HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board Minutes 2021-07-20 RegularCITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
LIBRARY BOARD
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021 - 6:00 PM
Minutes
MINUTES OF A FRIENDSWOOD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT 416 S. Friendswood Dr.,
Friendswood, TX,
STATE OF TEXAS
CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS
JULY 20, 2021
1.Call to Order
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIENDSWOOD SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD THAT WAS HELD
ON TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021, AT AT FRIENDSWOOD LIBRARY, 416 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM:
CHAIR DIANE FREEMAN
VICE CHAIR JOBETH BRIZENDINE
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE ROCKEY
BOARD MEMBER NEETA JAMBHEKAR
BOARD MEMBER KATHY MOLINARO
BOARD MEMBER BENETTE ROWLEY
BOARD MEMBER MADDIE SHORT
BOARD MEMBER BETTY STACY
BOARD MEMBER BRETT STEPHEN
BOARD MEMBER SHARON TAIT
LIBRARY DIRECTOR MATT RILEY
ASSISTANT LIBRARY DIRECTOR KAREN HART
ADMINISTRATIVE LIBRARY ASSISTANT LISA WILKINS
FISD LIAISON ROBERT MCCABE WAS ABSENT FROM THE MEETING.
Diane called the meeting to order at 5:58pm.
2.Communications from the Public
There was no communication from the public.
3.Minutes
A.Consider approving the minutes of the Library Board held on May 18, 2021.
Neeta motioned to approve the May 18, 2021 minutes. Maddie seconded and the minutes were approved.
4.Discussion Items
A.Receive and discuss the Library Director's Report.
Matt gave the Director’s Report highlighting that the library is back to regular business after the COVID
year. Matt also discussed the success of the Summer Reading Club with 1,021 of kids and teens
registered. Matt shared and answered questions about the Ekphrastic Poetry Contest. ESL classes are
also back to in-person with two instructors. Matt mentioned the Severe Weather Open House happening on
Thursday, July 22nd from 5-7pm.
Maddie shared that Sharon Tait will be taking over Friends Memberships, Jim Foreman has taken over as
president, and Maddie is staying on as the Library Liaison. Brenda Feaster has also been selected as Vice
President. Maddie shared that the Friends has new bags for sale with the new logo. Diane mentioned there
will be a paperback book sale on Friday, July 30th in the Community Room and they will have a full sale on
Saturday, August 28th.
Matt shared some updates on staff, including Brenda leaving the library and Katherine Domsky moving up
to the vacated full-time position.
Steve Rockey shared that they are getting closer to approving funding for the library’s proposed Digital
Media Specialist position. Sharon inquired what this job would entail. Matt gave a brief overview of the job
description.
B.Received and discuss an update regarding the Library Gala Committee plans.
Steve shared that they are doing great on donations towards the Gala. Steve asked if anyone is working on
a logo for the event, Brett shared that he is working on it and will have it this week.
Matt and JoBeth shared that last night’s logistics/theme committee meeting involved a walkthrough of the
library and discussions about scaling back in decorating to save money.
C.Receive and discuss a Strategic Planning Proposal related to Mental Health and Social Services
Partnerships.
Matt opened up a discussion about the challenges staff is facing regarding patrons who are suffering from
homelessness and serious mental illnesses. Matt shared ideas of staff training and partnering with local
organizations that offer assistance to those suffering these conditions. Matt asked the board for
suggestions on how to approach this. Kathy recommended that staff receive training to be able to separate
themselves from tense situations after they occur. Kathy also recommended hiring a social worker on staff.
Steve shared that FISD has social workers on staff that the library can reach out to as well. Sharon
mentioned getting together a team of volunteers to assist in these situations. Kathy also provided Matt with
a list of organizations in the area to reach out to.
JoBeth mentioned that there are options for the two school districts we serve for a liaison and offered to
contact the library director of CCISD. She also mentioned facilitating a library board retreat next Spring or
Summer after the Gala. Steve mentioned doing something for Mike and others who have retired after a
long service on the board. JoBeth also mentioned doing something to honor Ted Thomas and Byran
Corey.
5.Adjournment
Betty motioned to adjourn and Neeta seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:23pm. The next meeting will
be Tuesday, September 21, 2021.