Director’s Report March 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 8 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 12 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 13 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 13 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 13 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 14 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 14 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 14 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 14 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 15 Collections Circulation February ___________________________________________________________ 15 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Announces Expanded Hours Starting March 28 Austin Public Library will be expanding the open hours for all library locations, starting March 28, 2022. The change comes after two years of reduced hours and capacity at library locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know that the community has missed being able to more easily visit their neighborhood libraries over the past two years,” stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. “Your libraries have missed you as well. We are excited to be able to expand access to our locations to ensure that more people in our community are able to safely access information and resources.” Central Library Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday Closed Branch libraries Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm* Sunday Closed *St. John Branch closes 4:00 pm on Saturdays Also effective March 28, Austin Public Library’s used bookstore Recycled Reads will be adding Wednesday to its current list of open days, operating 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursdays. Austin History Center will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. April 4. The expansion of hours also marks the return of in-person programming and events at Austin Public Library locations. Library customers will be able to begin reserving space in the Central Library’s Shared Learning Rooms starting March 28. Customers will also be able to reserve space in community meeting rooms starting Additionally, the four library locations currently offering Curbside Hold Pickup …
LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING February 24, 2022 – 6 p.m. City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Library Commission may be participating by videoconference. 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. Public comment will be allowed via telephone at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely, members of the public must call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Wednesday, February 23. Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert, Chair; JC Dwyer; Eric Frierson; Lynda Infante; Ryan Marquess; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; Mark Smith and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting 3. Briefings: Recycled Reads Bookstore, Hannah Terrell, Division Manager, Branch Services Book Selection and Reconsideration Policies, Slaven Lee, Customer Access Division Manager 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Discussion of Budget Calendar and Boards and Commissions Recommendations for FY2022-23 Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager b. Discussion and possible action on a “Freedom to Read” working group c. Discussion of a possible commission planning retreat in March 6. Discussion of Director’s Report for February covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities 7. 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 (48 hours) 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
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 January, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 24 January, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Pat Dabbert, Vice Chair Steven Self and Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, Courtney Rosenthal, and Mark Smith Board Members Absent: Commission Member Lily Trieu Citizen Communication: General none 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members 2. Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. 3. Briefings: Town hall meetings on Digital Inclusion in partnership with the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission was given by Nehemiah Pitts, Chair, Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission and Khotan Harmon, Consultant, Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs, Financial Services Dept. Austin History Center Volunteer Services was given by Paul Lopez, Volunteer Services & Internship Program Coordinator 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Discussion and possible action on Fine Free Libraries working group draft Recommendation20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library. Recommendation 20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library was approved on Commission Member Smith’s motion and Commission Member Infante’s second on a 9- 0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 January, 2022 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for January covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update Recycled Reads Update Freedom to Read | book challenges Planning Retreat Use of Central Rental Spaces Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. without objection.
Special Report January 2022 Volunteers Total Volunteers as of Jan-2022 Active Volunteers Volunteer Hours Salary Value x $26.43 = Volunteers Age Bracket Volunteers Race/Ethnicity Years of Service 713 40 299.35 $7,911.82 13-17 18-24 25-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 2 2 6 6 3 6 4 17 14 10 White Black/Af-Am Hisp-Latinx Native Am Asian Pacific Multi-Racial We revised the Volunteer Application in January 2022 to collect this data. This is optional/voluntary. <1 1-3 3-5 5 + Monthly Trends Active Volunteers Volunteer Hours Salary Value x $26.43 = 66+ 15 Not Provided Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21 Jan-22 70 57 46 40 611.4 404.32 342.70 299.35 16,159.30 10,686.18 9,057.56 7,911.82 Locations with Volunteers as of January 2022 Twin Oaks – 7 Old Quarry – 3 Central – 6 Milwood - 4 Manchaca – 5 Hampton - 2 Recycled Read – 5 Carver - 1 Spicewood – 4 North Village - 1 History Center – 4 Milwood – 4 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant Monthly Activity Report 2/10/2022 2:38 PM
Director’s Report February 2022 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 8 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 11 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 12 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 12 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 12 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 13 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 13 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 13 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 13 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 14 Collections Circulation January ____________________________________________________________ 14 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Eliminating Overdue Fines Following Historic City Council Vote On February 17, the Austin City Council unanimously voted to eliminate fines for overdue library materials at Austin Public Library. “The Austin Public Library is committed to providing free and equitable access to all of our resources for the citizens of Austin,” stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. “We want to make sure our resources are available to those impacted the most by fines.” Late fines create a financial barrier for many people in accessing library materials, and have been found to be an ineffective way of encouraging materials returns. Studies of libraries in other communities that have eliminated late fines have found that ending late fines actually results in a higher rate of books being returned, as people are less likely to avoid the library if they are not concerned about having to pay money. In 2019, in acknowledgement that monetary library fines are a form of social inequity, the American Library Association passed a resolution encouraging libraries throughout the nation to discontinue fees for overdue library materials as a mechanism to increase library usage and expand access for all populations. Over 400 libraries in the United States have already removed fines for overdue materials. Earlier this year, the Austin Library Commission issued a unanimous recommendation to City Council that late fines be eliminated at Austin Public Library. “The Library Commission is very excited for what this change means for ensuring more equitable access to our libraries,” stated Patricia Dabbert, Chair of the Austin Library Commission. “I am grateful for the work my fellow commissioners have done in taking the lead on this issue. The move to going fine-free is not retroactive, but the Library is investigating equitable ways to help cardholders with existing fines so that they may continue using their cards. In 2018, the Austin Public Library eliminated fines for overdue children’s materials. Also, …
Austin Public Library Policy and Procedures Manual Subject: Materials Selection Policy Effective Date: August 5, 2012 Revised: October 1, 2021 Contact: Customer Access Division Manager Telephone: 974-7476 Department Director’s Approval: To articulate the principles, policies, and criteria that guide the staff in selecting materials to develop responsive collections for the library system and to inform the public on these principles and selection standards used by the Library. Purpose: Commitment: We are committed to providing easy access to books and information for all ages through responsive professionals, engaging programs, and state-of-the-art technology in a safe and friendly environment. Austin Public Library prioritizes a commitment to equity ensuring that all members of the Austin community have equitable access to library services and programs. Diversity and inclusion are about respecting, understanding, honoring, and welcoming all members of the staff and community into the library. Decisions about hiring, collection development, policies, and programming are made with a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion. I. principles: Principles The Austin Public Library Materials Selection Policy is based on the following A. Materials are selected which provide for the interest, information, enlightenment, entertainment, education, development, and enrichment of all library customers, within budgetary constraints and availability of materials. B. The freedom to read, along with the freedom to hear and to view, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This freedom, essential to our democracy, will be upheld, supported, and defended in the selection and accessibility of all library materials. In this regard, the library upholds the principles of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Freedom to View, Statement on Labeling, and Free Access to Libraries for Minors as well as to the Texas Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Statement. C. Selection of materials does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content, viewpoint, implications, or presentation of the materials. D. The library staff does not serve in loco parentis. It is the parent(s), and only the parent(s), who may restrict their children, and only their own children, from access to library materials. Responsibility for children's reading rests with their parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of children. E. The library is not a judicial body. Laws governing obscenity, subversive materials, and other questionable matters are subject to interpretation by …
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials The Austin Public Library staff selects materials for all collections in accordance with the criteria stated in the Materials Selection Policy. By completing this form, you are requesting that the Library: Remove item from collection Please provide the following information: Type of Material: _____________________________________________________________________ (book, recording, periodical, etc.) Title of Work: ________________________________________________________________________ Author of Work: ______________________________________________________________________ Have you read, viewed, or listened to the entire work? If not, with which parts are you familiar? Yes No Have you read reviews of the work? If so, please tell us where: Yes No Are there portions of this work to which you specifically object? If so, please cite page numbers: Yes No Why do you feel the Library should reconsider this work? Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials _____________________ Date _____________________________________________________________________________________ Your Name _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________ Organization Represented (if any) _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ Library Location _____________________________________ Staff Signature _____________________________________ Date Received Staff please send form to Library Director immediately. Request for Reconsideration of Library materials FOR STAFF USE ONLY Collection Development Manager opinion: Director: Agree Disagree Comments: OUTCOME
Presentation Prepared by: Hannah Terrell, Division Manager of Branch Services Ze ro Wa s t e Go a l To p ic s We 'll Co v e r How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste | US EPA Th e Re c y c le d Re a d s Bo o k s t o re Se rv ic e s is t o im p le m e n t t h e Cit y 's Ze ro Wa s t e in it ia t iv e . Th is s e rv ic e re p u rp o s e s , re c y c le s o r s e lls b o o k s t h a t a re d is c a rd e d b y t h e lib ra ry o r d o n a t e d b y re s id e n t s . Th is s e rv ic e a c c e p t s a n d s o rt s in c o m in g d o n a t io n s , t o s h e lv in g a n d o rg a n izin g m a t e ria ls t o u p c y c le fo r c ra ft in g . Ma t e ria ls m a y a ls o b e s o ld t o Go o d w ill In d u s t rie s o f Ce n t ra l Te xa s , Th rift b o o k s , o r s e n t t o Au s t in Re s o u rc e Re c o v e ry t o p u lp . 1 6 . 4 2 5 T O N S D O N AT E D T O G O O D W ILL Octob e r 2021 1 3 . 2 8 T O N S D O N AT E D T O G O O D W ILL Nove mb e r 2021 1 4 . 4 2 T O N S DONATED T O G O O D W ILL De ce mb e r 2021 Donations 694 BOXES …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 24 February, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Hybrid Meeting on Thursday, February, 2022 at the Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101, 301 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: In-person - Chair Pat Dabbert, Commission Members Courtney Rosenthal and Mark Smith Virtually - Vice Chair Steven Self, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Eric Frierson Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. 3. Briefings: Recycled Reads Bookstore was given by Hannah Terrell, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Book Selection and Reconsideration Policies was given by Slaven Lee, Customer Access Division Manager 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Presentation and discussion: Discussion of Budget Calendar and Boards and Commissions Recommendations for FY2022-23 Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager, gave the presentation. b. Discussion and possible action on a “Freedom to Read” working group Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 The creation of a Freedom to Read working group was approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. The group will report back to the commission with recommendations for action to support public access to diverse library materials and to resist library censorship efforts. c. Discussion of a possible commission planning retreat in March Chair Dabbert will share two (2) possible dates for a 2-hour planning retreat in March with Commission Members. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for December covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update – March 2022 Enhanced Library Cards – March 2022 Civic Engagement – April 2022 Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. without objection
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING January 24, 2022 – 6 p.m. Central Library Special Event Center 710 W Cesar Chavez St. 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. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert, Chair; JC Dwyer; Eric Frierson; Lynda Infante; Ryan Marquess; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; Mark Smith and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting 3. Briefings: Town hall meetings on Digital Inclusion in partnership with the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, Emi Johnson, APL Innovation & Improvement and Jesse Rodriguez, TARA Austin Public Library Volunteer Services, Paul Lopez, Volunteer Services & Internship Program Coordinator 4. Old Business a. None 5. New Business a. Discussion and possible action on Fine Free Libraries working group draft Recommendation20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library 6. Discussion of Director’s Report for January covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities 7. 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 (48 hours) 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
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 13 December, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 13 December, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Pat Dabbert, Vice Chair Steven Self and Commission Members JC Dwyer, Ryan Marquess, Courtney Rosenthal, Mark Smith and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Member Julia Aguilar, Eric Frierson, and Lynda Infante Citizen Communication: General Amy Praskac spoke about placement of mysteries / shelving arrangement at the North Village Branch library. 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members 2. Approval of Minutes from the November 15, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 7-0 vote. Commission Members Aguilar, Frierson, and Infante absent. 3. Briefings: Library Foundation Update was given by Tim Staley, Executive Director, Library Foundation; and Austin History Center Association Update was given by Jeff Cohen, Executive Director, AHCA 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Presentation and discussion: Transportation options for getting to the Central Library. Jo Anne Ortiz, Community Engagement, Cap Metro, gave the presentation. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for December covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Assistant Director for Public Services, Dana Conners, gave the report. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 13 December, 2021 7. Future Agenda Items Briefing on Volunteer Services at Austin Public Library Report from the Fine Free Libraries Working Group Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library Seconded By: Date: January 24, 2022 Subject: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library Motioned By: Recommendation Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their budgetary authority to eliminate the collection of fees for Austin Public Library materials that are returned late. Rationale: The Austin Public Library vision statement assures that “all members of the Austin community have equal access to Library services and programs.” But the practice of assessing fines for overdue materials presents a barrier to that vision. Overdue fines are a regressive and unnecessary policy that most negatively impacts the Austinites in each Council District who are least able to pay. Accumulated overdue fines lead to blocked library accounts, further restricting access to libraries over what are often small amounts of money. Once users accrue just $25 in fines, they are referred to outside collection agencies, enriching these private entities at taxpayer expense and further damaging the credit standing of our city’s residents in pursuit of an unnecessary fee. Recognizing that late fees disproportionately affect low-income patrons, the American Library Association passed a resolution in 20191 urging libraries nationwide to actively move towards eliminating these fees. Studies have consistently shown that discontinuing the assessment of fines for overdue materials does not decrease return rates, and in fact may increase library card adoption and library usage. In 2019, APL eliminated overdue fines for children’s materials with no negative effects. 386 U.S. city library systems have now taken this simple and practical step to serve their populations more equitably. Among some of the larger metropolitan libraries eliminating late fees include systems in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. Here in Texas, the public library systems in Users w Overdue Fees, 2018-21 COA District APL Users with Overdue Fees 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1,409 1,127 1,811 939 1,852 1,312 1,705 1,455 2,526 1,443 1 of 2 San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and New Braunfels have stopped assessing late fees. In light of the City’s goals to increase equity and access to services, it is also time for Austin to make this change. Libraries are one of the last free public spaces open to all Austinites. Limiting their use by lower-income Austinites to maintain an outdated and unnecessary policy …
Director’s Report January 2022 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 7 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 10 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 11 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 11 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 11 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 11 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 12 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 12 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 12 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 13 Collections Circulation December __________________________________________________________ 13 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Statement on Book Banning and Library Censorship The Austin Public Library stands with the entire library community in defense of the freedom to speak and the freedom to read, and opposed to censorship of any library materials. We remain committed to providing the entire Austin community with access to books, ideas, and knowledge, and to fostering a Library for All. “Freedom to read is a right that must be protected in our schools and public libraries, and we must not give in to the vocal few that want to speak for the many,” stated Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. In October 2021, the Texas Library Association (TLA) noted a “substantial increase in censorship activity” in Texas libraries. In a statement from October 26, the TLA stated: “The Texas Library Association (TLA) holds that the freedom to read is a human right, protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. TLA believes that individuals have the right to free inquiry and the equally important right to form their own opinions. Freedom in selecting materials is a necessary safeguard to the freedom to read and shall be protected against irresponsible attempts by self-appointed censors to abridge it. Therefore, TLA opposes efforts that restrict the freedom to read through banning, removing, or other forms of restricting access to books or other materials.” In November 2021, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) reported an “unprecedented volume” in challenges to books in the Fall of 2021. In a joint statement from the ALA’s Executive Board and the Boards of Directors for all of ALA’s eight divisions, the ALA said: “In recent months, a few organizations have advanced the proposition that the voices of the marginalized have no place on library shelves. To this end, they have launched campaigns demanding the censorship of books and resources that mirror the lives of those who are gay, …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library Seconded By: Commissioner Infante Date: January 24, 2022 Subject: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library Motioned By: Commissioner Smith Recommendation Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their budgetary authority to eliminate the collection of fees for Austin Public Library materials that are returned late. Rationale: The Austin Public Library vision statement assures that “all members of the Austin community have equal access to Library services and programs.” But the practice of assessing fines for overdue materials presents a barrier to that vision. Overdue fines are a regressive and unnecessary policy that most negatively impacts the Austinites in each Council District who are least able to pay. Accumulated overdue fines lead to blocked library accounts, further restricting access to libraries over what are often small amounts of money. Once users accrue just $25 in fines, they are referred to outside collection agencies, enriching these private entities at taxpayer expense and further damaging the credit standing of our city’s residents in pursuit of an unnecessary fee. Recognizing that late fees disproportionately affect low-income patrons, the American Library Association passed a resolution in 20191 urging libraries nationwide to actively move towards eliminating these fees. Studies have consistently shown that discontinuing the assessment of fines for overdue materials does not decrease return rates, and in fact may increase library card adoption and library usage. In 2019, APL eliminated overdue fines for children’s materials with no negative effects. 386 U.S. city library systems have now taken this simple and practical step to serve their populations more equitably. Among some of the larger metropolitan libraries eliminating late fees include systems in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. Here in Texas, the public library systems in San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and New Braunfels have stopped assessing late fees. 1 of 2 Users w Overdue Fees, 2018-21 COA District APL Users with Overdue Fees 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1,409 1,127 1,811 939 1,852 1,312 1,705 1,455 2,526 1,443 In light of the City’s goals to increase equity and access to services, it is also time for Austin to make this change. Libraries are one of the last free public spaces open to all Austinites. Limiting their use by lower-income Austinites to maintain an …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 January, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 24 January, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Pat Dabbert, Vice Chair Steven Self and Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, Courtney Rosenthal, and Mark Smith Board Members Absent: Commission Member Lily Trieu Citizen Communication: General none 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members 2. Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. 3. Briefings: Town hall meetings on Digital Inclusion in partnership with the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission was given by Nehemiah Pitts, Chair, Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission and Khotan Harmon, Consultant, Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs, Financial Services Dept. Austin History Center Volunteer Services was given by Paul Lopez, Volunteer Services & Internship Program Coordinator 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Discussion and possible action on Fine Free Libraries working group draft Recommendation20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library. Recommendation 20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library was approved on Commission Member Smith’s motion and Commission Member Infante’s second on a 9- 0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 January, 2022 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for January covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update Recycled Reads Update Freedom to Read | book challenges Planning Retreat Use of Central Rental Spaces Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. without objection.
