries to scrutinize their practices of imposing fines on library patrons and actively move towards eliminating them. At a time when Austinites are both facing serious economic disruption and calling on the City to invest more heavily in social services benefiting communities of color, the Austin Public Library remains a place where Austinites can seek information, services and entertainment free of charge. However, the current City policy imposes a fine on adult materials returned after their due date of $ .25 per day / per item.1 APL blocks access to library materials when a fine reaches $10. This policy imposes a significant barrier to access to the population that needs these services the most. It is an inequitable policy. 1 Since October 1, 2018, the Austin Public Library has not charged fees for late returns of children’s materials. The Austin Public Library also imposes several other late fees, as reflected on the attached chart. This recommendation does not pertain to late fees on materials other than adult materials. In addition, the Commission does not recommend a change to the APL policy relating to lost or damaged items. If an item is lost or damaged, the account is billed the amount to replace it, as determined by the Library. The Austin Public Library does not accept replacement copies for lost or damaged items. 1 of 2 Studies have shown that fines and late fees do not impact …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Seconded By: Commissioner Williams Date: June 22, 2020 Subject: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Motioned By: Commissioner Dwyer Recommendation Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their budgetary authority to make access to library resources more equitable by eliminating late fees for the return of adult library materials. Rationale: The Austin Public Library has a commitment to equity, to assure that all members of the Austin community have equal access to Library services and programs. However, as the American Library Association and numerous public library systems around the country have recognized, monetary fines present an economic barrier to access of library materials and services, especially among low-income patrons. In a Resolution passed on January 27, 2019, the American Library Association urged libraries to scrutinize their practices of imposing fines on library patrons and actively move towards eliminating them. At a time when Austinites are both facing serious economic disruption and calling on the City to invest more heavily in social services benefiting communities of color, the Austin Public Library remains a place where Austinites can seek information, services and entertainment free of charge. However, the current City policy imposes a fine on adult materials returned after their due date of $ .25 per day / per item.1 APL blocks access to library materials when a fine reaches $10. This policy imposes a significant barrier to access to the population that needs these services the most. It is an inequitable policy. Studies have shown that fines and late fees do not impact rates of return and may in fact discourage the return of library materials. As the ALA Resolution recognized, “there is mounting evidence that indicates eliminating fines increases library card adoption and library usage.” 1 Since October 1, 2018, the Austin Public Library has not charged fees for late returns of children’s materials. The Austin Public Library also imposes several other late fees, as reflected on the attached chart. This recommendation does not pertain to late fees on materials other than adult materials. In addition, the Commission does not recommend a change to the APL policy relating to lost or damaged items. If an item is lost or damaged, the account is billed the amount to replace it, as …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 June, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 22 June, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:12 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Lily Trieu, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: Commission Members Aguilar and Ramos Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on an 6-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu abstained. Commission members Aguilar and Ramos absent. 2. Staff Briefing: Reopening Phase 3 – Curbside Services Patti Fowler, Interim Assistant Director, Public Services, gave the briefing. Staff Briefing: Update on City of Austin FY21 Budget Process Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II, presented the Austin Public Library FY21 proposed budget update. 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group Recommendation Recommendation 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources was approved on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu abstained. Commission members Aguilar and Ramos absent. 4. New Business: None Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 June, 2020 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans. Commissioner Dwyer asked if there was an update to proposed changes to youth policies. 6. Future Agenda Items Plans for Austin History Center expansion, Lee Cooke AHCA President Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:38 p.m. without objection.
Special Meeting of the Library Commission MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020, 3-4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held April 27, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance no later than Sunday, April 26 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 27, 2020 Library Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, April 26. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov by Noon on Sunday, April 26, 2020. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live LIBRARY COMMISSION April 27, 2020 – 3 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING 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. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Catherine Hanna, Chair; Deborah Pardo-Kaplan; Daniella Ramos; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; and Chad Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. Approval of Minutes from the February 24, 2020 Regular Meeting 2. Staff Briefing: FY21 Proposed Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group b. Discussion and possible action on an FY21 Library Budget Recommendation Recommendation 4. New Business a. Election of Officers 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for April 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities 6. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 24 February, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, February 24, 2020 at the North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, in Austin, Texas. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Catherine Hanna, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: Commission Member Deborah Pardo-Kaplan Staff in Attendance: Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, Dana McBee, Assistant Director for Support Services, John Daniels, Facilities Planning Manager; Sharon Herfurth, Division Manager, Office of Programs & Partnerships; Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Service; and Joe Faulk, Director of Technology Citizen Communication: Carlos León spoke about the 2020 census. 1. Welcome and Introduction of North Village Branch Manager. Branch Manager Michael Abramov gave an overview of services and programs at the North Village Branch. 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 27, 2020 Regular Meeting: Carlos León spoke. The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Williams’ motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Pardo-Kaplan absent. 3. Briefing: FY1 Budget Process. Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager gave the briefing.. 4. Old Business a. Update on status of implementing revised Youth Policies. Discussion of Austin Youth Council, Dr. Chiquita Eugene. Discussion and possible action on youth participation on Library Commission. Carlos León spoke. Dr. Eugene was unable to attend and will be invited to a future Library Commission meeting. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2020 b. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group Recommendation Carlos León spoke. Chair Hanna gave the working group report. At a future meeting, the group will present a draft recommendation to eliminate library fines. A draft recommendation proposing the elimination of non-resident library card fees for the Austin Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) may also be presented. 5. New Business: Carlos León spoke. Commission Member Dabbert nominated Commission Member Self with a second by Commission Member Ramos. Having no other nominations, Steven Self was elected Vice Chair on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Pardo-Kaplan absent. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for February 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities: Carlos León spoke. Director Weeks reported on the Growing Your Roots African American a. Election …
April 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 12 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 14 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 16 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 18 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 20 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 22 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 22 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 22 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 22 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 22 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 23 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 23 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 24 Performance Indicators for February _________________________________________________________ 24 Revenue _______________________________________________________________________________ 24 Volunteers ______________________________________________________________________________ 24 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Our doors are closed, but our collections are open! In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, all Austin Public Library locations, The Austin History Center and Recycled Reads are closed to the public. While we can’t visit with you in person, we encourage you to visit Austin Public Library’s Virtual Library and take advantage of the many digital resources available for all our customers. Access Virtual Resources Take advantage of the library’s eCard. This card provides access to the library’s digital materials and can be acquired without visiting a library location. (The card is free for Austin residents and costs $22 for non-resident.) To apply visit: https://library.austintexas.gov/mylibrarycard All Ages Virtual Resources Austin Public Library’s Virtual Library provides all-ages access to eBooks, audiobooks, eLearning, entertainment, magazines and newspapers, homework help, and research and databases. Looking for another good book, but having trouble narrowing it down? Let the Library tailor a list to your interests. Please not that while the library remains closed, we will only recommend titles that are available through the Virtual Library: https://library.austintexas.gov/recommended/personal-picks The following service extensions have been added to virtual resources: KANOPY – play credits extended to 5 per month CLOUDLIBRARY – checkouts extended to 10 days HOOPLA – checkouts extended to 5 per month ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION access from home for a limited time FOUNDATION DIRECTORY ONLINE – access from home for a limited time Service Changes The following service changes are effective until further notice: Due dates for items due during the closure have been extended and will be modified as needed while the Austin Public Library remains closed. All programs and events at libraries are CANCELED, such as story times, club meetings, community …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200427-3b: Support for Austin Public Library FY21 Budget Seconded By: Date: April 27, 2020 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library FY21 Budget Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library proposed budget for FY2021 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council vote in favor of the proposed Austin Public Library budget of $54,414,837 for FY2021, an increase of 3.2% or $1,729,176 million from FY20, including an increase to the materials budget by 3.6% or $168,653. Rationale: Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries. - Anne Herbert The Austin Public Library is a vital part of the City of Austin and it continues to make a significant contribution to Culture and Lifelong Learning in the City. APL operates and maintains 20 branches, Central Library, Austin History Center, Recycled Reads and a Bookmobile and hosts over 250,000 visits a month. APL provides cardholders access to over 1.5 million items, including conventional and digital format books, magazines, periodicals, music, films and online databases. APL also provides innovative programming. The Urban Libraries Council recently announced APL as one of 10 Top Innovators during the 2019 Innovations Celebration held in Salt Lake City. During the current shelter-in-place, APL has continued to provide Austin residents free access to a wealth of digital materials including e-books, audio books, e-learning, homework help, and entertainment, including its Electric Lady Bird digital music streaming program, which delivers commercial-free, curated music from Central Texas artists. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees to provide a welcoming, equitable, and safe environment for customers even during the shelter-in-place order. APL’s Organizational Development Office is linking staff with online training opportunities related to COVID-19. Examples include: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19; Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis; Why and How to Promote Your Online Services During the Quarantine; Serving Patrons in Crisis; and Preparing Your Digital Branch for Increased Use. 1 of 2 In keeping with the City of Austin’s hiring freeze, the APL proposed budget does not include any additional FTEs. The proposed budget includes a 3.6% increase in the budget for materials, including digital materials, subscriptions and databases. These increases are necessary to keep up with inflation, the increasing cost of materials, and Austin’s population growth, which is currently averaging 1.5% per year. The …
