HomeMy WebLinkAboutLIB 2020-09-24 Minutes MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD VIRTUALLY
September 24, 2020
Board Participants: Don Tipps Chair
Mary Robbins Board Member
John Keigley Board Member
Krina Traywick Board Member
Holly Mitchell Board Member
Pam Donahoo Board Member
Jerry Sorenson Board Member
Staff Participants: Cecilia Barham Library Director
Courtney Kincaid Assistant Library Director
Cathy McNeely Administrative Secretary
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Don Tipps called the meeting to order on September 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Tipps moved to accept the minutes; all board members adopted it as presented; the
minutes were unanimously approved.
NEW LIBRARY BOARD MEMBER INTRODUCTION
Ms. Barham introduced new board member Pam Donahoo, who was welcomed by
everyone and talked briefly about herself.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Ms. Barham presented the Library's response to the COVIDI9 pandemic in a timeline
approach. The Library's course of action after the mandated building closure on 3/17
included planning and implementing virtual programs and classes, writing grant
applications, designing and producing Personal Protective Equipment in The Maker Spot for
firefighters and hospital staff, and adding 140,000 e-book titles in the new database
cloudLibrary. Staff recorded training videos and tutorials to help patrons use library digital
resources, and prepared the building for reopening with CDC guidelines. Curbside
Delivery/Printing was offered, and on 5/18 the Library was opened back to the public with
reduced hours and with hourly surface cleaning by staff. Ms. Barham screen shared with
board members Birdsong, a historical database project. Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Sorenson
commended the staff's initiative in responding quickly to the pandemic.
Ms. Barham reviewed the Library's statistics highlights from February-August 2020 with the
board and answered questions.
LIBRARY CURBSIDE DELIVERY
Ms. Barham reported that patrons had 6,050 checkouts using the Curbside Delivery.
Currently, this service is offered during the Library's open hours, and will be adjusted to
peak hours in the future.
CLOUDLIBRARY SYSTEM
Ms. Barham presented the online collection of e-books and e-audios introduced in April
2020, during the COVID19 pandemic. The Library Director highlighted the simple interface
and ease of use.
REPORT ON PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Ms. Barham reported on past Library events including:
• 2020 Mayor's Summer Reading Club: 1,004 people participated of 89 virtual events
that included Storytime, Babygarten, Zoom craft parties and programs. This year, the
Library had online participants from other states and countries (England, Ireland,
Abu Dhabi).
And upcoming Library events including:
• Book Sale in a Bag, a Friends of the Library fundraiser in October.
• Mid-Cities Teen Book Fest virtual event on 10/16 with 10 Young Adult authors.
• Adult Services virtual Horror Trivia Night on 10/29 at 6:00pm.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PERSONNEL UPDATE
Ms. Barham explained that due to the COVID19 pandemic, several furloughed part time
staff sought employment elsewhere. The Library had 8 positions opened and is currently
interviewing candidates for 3 remaining unfilled positions.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting will be held on October 22, 2020 at 6:00 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:47 pm
ATT,_ T:
Cath :nne McNeely Don 77.s
Administrative Secretary Chair