1 Director’s Report May 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights _______________________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Update __________________________________________________________________________ 5 Capital Projects Update __________________________________________________________________5 Gallery _______________________________________________________________________________ 6 Active Project Timelines _________________________________________________________________ 7 Project Highlights _______________________________________________________________________ 8 APL by the Numbers _____________________________________________________________________ 9 Programs and Outreach__________________________________________________________________ 9 Cardholder ___________________________________________________________________________ 10 Visitors _____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Circulation and Collections ____________________________________________________________ 112 Express Checkout and Holds ___________________________________________________________113 Technologyy _________________________________________________________________________ 14 Budget, Volunteers and Meeting Rooms ____________________________________________________ 15 3 HIGHLIGHTS African American Cultural & Heritage Facility Joins APL The Austin Public Library (APL) is thrilled to announce the inclusion of the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility (AACHF) to our team. Formerly housed under the Economic Development Department (EDD), the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility is home to the historic Dedrick Hamilton House, built around 1880 in an early African American community in East Austin. Now restored, it serves as an African American Visitors Center and Art Studio, central to the facility's activities. This relocation signifies a strategic move aimed at bolstering the AACHF's financial resources, facility management, and marketing support capacity. We are confident that these changes will empower us to better serve our stakeholders and further our vision to be a model of equity, inclusion, access. Summer at Austin Public Library & Kids Block Party Summer at Austin Public Library programming starts June 1, 2024, and we are kicking it off with APL’s Kids Block Party this year! Summer is almost here and we are ready to start with a bang. Summer at Austin Public Library is our summer program, challenging kids, and adults alike to read or to be read to at least 20 minutes a day from June 1, 2024 - August 10, 2024. This is a time to encourage all readers and engage with them in multiple ways through programs and literary opportunities. Special programs throughout our library system will range from themed crafts to performances by the Austin Opera and Austin Symphany. A full list of events can be found at Summer at Austin Public Library. And be sure to join us at the Central Library on June 1, 2024, for Austin Public Library’s Kids Block Party, the city’s festival celebrating children, literacy, and learning through play. The FREE event is perfect for children 0-12 and their families! Terrazas Reopens! Terrazas will reopen on May 18, 2024, revealing a fresh new appearance following a revitalization project led by the ALP Facilities and Information System …
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION April 29, 2024 – 6 P.M. Windsor Park Branch Library 5833 Westminster 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 by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Cristina Masters Courtney Rosenthal AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair Steve DeRosa Andrea Herrera Moreno Sheila Mehta The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's regular meeting on March 25, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the April Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. 1. 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approve a recommendation to support Austin Public Library establishing a City Poet Laureate Program and Committee 4. Discussion and conduct elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Library Commission. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25, March, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 25, March 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Pleasant Hill Branch Library, 211 E. William Cannon Drive, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Smith called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Christina Masters Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Steve DeRosa, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members Absent: Courtney Rosenthal, Kezia Frayjo, Sheila Mehta PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Daniel Ronan, Austin History Center Association Interim Director, gave public comment to the commission regarding the Austin History Center Association's mission and goals. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 29, 2023, regular meeting The minutes of the February 26, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Master’s motion and Vice Chair Infante Huerta's second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Rosenthal, Frayjo, Mehta absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Discussion of the March Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 25, March, 2024 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation supporting the Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards. A motion to approve the recommendation supporting the Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Rosenthal, Frayjo, Mehta absent. 4. Discussion and approval for Commission Members to represent the Library Commission at multiple Board and Commission Meetings to advocate for support and funding for Austin Public Library Initiatives. A motion to approve Commission Members to represent the Library Commission at multiple Board and Commission Meetings to advocate for support and funding for Austin Public Library Initiatives was made by Chair Smith and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Rosenthal, Frayjo, Mehta absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Officer Elections Recommendation for Library participation in future City Homelessness Planning and Studies Kids Block …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240429-3 Establish an Adult Poet Laureate Program for the City of Austin Date: April 29, 2024 Library Subject: Establishing an adult Poet Laureate program to be managed by the Austin Public Motioned By: Commissioner Mehta Seconded By: Vice Chair Infante Huerta Recommendation Establish an adult Poet Laureate program for the City of Austin to be housed and managed by the Austin Public Library Department. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their authority to direct the City Manager to establish an adult Poet Laureate program to be housed in and managed by the Austin Public Library department, and add additional budget funds as needed to create and support this program. Rationale: The City of Austin is known for its love and celebration of the arts. For decades many local organizations have developed Austin’s poetry scene. Additionally, the University of Texas at Austin is a nationally recognized Masters of Fine Arts program that nurtures and produces many wonderful artists and poets. Poet Laureate positions have existed in cities, states and countries since the 1600s, and are designed to be stewards of poetry, art and storytelling. Austin is the only major city in Texas without an adult Poet Laureate program. An adult Poet Laureate can use this role to promote literacy across the city, use poetry to engage with Austin’s history, politics and culture, as well as continue to grow and support Austin’s community of artists, with the potential to amplify Austin poets of all ages. Austin Public Library is a natural home for a program like this. A Poet Laureate has the potential to encourage via performances, teaching and public speaking the importance of reading, writing and literacy. Reading and information literacy are core to the library’s mission and the library is a well known and trusted institution in the city. According to Literacy Texas, Texas ranks 46/50 for adult literacy. The adult literacy rate is 81%, with 19% of adults lacking basic prose literacy skills. Creating this program can help close the gap, and inspire Austin residents to read and write. Austin Public Library has branches strategically located across the city and is accustomed to creating programs and events across all of its branches allowing for maximum impact for this new program. They have also proven to be good stewards of city funds, and have many collection, personnel and budget needs to …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240429-3 Subject: Establishing an adult Poet Laureate program to be managed by the Austin Public Library Date: 04/29/2024 Recommendation Establish an adult Poet Laureate program for the City of Austin to be housed and managed by the Austin Public Library Department. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their authority to direct the City Manager to establish an adult Poet Laureate program to be housed in and managed by the Austin Public Library department, and add additional budget funds as needed to create and support this program. Rationale: The City of Austin is known for its love and celebration of the arts. For decades many local organizations have developed Austin’s poetry scene. Additionally, the University of Texas at Austin is a nationally recognized Masters of Fine Arts program that nurtures and produces many wonderful artists and poets. Poet Laureate positions have existed in cities, states and countries since the 1600s, and are designed to be stewards of poetry, art and storytelling. Austin is the only major city in Texas without an adult Poet Laureate program. An adult Poet Laureate can use this role to promote literacy across the city, use poetry to engage with Austin’s history, politics and culture, as well as continue to grow and support Austin’s community of artists, with the potential to amplify Austin poets of all ages. Austin Public Library is a natural home for a program like this. A Poet Laureate has the potential to encourage via performances, teaching and public speaking the importance of reading, writing and literacy. Reading and information literacy are core to the library’s mission and the library is a well known and trusted institution in the city. According to Literacy Texas, Texas ranks 46/50 for adult literacy. The adult literacy rate is 81%, with 19% of adults lacking basic prose literacy skills. Creating this program can help close the gap, and inspire Austin residents to read and write. Austin Public Library has branches strategically located across the city and is accustomed to creating programs and events across all of its branches allowing for maximum impact for this new program. They have also proven to be good stewards of city funds, and have many collection, personnel and budget needs to consider. We ask that you also provide financial support to create and sustain this much needed program so this does not impact the …
1 Director’s Report April 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights _______________________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Update __________________________________________________________________________ 5 Capital Projects Update __________________________________________________________________5 Gallery _______________________________________________________________________________ 6 Active Project Timelines _________________________________________________________________ 7 Project Highlights _______________________________________________________________________ 8 APL by the Numbers _____________________________________________________________________ 9 Programs and Outreach__________________________________________________________________ 9 Cardholder ___________________________________________________________________________ 10 Visitors _____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Circulation and Collections ____________________________________________________________ 112 Express Checkout and Holds ___________________________________________________________113 Technologyy _________________________________________________________________________ 14 Budget, Volunteers and Meeting Rooms ____________________________________________________ 15 3 HIGHLIGHTS Expansion of Eligibility for Free Austin Public Library Cards On Monday, March 11, 2024, all Austin Public Library (APL) locations were able to provide full-access library cards to residents of the city’s Limited Purpose (LTD) and Extraterritorial Jurisdictions (ETJ). Within the first 10 days of the new expansion, 722 new accounts were renewed or created for residents living within the Austin ETJ area alone. ALW is Turning 45! Little Walnut Creek Branch Library will be celebrating its 45th Birthday on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 11 AM - 2 PM. We guarantee it will be fun for ALL ages, with a petting zoo, face painter, balloon artist, and performers from local high schools. FREE food, games, and prizes as we invite all to come out and celebrate!" Marshalling Yard Outreach and APL tops 4,500 Enhanced Library Cards Austin Public Library, in collaboration with Austin Public Health – Homeless Strategy Division, organized an Art Program for the residents at the Marshalling Yard Temporary Emergency Shelter (MYES) on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. MYES, serves as a temporary shelter for approximately 200 residents. During the event, the outreach team distributed around 15 Enhanced Library Cards to the residents, marking a significant milestone as we surpassed the 4,000 mark! The provision of Enhanced Library Cards through outreach efforts, coupled with the addition of six (6) APL locations issuing cards, has enabled us to meet the high demand for these cards within the community. Presently, a total of nine locations across the city offer Enhanced Library Cards: Little Walnut, St. John, Southeast, Central, Cepeda, Menchaca, Millwood, Ruiz, and Terrazas. As of April 21, 2024, APL has issued over 4,500 Enhanced Library Cards – an achievement worth celebrating! 4 GABFEST Come celebrate literature with us at the first-ever Greater Austin Book Fest at the Central Library! GAB Fest is a fantastic chance for authors, illustrators, and readers from Hays, Williamson, and Travis Counties to connect and engage with their community. Meet over 80 talented local authors, have …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29, April, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 29, April 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Drive, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Smith called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Courtney Rosenthal, Kezia Frayjo, Sheila Mehta, Steve DeRosa, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: None Commission Members Absent: Christina Masters PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the March 25, 2024, regular meeting The minutes of the March 25, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Vice Chair Infante Huerta's motion and Commission Member Frayjo’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commission Member Masters absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Discussion of the April Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 29, April, 2024 3. Discussion and approve a recommendation to support Austin Public Library establishing a City Poet Laureate Program and Committee A motion to approve the recommendation to support Austin Public Library establishing a City Poet Laureate Program and Committee was made by Commission Member Mehta and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 8-0 vote with Commissioner Member. 4. Discussion and conduct elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Library Commission. A motion to nominate Vice Chair Infante Huerta as Chair was made by Chair Smith. Commissioner Mehta agreed to accept the nomination as Vice Chair. No other nominations were made. Lynda Infante Huerta was elected as Chair and Sheila Mehta was elected as Vice Chair on a 8 – 0 vote. Commission Member Masters absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Kids Block Party and Summer Reading Programming at May Meeting Cooling/Warming Centers at Library Facilities Adjournment: Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. without objection. The minutes of the April 29, 2024, regular meeting were approved on May 13, 2024, with Commission Member DeRosa's motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Frayjo and Herrea Moreno absent.
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION March 25, 2024 – 6 P.M. Pleasant Hill Branch Library 211 E. William Cannon 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 by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Cristina Masters Courtney Rosenthal AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair Steve DeRosa Andrea Herrera Moreno Sheila Mehta The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's regular meeting on February 26, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the March Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. 1. 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and approval of a recommendation supporting the Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards. Discussion and approval for Commission Members to represent the Library Commission at multiple Board and Commission Meetings to advocate for support and funding for Austin Public Library Initiatives. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov. 3. 4.
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION # Support for Austin Public Library FY25 Budget Seconded By: Date: March 25, 2024 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library FY25 Budget Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget for FY2025. Additionally, increased funding is requested for an increase of 6% to the books and materials budget, the addition of two, (2) FTE social worker positions, three, (3) FTE of additional security and three (3) FTE of additional custodial positions, $1.5 million for feasibility studies of new and expanded facilities, and the expansion of the enhanced library card initiative. Rationale: In FY 2023, the Austin Public Library completed a year-long strategic planning process to shape the work of the library for years to come. Input was provided for the plan through a community survey that received more than 5,400 responses, pop-up community events in 20 locations throughout Austin, as well as a series of surveys, workshops, and listening sessions with APL staff and external community stakeholders. The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, adopted by the City Council in March 2023, lays out new strategic goals for the Austin Public Library, aligned with the City of Austin’s Imagine Austin 30-year strategic plan and the SD28 5-year strategic plan. Our recommended budget provides Austin Public Library with the resources needed to advance the five strategic goals laid out in that plan document, as well as to achieve the Library’s new Mission Statement: “Inspiring all to discover, learn, and create.” The proposed budget includes a 3% increase in the budget for materials, including digital materials, subscriptions, and databases. Austin’s population growth, and the increased cost of materials – especially e-books, which represent a fast-growing share of APL’s circulation and require expensive licenses. These proposed increases are necessary to keep up with inflation but do not represent a growth budget and may, in fact, lead to a reduction of e-resources and increased patron wait times to access materials. An additional 3% increase for a total of 6% to the books and materials budget would help close the gap. The Commission also supports funding the listed unmet needs of the library. 1 of …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26, February, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 26, February 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 Cesar Chavez St., in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Smith called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Courtney Rosenthal, Magen Davis, Kezia Frayjo Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Christina Masters, Andrea Herrera Moreno, Sheila Mehta Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 29, 2023, regular meeting The minutes of the January 29, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Vice Chair Infante Huerta's second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner DeRosa absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding APL Facilities Project Updates, Feasibility Studies & Future Bonds by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager The presentation was made Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26, February, 2024 3. Discussion of the February Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION 4. Report of recommendation by the Unmet Needs Working Group for the addition of social workers, security personnel, and other social support resources in libraries. Vice Chair Infante Huerta reported on the Unmet Needs Working Group Recommendation to improve library safety and holistic services for library patrons through the addition of two (2) full-time employees or contract social workers and three (3) security positions to the Austin Public Library department to be managed by library personnel. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of a recommendation from the Unmet Needs Working Group for the addition of social workers, security personnel, and other social support resources in libraries. A motion to approve the recommendation from the Unmet Needs Working Group to improve library safety and holistic services for library patrons through the addition of two (2) full-time employees or contract social workers and three (3) security positions to the Austin Public Library department to be managed by library personnel was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner DeRosa absent. 6. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to rename the North Village Branch Library. …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION # 20240325-3 Support for Austin Public Library FY25 Budget Seconded By: Vice Chair Infante Huerta Date: March 25, 2024 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library FY25 Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Masters Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget for FY2025. Additionally, increased funding is requested for an increase of 6% to the books and materials budget, the addition of two, (2) FTE social worker positions, three, (3) FTE of additional security and three (3) FTE of additional custodial positions, $1.5 million for feasibility studies of new and expanded facilities, and the expansion of the enhanced library card initiative. Rationale: In FY 2023, the Austin Public Library completed a year-long strategic planning process to shape the work of the library for years to come. Input was provided for the plan through a community survey that received more than 5,400 responses, pop-up community events in 20 locations throughout Austin, as well as a series of surveys, workshops, and listening sessions with APL staff and external community stakeholders. The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, adopted by the City Council in March 2023, lays out new strategic goals for the Austin Public Library, aligned with the City of Austin’s Imagine Austin 30-year strategic plan and the SD28 5-year strategic plan. Our recommended budget provides Austin Public Library with the resources needed to advance the five strategic goals laid out in that plan document, as well as to achieve the Library’s new Mission Statement: “Inspiring all to discover, learn, and create.” The proposed budget includes a 3% increase in the budget for materials, including digital materials, subscriptions, and databases. Austin’s population growth, and the increased cost of materials – especially e-books, which represent a fast-growing share of APL’s circulation and require expensive licenses. These proposed increases are necessary to keep up with inflation but do not represent a growth budget and may, in fact, lead to a reduction of e-resources and increased patron wait times to access materials. An additional 3% increase for a total of 6% to the books and materials budget would help close the gap. The Commission also supports funding the listed …
1 Director’s Report March 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights _______________________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Update __________________________________________________________________________ 5 Capital Projects Update _________________________________________________________________5 Gallery ______________________________________________________________________________ 6 Active Project Timelines _________________________________________________________________ 7 Project Highlights ______________________________________________________________________ 8 APL by the Numbers _____________________________________________________________________ 9 Programs and Outreach__________________________________________________________________ 9 Cardholder ___________________________________________________________________________ 10 Visitors _____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Circulation and Collections _____________________________________________________________ 12 Express Checkout and Holds ___________________________________________________________13 Technology _________________________________________________________________________ 14 Budget, Volunteers and Meeting Rooms ___________________________________________________ 15 3 HIGHLIGHTS March into Women’s History Month with APL Celebrate Women’s History Month in March with APL with an array programs spanning our library system. Special programs include a writing series by local author Spike Gillespie, opportunities to celebrate heroines with author talks, storytimes, book club discussions, and a kaleidoscope of arts and crafts, ignited by the brilliance of women artists. Join us as we embark on a global celebration of female achievement at our captivating library events! APL Total Eclipse Programming APL is hosting a cosmic extravaganza of events and experiences across the system leading up to the mesmerizing total solar eclipse set to race the skies over Austin on April 8, 2024. From out-of-this-world crafts and story times to inflatable Stars and Science Planetariums and visits from NASA; we are gearing up for this historic event. Solar Glasses will be distributed to the public (2 per person) starting on Thursday, April 4, 2024, until supplies last at all Austin Public Library locations. Once we are out, we will not be replenishing our quantities. APL has also partnered with CapMetro to provide free bus passes to people needing transportation to APL Watch Parties on the day of the eclipse. Passes are available through a QR code on flyers available at branches. APL is hosting ten (10) Total Eclipse Watch Parties taking place around Austin on Monday, April 8th. There will be a limited number of glasses, but lots of crafts and treats for participants to enjoy as we witness this extraordinary event together. Central Library / 12 – 2 PM Menchaca Branch / 11:30 AM – 2 PM North Village Branch / 11 AM – 2 PM Oak Hill Branch / 12-2 PM Pleasant Hill Branch / 12:30-2:30 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch / 12 -2 PM Old Quarry Branch / 12-2 PM Twin Oaks Branch / 12 – 2 PM Windsor Park Branch / 12-2 PM Cepeda Branch / 12 – 2 PM 4 APL Summer Youth Volunteer Program The application …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25, March, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 25, March 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Pleasant Hill Branch Library, 211 E. William Cannon Drive, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Smith called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Christina Masters Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Steve DeRosa, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members Absent: Courtney Rosenthal, Kezia Frayjo, Sheila Mehta PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Daniel Ronan, Austin History Center Association Interim Director, gave public comment to the commission regarding the Austin History Center Association's mission and goals. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 29, 2023, regular meeting The minutes of the February 26, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Master’s motion and Vice Chair Infante Huerta's second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Rosenthal, Frayjo, Mehta absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Discussion of the March Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 25, March, 2024 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation supporting the Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards. A motion to approve the recommendation supporting the Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2025 with additional funding for unmet needs around books and materials, social workers, security and custodial positions, feasibility studies, and enhanced library cards was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Rosenthal, Frayjo, Mehta absent. 4. Discussion and approval for Commission Members to represent the Library Commission at multiple Board and Commission Meetings to advocate for support and funding for Austin Public Library Initiatives. A motion to approve Commission Members to represent the Library Commission at multiple Board and Commission Meetings to advocate for support and funding for Austin Public Library Initiatives was made by Chair Smith and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Rosenthal, Frayjo, Mehta absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Officer Elections Recommendation for Library participation in future City Homelessness Planning and Studies Kids Block …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29, January, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 29, January 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Milwood Branch Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St., in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Infante Huerta called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Courtney Rosenthal, Steve DeRosa, Sheila Mehta, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno, Kezia Frayjo, Christina Masters Commission Members Absent: None Public Communication: General None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the December 18, 2023, regular meeting The minutes of the December 18, 2023, regular meeting were approved with the following amendment on Commission Member Master’s motion and Commission Member Mehta’s second on an 8-0 vote. The amendment is to change Commissioner Masters from the Absent line to the In Attendance line on the December 18, 2023 meeting minutes. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Immigrant Services by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III, Irene Magana-Noverola, Southeast Branch Library Branch Manager, Diana Miranda-Murillo, Librarian II, Spanish and World Language Selector. The presentation was made Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III, Irene Magana-Noverola, Southeast Branch Library Branch Manager, Diana Miranda-Murillo, Librarian II, Spanish and World Language Selector. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29, January, 2024 3. Discussion of the December Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding Library Commission outreach and community engagement opportunities. Discussion was held regarding recent outreach and community engagement opportunities by Library Commission Members. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 5. Update from the Unmet Needs Working Group The report of the Unmet Needs Working Groups was given by Vice-Chair Infante Huerta. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Facilities Update Report and recommendation from Unmet Needs Working Group Budget Recommendation Discussion Bond Funding Toolkit North Village Branch Renaming Adjournment: Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m. without objection.
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION February 26, 2024 – 6 P.M. Terrazas Branch Library 1105 E Cesar Chavez Street Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Cristina Masters Courtney Rosenthal AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair Steve DeRosa Andrea Herrera Moreno Sheila Mehta The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's regular meeting on January 29, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding APL Facilities Project Updates, Feasibility Studies & Future Bonds by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Staff briefing on the February Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. 1. 2. 3. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION 4. Report of recommendation by the Unmet Needs Working Group for the addition of social workers, security personnel, and other social support resources in libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and approval of a recommendation from the Unmet Needs Working Group for the addition of social workers, security personnel, and other social support resources in libraries. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to rename the North Village Branch Library. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion regarding potential recommendations related to the Austin Public Library’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Library Commission Recommendation Number: 20240129-6: Renaming of North Village Branch Library WHEREAS, on August 2, 1971, the Austin Public Library inaugurated its North Village Branch, initially situated in a storefront property within the North Village Shopping Center; and WHEREAS, the 3,000-square-foot facility replaced an Austin Public Library mobile trailer that had previously served as a busy hub for book checkouts from the shopping center parking lot; and WHEREAS, In 1990, the library relocated a few doors down to a more spacious area within the Center, expanding to 5,000 square feet; and WHEREAS, in the 1998 City of Austin Bond Election, voters approved funding for the land acquisition, design, and construction of the North Village Branch Replacement Project, aiming to better accommodate the growing populations of the north-central Austin neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the grand opening of the new North Village Branch, patterned after the "library for the future" green model, drawing inspiration from upscale bookstores in its design concept, took place on Saturday, May 30, 2009; and WHEREAS, John Gillum commenced his employment with the Austin Public Library as the Facilities Planning Manager on August 16, 1979, and then Facilities Process Manager, in 2011 until his retirement on July 31, 2019; and WHEREAS, Gillum assisted in the development of new libraries in the 1980s, and oversaw every aspect of the planning, design, construction, and renovation of all Austin Public Library following successful bond packages in 1992, 1998, 2018; and WHEREAS, Gillum dedicated 39 years, 11 months, and 16 days to his service with the City of Austin/Austin Public Library; and WHEREAS, Gillum played a significant role in the development of the North Village Branch Library. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Library Commission wholeheartedly supports and recommends to the Austin City Council that the North Village Branch Library be renamed to the John Gillum Branch Library. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest:
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240226-5 02/26/2024 Seconded By: Date: Subject: Improving library safety and holistic services for library patrons Motioned By: Recommendation Provide two (2) FTE or contract Social Work positions and three (3) Security positions to the Austin Public Library department to be managed by Library personnel. [Brief description of the Board’s recommendation] Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their authority to amend the FTE policy around Social Work titles and support the relevant ~$419,000 budget increase needed to add new positions. Rationale Austin Public Library facilities represent some of the only places in the city of Austin where people can go daily and stay for long periods of time. The library’s operational needs are unique and evolving, especially considering the rapid change in the city. City Council and other City of Austin departments recognize the critical role that our libraries play in nurturing and strengthening the safety for all residents as evidenced by the City Council’s 2019 expansion of the Safe Place program for LGBTQIA+ residents extending to the Austin Public Libraries. The presence of social workers and security personnel enhances the library by making it a safer place for residents to connect the resources they may need. With limited shelters in the most populous parts of the city, the library is sometimes the only safe place our unhoused neighbors can go where they are welcomed in for free. The library is also often used as a warming or cooling shelter for all Austin residents during times of extreme temperatures that are occurring more and more frequently. In response and shared responsibility to library customers and residents we must be aware of these evolving needs of the communities and seek combined solutions. The library currently has partnerships with Austin Public Health and with other community-based providers of wraparound services to help address some of the gaps but they are limited in scope and are present in a few library locations for short increments of time. The library commission has heard from members of the public, staff, and library leadership and we feel that the current model is not sufficient or sustainable. Social Workers in public libraries is a growing trend across the United States and many large cities have found the addition of social workers to library staff to be integral to the delivery of day-to-day services. Many library patrons are coming in …
