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.
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING December 13, 2021 – 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 November 15, 2021 Regular Meeting 3. Briefings: Library Foundation Update, Tim Staley, Executive Director; Austin History Center Association Update, Jeff Cohen, Executive Director a. Presentation and discussion: Transportation options for getting to the Central Library, Jo Anne Ortiz, Community Engagement, Cap Metro 6. Discussion of Director’s Report for December covering programming highlights, 4. Old Business a. None 5. New Business 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 Community Interest Announcement Reception for Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association December 13, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Sharon Herfurth 512-974-7420
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 15 November, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 15 November, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 5:30 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, and Courtney Rosenthal Board Members Absent: Commission Member Lily Trieu Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert introduced Mark Smith, new Library Commissioner for District 3 2. Approval of Minutes from the October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. 3. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Outreach Update Melissa Sanchez, Outreach Manager, gave the update. 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business meeting. a. Discussion of a reception for Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association staff and board members at the December 13 meeting. A reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. before the start of the regular Library Commission 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for November covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Library Commission Meeting Minutes 15 November, 2021 Director Weeks gave the report, including an update on grants received for Telehealth Access and Digital Navigators. Chair Dabbert will speak on behalf of the commission at the Pleasant Hill Branch Grand Re-opening celebration on December 4. 7. Future Agenda Items Updates on the Library Foundation and the Austin History Center Association Transportation options to get to Central Library Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 6:23 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING November 15, 2021 - 5:30 PM Central Library Conference Room Fourth Floor 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; and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting 3. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Outreach Update, Melissa Sanchez, Outreach a. Discussion of a reception for Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association staff and board members at the December 13 meeting 6. Discussion of Director’s Report for November covering programming highlights, Manager 4. Old Business a. None 5. New Business 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 25 October, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 25 October, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Pat Dabbert and Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Courtney Rosenthal Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Steven Self and Commission Members Eric Frierson and Lily Trieu Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert introduced Kerry McGuire, the new Library Foundation Development Manager. 2. Approval of Minutes from the September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved as corrected on a 6-0 vote. The correction was to strike the last sentence, “Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m. without objection.” Vice Chair Self and Commission Members Frierson and Trieu absent. 3. Approval of Minutes from the October 9, 2021 Special Called Meeting The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Self and Commission Members Frierson and Trieu absent. 4. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Performance Metrics Emi Johnson, Business Process, Improvement & Innovation, gave the briefing. 5. Old Business: none 6. New Business for meetings to 6 PM. a. Discussion and possible action on the Library Commission meeting schedule for 2022 The 2022 meeting schedule was approved without objection with a change in the starting time Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 October, 2021 b. Discussion of reactivating the Fine Free Libraries working group The working group members will be Commission Members Dwyer and Infante and Vice Chair Self. Emi Johnson will provide staff support. 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 8. Future Agenda Items Volunteer Services Update and introduction of new volunteer coordinator Usage Data & Demographics of Library Users Redistricting & Demographics of Austin Residents Outreach & the Bookmobile Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 6:23 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING October 25, 2021 - 5:30 PM Central Library 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; Daniella Ramos; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting 3. Approval of Minutes from the October 9, 2021 Special Called Meeting 4. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Performance Metrics, Emi Johnson, Business Process, Improvement & Innovation 5. Old Business a. None 6. New Business 2022 a. Discussion and possible action on the Library Commission meeting schedule for b. Discussion of reactivating the Fine Free Libraries working group 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities 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 (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
MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION 2022 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission The Library Commission meets monthly Monday, January 24 Monday, February 28 Monday, March 28 Monday, April 25 Monday, May 23 Monday, June 27 Monday, July 25 Monday, August 22 Monday, September 26 Monday, October 24 Monday, November 28 Monday, December 19 5:30 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch | 3101 Oak Springs Dr (3) 5:30 PM Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr (7) 5:30 PM Old Quarry Branch | 7051 Village Center Dr (10) 5:30 PM Manchaca Rd Branch | 5500 Menchaca Rd (5) 5:30 PM Little Walnut Branch | 835 W Rundberg Ln (4) 5:30 PM Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S 5th St (9) 5:30 PM Hampton Branch | 5125 Convict Hill Rd (8) 5:30 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St 5:30 PM Spicewood Springs | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd (6) 5:30 PM Southeast Branch | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd (2) 5:30 PM Windsor Park Branch | 5833 Westminster Dr (1) 5:30 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
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 9 October, 2021 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 9 October, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 10:14 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Patricia Dabbert; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Members Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Courtney Rosenthal Citizen Communication: None 1. Team Building Exercise Commissioners introduced themselves and Vice Chair Self explained the role of a Commissioner. 2. Discussion of Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings, October 2021 – March 2022 The following topics were proposed: October - Overview of Metrics That APL Uses to Measure its Success; Transportation Accessibility for Central Library; Reactivating Fine Free Libraries Working Group November – Usage Data & Demographics of Library Users; Redistricting & Demographics of Austin Residents; Outreach & the Bookmobile December – Reception for Library Foundation & Austin History Center Association board members; Library hours; Accessibility to technology (laptops, tablets, hot spots); Community Services January – Fine Free Libraries Working Group Update; Security February – Facilities Update; Recycled Reads; Use of Central Rental Spaces March – Project Outcome; Civic Engagement Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m. without objection.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 September, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 27 September, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Chair Pat Dabbert and Commission Courtney Rosenthal Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Commissioners and APL staff introduced themselves. 2. Approval of Minutes from the August 30, 2021 Special Called Meeting via Videoconferencing The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Frierson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Chair Dabbert and Commission Member Rosenthal absent. 3. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Equity Office Carmaleta McKinnis-Williams, APL Equity Officer, presented the role of the Equity Office and her activities as Equity Officer. 4. Old Business 5. New Business a. Discussion of a Library Commission Planning Retreat The retreat was set for Saturday, October 9, starting at 10 a.m. at the Central Library. a. Discussion and possible action on the Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy, Nina Rinaldi, Shoal Creek Conservancy Commissioners viewed the presentation. No action taken. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 September, 2021 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for September covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Demographics of new library card holders Samples of EDI policies in other libraries Adjournment: Vice Chair Self adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. without objection. Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m. without objection.
End of Year Summary Fiscal Year 2021 and Trends Budget 1,020,000 1,000,000 980,000 960,000 940,000 920,000 900,000 6,000,000 5,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 0 Total FTEs Allocated 442.3 443.6 443.6 446.0 433.3 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 8 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 1,000,594 $58,868,376 $60,000,000 $70,000,000 $50,000,000 $40,000,000 $30,000,000 $20,000,000 Department Budget for Legal Service Area FY Total Population of Austin FY Annual Budget $47,167,036 $50,445,772 937,065 937,069 967,629 $52,168,472 972,499 $54,685,661 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Materials Budget Per Resident FY Total Population of Austin FY Annual Materials Budget Allocated Per Person $3,599,633 $4 $4,320,747 $5 $4,477,635 $5 $5,232,169 $5 $5,400,823 $5 937,065 937,069 967,629 972,499 1,000,594 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 $6 $5 $4 $3 $2 $1 $0 COVID IMPACTS Libraries closed to the public in March 2020. May 2020 Library programs pivoted to virtual and outdoor events. June 2020 Book drops opened and curbside services offered. June 2021 Library locations reopened to the public at limited capacity. Austin History Center opened 2 days/week to offer remote reference and e-document services. Social distancing reduced the number of public computers. Library staff volunteered to work at Emergency Operation Centers. “All this stuff is new, but like any new process, you’re getting used to it,” Fitzgerald (a library customer) said. “During these times, as long as it’s good for public safety, we’re good.” ~Austin Monitor October 2, 2020 Branch Closures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Little Walnut Creek - vaccination clinic Southeast - vaccination clinic Terrazas - Downtown Austin Community Court Cepeda - renovation University Hills - renovation Yarborough - renovation Pleasant Hill - renovation Collection Physical Collection Size Virtual Collection Size CO L L E C T I O N S S I Z E T R E N D S 2,413,512 1,254,350 865,111 881,748 1,196,297 934,438 EOY 2019 EOY 2020 EOY 2021 e-MATERIALS TRENDS eBooks in Collection eAudio in Collection eMusic in Collection 422,888 431,780 492,894 251,526 156,478 252,195 164,843 253,685 154,913 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 Visitors VISITORS Trends FY 2021 91,730 91,376 76,407 68,950 JUN JUL AUG SEP Central Visitors Trends FY 2021 22,903 17,241 10,592 8,626 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 3,627,832 VISITORS EOY TRENDS 1,596,937 527,375 EOY 2019 EOY 2020 EOY 2021 JUN JUL AUG SEP Cardholders CARDHOLDERS …
