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December 2019 Director's Report — original pdf
December 2019 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Exhibits ________________________________________________________________________________ 4 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch Monthly Report _____________________________________________ 12 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report __________________________________________ 14 Interior Renovations Monthly Report ________________________________________________________ 17 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report _______________________________________ 20 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 22 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 24 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 24 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 24 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 24 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 25 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 25 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 25 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 26 Performance Indicators for August _________________________________________________________ 26 Revenue ______________________________________________________________________________ 26 Volunteers ____________________________________________________________________________ 26 3 HIGHLIGHTS Holiday Sparkle Come celebrate the holidays with the Austin Public Library! Austin Symphony’s Holiday Brass Quintet. Holiday classics in celebration of the season. Monday, December 16, 7-8 PM. Central Library Demonstration Area. Conspirare Holiday Big Sing. Lift your voice and sing at this Grammy award winning vocal ensemble’s Big Sing, where the audience is the choir! Craig Hella Johnson leads the audience through vocal warm-ups and songs of the season. Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM. Central Library Special Event Center. The Elves and the Shoemaker: A Literature Live! Production. Austin’s own puppet troupe performs this classic. A cold, lonely winter seems the fate of a poor shoemaker and his wife until the magic of the season intervenes. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Wednesday, December 18, 3:30 PM. Twin Oaks Branch. Happy Holiday Movie: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, 1964. The Martians kidnap Santa Claus because there is nobody on Mars to give their children presents. Thursday, December 19, 6:30 PM. Carver Branch. Starry Night Star Gazing Fun! All ages welcome at this special Austin Astronomical Society program for a night of stargazing and hot cocoa. Learn the science of stargazing from society members and use their telescopes to marvel at the night sky! Thursday, December 19, 6:30-8:30 PM. Manchaca Road Branch. Holiday Craft-a-palooza Windsor Park Edition. We will be creating lanterns with metal lanterns and fabric. All supplies provided. Saturday, December 21, 1:30-3:30 PM. Windsor Park Branch. Carol Karaoke & Cocoa Sing-A-Long: Enjoy some holiday cheer! Sunday, December 22, 2-5 PM. Recycled Reads Bookstore. Recycled Reads Bookstore will help put you in the holiday spirit at their Carol Karaoke & Cocoa Sing-A-Long, Sunday December 22, 2-5 …
draft minutes of the November 18, 2019 regular meeting — original pdf
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 November, 2019 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 18 November, 2019 The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd., in Austin, Texas. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Catherine Hanna, Vice Chair Aimee Finney, Commission Members JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: Commission Members Julia Aguilar and Patricia Dabbert Staff in Attendance: Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries; Anne Bramblett, Assistant Director for Public Services; Dana McBee, Assistant Director for Support Services; Rachel Nguyen, Communications Manager, John Daniels, Facilities Planning Manager; Sharon Herfurth, Division Manager, Office of Programs & Partnerships; Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; and Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Service Citizen Communication: Carlos León spoke about youth participation on the Library Commission. 1. Approval of Minutes from the October 28, 2019 Regular Meeting: Carlos León spoke. The minutes of the regular meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Member Ramos’ motion and Vice Chair Finney’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Members Aguilar and Dabbert absent. The amendments were to add an accent to Carlos León’s name and to add that Carlos León spoke on Agenda item 2 -Introductions and Welcome and Agenda item 8 - Future Agenda Items. 2. Welcome and Introduction of Howson Branch Manager Kathleen Kanarski Kathleen Kanarski gave an overview of branch programs and collections. 3. Briefing: Collection Development at Austin Public Library, Frank Giammarino, Manager Frank Giammarino talked about print and electronic Library collections, and the Library’s new publishing platform for local authors. Briefing: Library Foundation Update, Cecily Sailer Cecily Sailer gave the update. 4. Old Business: Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 November, 2019 a. Discussion and possible action on meeting schedule for 2020. Meetings will be held at Central once a quarter and at branches for the remaining months. 5. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on recommendation supporting Austin Public Library efforts to aid in promoting the 2020 Census The recommendation was approved on Commission Member Smyer’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Members Aguilar and Dabbert absent. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for November 2019 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities: A question was asked about the status of the …
FY20 Revenues Report — original pdf
FY 2019‐20 Financial Report ‐ RevenuesComprehensive ‐ General Fund & Special Revenue FundsRevenues, by Fund & SourceFY18FY19FY20Actual%Actual%Budget%General Fund ‐ 1000Library fines562,580$ 76%428,028$ 78%442,340$ 80%Nonresident Library Card Fee135,991 18%84,508 15%97,650 18%Photocopies16,356 2%16,888 3%17,155 3%Miscellaneous revenue24,577 3%22,175 4%20,113 4%Cash over/short4 0%258 0%‐ 0%739,508$ 100%551,857$ 100%577,258$ 105%Austin History Center ‐ 7450Contributions‐other15,075$ 100%15,489$ 100%24,500$ 100%Friends of APL ‐ 7695Sale of promotional items192,490$ 59%289,940$ 69%314,250$ 72%Contributions‐other134,011 41%129,204 31%122,000 28%326,501$ 100%419,144$ 100%436,250$ 100%Special Library Fund ‐ 7240Parking revenue400,092$ 43%556,461$ 38%520,000$ 48%Facility rental238,418 26%367,343 25%250,000 23%Building rental89,666 10%271,367 18%260,580 24%Contributions‐other199,200 21%284,911 19%55,140 5%927,376$ 100%1,480,081$ 100%1,085,720$ 100%Trustee‐Ellis Library Fund ‐ 7430Interest Income142$ 100%201$ 100%‐$ 100%Revenues ‐ Grand Total2,008,603$ 2,466,772$ 2,123,728$ Special Revenue Fund DefinitionsAustin History Center ‐ contributions to be used for the Austin‐Travis County CollectionFriends of APL ‐ Recycled Reads book store & Central Library gift shopSpecial Library ‐ parking fees, facility rentals, leased space rent, donationsTrustee‐Ellis ‐ permanent fund of $9,000, estate donation for mental health booksFY21 Projection ‐ New Revenue ‐ Passport ServicesLocation:Central LibraryHours/Week:20Fees:Execution Fee$35Notary Fee$6Photo Fee$6FY21 Projected Revenue:84,400$ A new program, Passport Services, will be implemented by the end of FY20 and the increase in revenues is projected as follows:Projection is based on processing two (2) applications per hour, 50 weeks per year, and 60% of applications purchasing photos.(GiftShop)(RecycledReads)Questions? Email APL Financial Services at Library-ACAOFinance@austintexas.govPage 1 of 112/10/2019, 6:10 PM
Recycled Reads Marketing Snapshot 2019 — original pdf
Recycled Reads Marketing Snapshot 2019 Brand Awareness: Central Texas’ NPR affiliate brings in 250,000+ listeners each week; listeners are consistent supporters of the library, arts, & sustainability 2.5 weeks of KUT underwriting in late September through mid-October: “Support comes from Austin Public Library’s Recycled Reads Bookstore, diverting over 3,000 tons of material from the landfill since 2009. More info at library.austintexas.gov.” “Support comes from Recycled Reads, Austin Public Library’s used bookstore, celebrating 10 years in the community. Recycled Reads offers sustainability classes, events and other programs throughout the year. Full listing at: library.austintexas.gov” “Support comes from Austin Public Library’s Recycled Reads Bookstore. Inviting all to their 10th anniversary celebration! Live music, sustainability topics, crafts and more. Thursday, October 10th 5 til 8 PM at Recycled Reads. More at library.austintexas.gov.” 10th Anniversary Celebration: October 2019 The 10th anniversary celebration was featured on the Library’s homepage, all social media channels, and on KUT radio throughout September/October. Woodstock 50th anniversary celebration In August, the entire library system celebrated the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with a series of events and programming. Mindy Reed served as spokesperson on both FOX 7 and as live co-host on KOOP Radio during the Electric Lady Bird Tribute concert. Recycled Reads hosted a Woodstock event on Sunday, the final day of APL’s Woodstock 3-day tribute. Recycled Reads Website Traffic: 32% increase in page views over past 3 years 2017: 19,706 page views 2018: 23, 933 page views 2019: 26,052 page views Social Media Page Followers: Facebook: 4,179 Twitter: 1,623 Instagram: 1,077 2020 Marketing Objectives: • Align Recycled Reads marketing with primary APL marketing plan in order to cross promote events, programs and resources across channels. This started in 2019 with thematic programming across all locations, mentions of Recycled Reads in main APL newsletter, etc. The goal is to build Recycled Reads awareness first within Library cardholders, social media followers and newsletter subscribers, then to a broader community. • Update Recycled Reads website landing page. • Weave broader sustainability messaging throughout Recycled Reads’ messaging. i.e., general trends, City of Austin statistics, etc. • Highlight Recycled Reads’ volunteer stories. • Strengthen social media presence by centralizing & scheduling content by new Social Media Strategist. Goals are to adhere to City’s social media policy, APL’s social media policy, and Terms of Service set by Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. • Any paid advertising & paid social media to align with overall marketing plan …
Agenda — original pdf
LIBRARY COMMISSION November 18, 2019 – 6:30 PM Howson Branch 2500 Exposition Blvd. 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. Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Aimee Finney, Catherine Hanna, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Citizen Communication: General 1. Approval of Minutes from the October 28, 2019 Regular Meeting 2. Welcome and Introduction of Howson Branch Manager Kathleen Kanarski 3. Briefing: Collection Development at Austin Public Library, Frank Giammarino, Manager Briefing: Library Foundation Update, Cecily Sailer 4. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on meeting schedule for 2020 5. New Business a. Discussion and possible action on recommendation supporting Austin Public Library efforts to aid in promoting the 2020 Census. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for November 2019 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities. 7. Discussion of commissioner visits to branch libraries 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 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 Audio — original link
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20191118-5a: Support for Austin Pubic Library's Assistance with the Decennial Census — original pdf
1 of 3 LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20191118-5a: Support for Austin Public Library’s Assistance with the Decennial Census Date: November 18, 2019 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library’s Assistance with the Decennial Census Motioned By: Commission Member Smyer Seconded By: Commission Member Williams Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library’s Assistance with the Decennial Census Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that Austin City Council commend and support the Austin Public Library’s efforts to assist the Austin-Travis County Complete Count Committee’s efforts to ensure a complete census count in 2020. Rationale: As a vital public space and community hub, the Austin Public Library supports and advances the City’s Strategic Direction, including the following goals and metrics: • Enhance communication and collaboration between City Council, City staff, and community members to enhance transparency, trust, and shared decision making. Ensure collaboration is strengthened by accessible, timely, and accurate information sharing. (GTW#5) • Engage community members on the matters that impact them in ways that are timely, convenient, meaningful, and honor their communication preferences; and equip employees to better engage vulnerable and historically marginalized communities. (GTW#6) • Create a new integrated approach to managing community members’ multiple relationships with different City departments to strengthen feedback loops, build trust, and improve satisfaction. (GTW#8) • Percentage of eligible residents who are registered to vote and who participate in City elections (disaggregated by race and geography). (GTW.E.1) • Percentage of residents who express high levels of satisfaction with the outcomes of their engagement with the City. (GTW.E.2) • Percentage of residents who believe Austin values dialogue between residents and government. (GTW.E.3) • Number of [stakeholder] engagement/outreach activities by department, Council district, time and type of activity. (GTW.E.4) 2 of 3 These goals may be grouped under the broad definition of “civic engagement,” which centers the values of inclusion and equity in the co-creation of public understanding and public policy. Civic engagement is a rising area of interest among many library systems, funders and national associations (e.g. American Library Association, Public Library Association, Urban Libraries Council). The high degree of public trust, strategically located infrastructure and regular access to a diverse cross-section of the public enjoyed by libraries makes them strong partners in this work. Civic engagement is especially relevant in the context of the decennial census. The census is a massive effort to count every person residing in our nation on April 1st, 2020. The results will be …
draft 2020 meeting schedule — original pdf
2020 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission The Library Commission meets monthly MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION Monday, January 27 6-:30-8 PM Terrazas Branch | 1105 E Cesar Chavez St Monday, February 24 6:30-8 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St Monday, March 23 6:30-8 PM Old Quarry Branch | 7051 Village Center Dr Monday, April 27 6:30-8 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St Monday, May 18 6:30-8 PM Ruiz Branch | 1600 Grove Blvd Monday, June 22 6:30-8 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St Monday, July 27 6:30-8 PM Hampton Branch | 5125 Convict Hill Rd Monday, August 24 6:30-8 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St Monday, September 28 6:30-8 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch | 3101 Oak Springs Dr Monday, October 26 6:30-8 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St Monday, November 16 6:30-8 PM Windsor Park Branch | 5833 Westminster Dr. Monday, December 14 6:30-8 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
draft minutes of the October 28, 2019 regular meeting — original pdf
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 28 October, 2019 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 28 October, 2019 The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln., 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, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, and Beth Smyer Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Finney and Commission Member Chad Williams Staff in Attendance: Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries; Anne Bramblett, Assistant Director for Public Services; 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; Patti Fowler, Division Manager, Central Library; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Joe Faulk, Information Systems Manager Citizen Communication: Carlos Leon spoke about citizen communication on agenda items. 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 23, 2019 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dwyers’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on an 8-0 vote. Vice Chair Finney and Commission Member Williams absent. 2. Introductions and Welcome: District 9 Library Commission Member Julia Aguilar, was introduced. 3. Briefing: Library Wraparound Services Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, gave an overview of wraparound services throughout the Austin Public Library system. 4. Old Business: a. Discussion and possible action on youth participation on the Library Commission Carlos Leon spoke. No action taken. The item will be put on a future agenda when more information is available. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 28 October, 2019 5. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on meeting schedule 2020. A draft schedule will be presented at the next meeting. Meeting locations will alternate between branches and the Central Library. b. Discussion and possible action on civic engagement Carlos Leon spoke. John Lawler, Census Coordinator for Travis County and the City of Austin, gave a presentation about local Complete Count Committee and their activities. Commission Members Dwyer and Smyer presented their report on civic engagement activities taking place at Austin Public Library and other peer libraries. They will write a draft recommendation supporting APL participation in 2020 census efforts. Chair Hanna appointed a civic engagement working group, including Commissioners Williams, Smyer, Dwyer, and Ramos. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report …
draft recommendation — original pdf
1 of 3 LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20191118-5a: Support for Austin Public Library’s Assistance with the Decennial Census Date: November 18, 2019 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library’s Assistance with the Decennial Census Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library’s Assistance with the Decennial Census Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that Austin City Council maintain awareness of and support the Austin Public Library’s efforts to assist local efforts to ensure a complete census count in 2020. Rationale: As a vital public space and community hub, the Austin Public Library supports and advances the City’s Strategic Direction, including the following goals and metrics: • Enhance communication and collaboration between City Council, City staff, and community members to enhance transparency, trust, and shared decision making. Ensure collaboration is strengthened by accessible, timely, and accurate information sharing. (GTW#5) • Engage community members on the matters that impact them in ways that are timely, convenient, meaningful, and honor their communication preferences; and equip employees to better engage vulnerable and historically marginalized communities. (GTW#6) • Create a new integrated approach to managing community members’ multiple relationships with different City departments to strengthen feedback loops, build trust, and improve satisfaction. (GTW#8) • Percentage of eligible residents who are registered to vote and who participate in City elections (disaggregated by race and geography). (GTW.E.1) • Percentage of residents who express high levels of satisfaction with the outcomes of their engagement with the City. (GTW.E.2) • Percentage of residents who believe Austin values dialogue between residents and government. (GTW.E.3) • Number of [stakeholder] engagement/outreach activities by department, Council district, time and type of activity. (GTW.E.4) 2 of 3 These goals may be grouped under the broad definition of “civic engagement,” which centers the values of inclusion and equity in the co-creation of public understanding and public policy. Civic engagement is a rising area of interest among many library systems, funders and national associations (e.g. American Library Association, Public Library Association, Urban Libraries Council). The high degree of public trust, strategically located infrastructure and regular access to a diverse cross-section of the public enjoyed by libraries makes them strong partners in this work. Civic engagement is especially relevant in the context of the decennial census. The census is a massive effort to count every person residing in our nation on April 1st, 2020. The results will be used to allocate political representation, as well as billions …
November 2019 Director's Report — original pdf
November 2019 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Exhibits ______________________________________________________________________________ 4 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary __________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary __________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch Monthly 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 ____________________________________________________________ 23 Literacy Advancement __________________________________________________________________ 23 Digital Inclusion & STEM ________________________________________________________________ 23 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _____________________________________________________________ 23 Civic and Community Engagement ________________________________________________________ 24 Staff Development _____________________________________________________________________ 24 Workforce and Economic Development ____________________________________________________ 24 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 25 Performance Indicators for August ________________________________________________________ 25 Revenue ____________________________________________________________________________ 25 Volunteers ___________________________________________________________________________ 25 3 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Named as a Top 10 Innovator by Urban Libraries Council The Urban Libraries Council announced Austin Public Library as one of 10 Top Innovators during the 2019 Innovations Celebration held on October 17 in Salt Lake City. The annual Innovations award program recognizes leading practices from ULC’s member library systems across the U.S. and Canada. A panel of expert judges selected Austin Public Library’s Welding Class from 260 submissions in 10 categories that showcase out-of-the box thinking and creative applications of library resources. Austin Public Library won in the category of Education – Adults. Award winners were recognized for their level of creativity, ability for other libraries to adapt their work and the outcomes achieved. Austin Public Library partnered with Austin Community College (ACC) to bring vocational educational opportunities to one of its most underserved communities by offering ACC’s Welding Class that allows students to receive a Welding Certification. A generator-powered mobile education pod was brought on site to the Southeast Branch Library. Due to its mobility the classroom can be brought to students rather than the other way around. Having the classroom in one’s neighborhood made it easier to arrange for child care since the ‘college’ may be only blocks away from home. Holiday Sparkle Come celebrate the holidays with the Austin Public Library! Ancient Stories, Modern Times: Storytelling with David Thompson. A great time to relax before Thanksgiving and hear some enchanting stories from David Thompson, who has appeared on 3 continents and been featured on National Public Radio. Saturday, November 23, 11 AM – Noon, Cepeda Branch. Holidays in the Making with H-E-B. Activities will include cookie decorating, making floral arrangements, …
proposed FY20 agenda items — original pdf
Library Commission Proposed Agenda Items December Marketing – APL and Recycled Reads Revenue Generation January Library Foundation Update SD 2023 Alignment – Economic Opportunity and Affordability Fine Free Libraries February SD 2023 Alignment – Mobility APL Bookmobile Services March SD 2023 – Safety Preliminary Budget Discussion – Overview of Process Discussion of Recommendations to Other Commissions April Library Foundation Update SD 2023 Alignment – Health and Environment Austin Public Library FY 2021 Budget Forecast Officer Elections May SD 2023 Alignment – Culture and Lifelong Learning Budget Process Update Summer Reading Program Preview June SD 2023 Alignment – Government that Works for All Budget Process Update Equity of Services July Library Foundation Update Collections in Foreign Languages Budget August Youth Task Force Update Library Trends and how APL can Incorporate Them September Summer Reading Wrap-up October Library Foundation Update
Agenda — original pdf
LIBRARY COMMISSION October 28, 2019 – 6:30 PM 4721 Loyola Ln. 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. Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Aimee Finney, Catherine Hanna, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Citizen Communication: General 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 23, 2019 Regular Meeting 2. Welcome and Introduction of new Library Commission Member Julia Aguilar 3. Briefing: Library Wraparound Services: Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant 4. Old Business: a. Discussion and possible action on youth participation on the Library Commission 5. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on meeting schedule for 2020 b. Discussion and possible action on civic engagement 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October 2019 covering programming highlights, facilities, policies, and APL Priorities. 7. Discussion of commissioner visits to branch libraries 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 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
Approved Minutes — original pdf
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 28 October, 2019 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 28 October, 2019 The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln., 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, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, and Beth Smyer Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Finney and Commission Member Chad Williams Staff in Attendance: Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries; Anne Bramblett, Assistant Director for Public Services; 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; Patti Fowler, Division Manager, Central Library; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Joe Faulk, Information Systems Manager Citizen Communication: Carlos León spoke about citizen communication on agenda items. 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 23, 2019 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dwyers’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on an 8-0 vote. Vice Chair Finney and Commission Member Williams absent. 2. Introductions and Welcome: Carlos León spoke. District 9 Library Commission Member Julia Aguilar, was introduced. 3. Briefing: Library Wraparound Services Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, gave an overview of wraparound services throughout the Austin Public Library system. 4. Old Business: a. Discussion and possible action on youth participation on the Library Commission Carlos León spoke. No action taken. The item will be put on a future agenda when more information is available. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 28 October, 2019 5. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on meeting schedule 2020. A draft schedule will be presented at the next meeting. Meeting locations will alternate between branches and the Central Library. b. Discussion and possible action on civic engagement Carlos León spoke. John Lawler, Census Coordinator for Travis County and the City of Austin, gave a presentation about local Complete Count Committee and their activities. Commission Members Dwyer and Smyer presented their report on civic engagement activities taking place at Austin Public Library and other peer libraries. They will write a draft recommendation supporting APL participation in 2020 census efforts. Chair Hanna appointed a civic engagement working group, including Commissioners Williams, Smyer, Dwyer, and Ramos. 6. Discussion of …
Meeting Audio — original link
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Backup item 5b: Civic Engagement Discussion — original pdf
Civic Engagement and the Austin Public Library: A Preliminary Report by City of Austin Library Commissioners JC Dwyer and Beth Smyer October 22, 2019 Purpose of this report ThisreportaimstoprovidetheLibraryCommissionwithanoverviewofcivicengagementwork withintheAustinPublicLibrarysystem(APL),includingworkcurrentlyunderway,opportunitiesin FY20 and recommendations to strengthen this work in FY21 and beyond. Definition of Civic Engagement Inthisreport,“civicengagement”isdefinedasactivitiesthatfurtherthegoalofaninformedlocal citizenrythatisactivelyengagedinshapingpublicdiscourseandparticipatinginthedecisionsthat affecttheirlives.Thisworkcentersthevaluesofinclusionandequityintheco-creationofpublic understanding and public policy. Itdoesnotrefertoindividualorhousehold-levelservicestypicallyconsidered“socialwork”(suchas publicbenefitsoutreachorhomelessservices),althoughsomelibrarysystemsgrouptheseactivities together.Whileitdoesincludeactivitiesdesignedtoincreaseparticipationinpublicelections,itis never partisan or agenda-driven. Why Do This Work? Civicengagementisarisingareaofinterestamongmanylibrarysystems,funders(e.g.Kettering Foundation)andnationallibrarygroups(e.g.AmericanLibraryAssociation,PublicLibrary Association, Urban Libraries Council). According the Urban Libraries Council: 1“Publiclibraries,workinginclosepartnershipwithlocalgovernmentandthemanyavailable resourcesandexperts,arewellpositionedtoprovidetheconsistent,close-to-home, sustainedleadershipthatcontributestocommunitysuccess.Theyaretrusted,stable, apolitical,safe,andpositive—inshort,idealcivicengagementleaders.Atatimewhentrust ingovernmentremainslowandmanycitizensfeeldisconnectedfrompublicinstitutions, libraries offer a bright light for producing long-term results.” 1 ULC Civic Engagement Report, accessed 10/18/19. CivicengagementworkisbroadlyalignedwithAPL’svisiontoplayakeyrolein“makingAustina dynamiccreativecenterandthemostlivablecityinthecountry.”ItisalsocloselyalignedwithCity Council’s Strategic Direction 2023 strategies, including: 2●Enhance communication and collaboration between City Council, City staff, and community members to enhance transparency, trust, and shared decision making. Ensure collaboration is strengthened by accessible, timely, and accurate information sharing. (GTW#5) ●Engage community members on the matters that impact them in ways that are timely, convenient, meaningful, and honor their communication preferences; and equip employees to better engage vulnerable and historically marginalized communities. (GTW#6) ●Create a new integrated approach to managing community members’ multiple relationships with different City departments to strengthen feedback loops, build trust, and improve satisfaction. (GTW#8) As well as the following City Performance Metrics: 3●PercentageofeligibleresidentswhoareregisteredtovoteandwhoparticipateinCity elections (disaggregated by race and geography). (GTW.E.1) ●Percentageofresidentswhoexpresshighlevelsofsatisfactionwiththeoutcomesoftheir engagement with the City. (GTW.E.2) ●PercentageofresidentswhobelieveAustinvaluesdialoguebetweenresidentsand government. (GTW.E.3) ●Numberof[stakeholder]engagement/outreachactivitiesbydepartment,Councildistrict,time and type of activity. (GTW.E.4)\ Current Areas of Civic Engagement SeveralAPLbranchlibrariesandstaffarealreadycommittingtheirlimitedtimeandresourcesto strengthencivicengagement.Thefollowingsectionsummarizestheiraccomplishmentsand providesexamplesofhowotherlibrarysystemsandlocalorganizationsarecommittedtosimilar work. Census Outreach What is the opportunity? ThedecennialCensusisamassiveefforttocounteverypersonresidinginournationonApril1st, 2020.Theresultswillbeusedtoallocatepoliticalrepresentation,aswellasbillionsofdollarsin publicandprivateresourcesoverthefollowingdecade.TheCityofAustinisamajorparticipantin ourlocalCompleteCountCommittee(CCC),whichaimstoensureanaccuratecountbyoffering 2 Austin Strategic Direction 2023 Master List of Strategies, accessed 10/18/19 3 Austin Strategic Direction 2023 Metrics List, accessed 10/18/19 outreachandassistancetotraditionallyundercountedcommunities,includingAustiniteswith low-incomes, immigrants, LEP families and others (see Map in Appendix). What is APL doing? APLhasformedaninternalstaffcommitteetoassisttheCCC.Plansarebeingdiscussedtoinclude Censuspromotion/educationalmessaginginexistingcommunicationschannelsandevents;using librarianswithlaptopsasmobileoutreach/accesspoints;andreservingcomputerstationsinsome branchesforpatronstocompletetheCensusonline.CensusProgramManagerJohnLawlerhas suggestedthatbranchesinundercountedcommunitiescouldalsoactasclearinghousesfor promotional materials and organizing neighborhood volunteers. Who else is doing this work in Austin? TheU.S.CensusBureauhasopenedaregionalofficeinAustintodirectlocalhiringandpromotional efforts.AlocalCCCincludingpublicofficials,privatebusinessesandnonprofitshasbeenformedto coordinateworkinthisarea.TheCityofAustin/TravisCountyhasjointlyhiredaCensusProgram Manager(Lawler)toassisttheCCC.TheUnitedWayofCentralTexasisintheprocessofhiringa similarpositiontoactonaregionalbasis.Localnonprofitsandchurchesareplanningtooutreach their communities. What are other library systems doing? TheTexasStateLibraryandArchivesCommission,aswellastheAmericanLibraryAssociation haveformallyrequestedtheassistanceoftheirmembersincarryingoutthecensus(seeAppendix). TheDallasPublicLibraryhascommittedtopushingCensusmessagingthroughalltheirexisting public programs for children (e.g. storytime) and adults (e.g. ESL classes). Voter Registration & Participation What is the opportunity? Votingisthecornerstoneofcivicengagement.AlthoughAustinhasahighoverallvoterregistration rate(95%in2018),thefranchiserequiresconstantmaintenance,andisnotequitablydistributed 4amongallAustincommunities.VoterparticipationinAustinismuchlower(61%in2018).Under 5statelaw,librariesareallowedtopromotevoterregistrationaswellasserveaspollinglocationson election day. 4 Daily Texan, “Nearly 95 percent of Travis County is registered to vote, setting ‘modern-day record.’” Accessed 10/18/19. 5 Texas Tribune, “Look up Texas midterm turnout in your county against historic numbers.” Accessed 10/18/19. What is APL doing? APLcurrentlymakesmail-invoterregistrationformsavailableateverybranch,althoughtheir presenceisnotalwaysobvious.Newlibrarycardapplicantsarealsoaskedwhethertheywouldlike amail-inform.TheTravisCountyElectionsOfficehistoricallypartnerswithAPLonanannual, system-wideeventatwhichVoluntaryDeputyRegistrars(VDRs)stafftablesatseveralbranchesto assistpatronsinregistering.OnesourceinvolvedsuggestedthiseventdoesnothaveastrongROI intermsofnewlyregisteredvoters.In2019,ninebranchesalsoservedaspollinglocationson election day. Who else is doing this work in Austin? Variouspolitical,nonprofitandcivicgroupsinAustinconductvoterregistrationdrivesandturnout efforts,howevertheseareusuallyeitherpartisanorfocusedonasinglepopulationorissue.Toour knowledge,noentityengagesinauniversal,citywideturnoutstrategy.TheCityandCountymake educationalresourcesavailabletothepubliconhowandwheretovote.TheCountyconducts ongoing voter registration, primarily …
Community Service Year End Report — original pdf
M I L E S T O N E S C O M M U N I T Y C O L L A B O R A T I O N S S T A F F T R A I N I N G S C O N F E R E N C E S Pop Up Resource Clinics Austin Yellow Bike Project Veterans Affairs American Youth Works Front Steps Austin Resource Recovery Fix-it-Clinic Refugee Round Table PROGRAM 1 Security Workshops iSpeak Language Access Trainings Texas Library Association Annual Conference Restorative Practices Community- Building Veterans and Family symposium Texas Conference on Ending Homelessness
draft minutes of the September 23 regular meeting — original pdf
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 23 September, 2019 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 23 September, 2019 The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St., in Austin, Texas. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Catherine Hanna and Vice Chair Aimee Finney, Commission Members Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, and Steven Self Board Members Absent: Commission Members Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams Staff in Attendance: Anne Bramblett, Assistant Director for Public Services; Dana McBee, Assistant Director for Support Services; Rachel Nguyen, Communications Manager, John Daniels, Facilities Planning Manager, Sharon Herfurth, Division Manager, Office of Programs & Partnerships, Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Patti Fowler, Division Manager, Central Library; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Joe Faulk, Information Systems Manager 1. Citizen Communication: Jelina Tunstill spoke about the Community Action Network (CAN). 2. Approval of Minutes from the August 26, 2019 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Vice Chair Finney’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Members Smyer and Williams absent. 3. Introductions and Welcome: Doreen Boyd, Carver Branch Manager, gave an update about branch activities. 4. Briefing: Summer Reading Wrap-Up Sharon Herfurth, Division Manager, Office of Programs & Partnerships, gave an overview of 2019 Summer Reading for youth programs and participation. 5. Old Business: none Library Commission Meeting Minutes 23 September, 2019 6. New Business: a. Discussion of briefing and agenda topics for future meetings, October – December 2019 The following topics were suggested: Civic Engagement (October); APL Bookmobile services; Collections in foreign languages; Fine Free Libraries; APL Strategic Plan; Collection Development overview; Marketing of Recycled Reads and APL; Youth Task Force Update; Library Foundation; Revenue Generation; Equity of Services; Library Trends and how APL can Incorporate them; Library Commission Alignment with SD23 b. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation to add a youth member to the Library Commission. No action was taken. 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for August 2019 covering programming highlights, volunteer services, revenue, and policy updates: Questions from commissioners included: How did the Library budget come out for FY20? Is there an APL organizational chart? What is planned for the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill reopening? Is there a public participation component to Library renovations? 8. …
October 2019 Director's Report — original pdf
1 October 2019 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Exhibits ________________________________________________________________________________ 4 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch Monthly Report _________________________________________ 10 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report __________________________________________ 12 Interior Renovations Monthly Report ________________________________________________________ 15 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report _______________________________________ 17 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 19 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 21 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 21 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 21 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 21 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 22 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 22 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 22 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 23 Performance Indicators for August _________________________________________________________ 23 Revenue ______________________________________________________________________________ 23 Volunteers ____________________________________________________________________________ 23 3 HIGHLIGHTS Hampton Branch at Oak Hill is Now Open The Austin Public Library, Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., reopened to the public on Monday, Oct. 21, after being closed since last year for a complete renovation. One of the most visible interior improvements to the facility is a new Kalwall skylight that fills the main area with natural light. A new designated “quiet room” will give customers a space to read and relax away from the main area. The branch now has an improved digital infrastructure with all new data wiring and connections for faster internet service. Other improvements include a roof replacement; upgraded computers; upgraded plumbing fixtures; modernized heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls; new circulation desk and other furniture; all new carpets throughout the library as well as a fresh coat of paint. Modifications were also made to ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. AVAFest Veteran Conferences Central Library will host a two-day Veteran Writers Conference offering conversation and networking with screenwriters, poets, novelists, storytellers, songwriters and more! Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27 A Health and Wellness Conference will follow the following Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3. The conference, by and for veterans and their family members, as well as the individuals and organizations who serve them, will offer information on pathways to healing through community and the arts. Mayor’s Book Club 2019 The Library Foundation & Austin Public Library invite you to join us for the final event of the 2019 Mayor’s Book Club. Author Susan Orlean will discuss her bestseller and New York Times Notable Book The Library Book with Texas Literary …