TEXAS CITY LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Day, April 28, 2025, 4:00 PM
LIBRARY MEETING ROOM
MINUTES
Day, April 28, 2025, 4:00 PM
LIBRARY MEETING ROOM
The Library Board of Directors Meeting met on April 28, 2025, in the Library Meeting Room, in Texas City, Texas, with the following in attendance: Christina Bergvall, Chair; Lynn R. Ellison, Vice Chair; Jill Halasz; Bettie Rac; Rita Waldrop; Stephani Doyle; Shirley Mapps; Danica Surman; Cheryl Loewen, Library Director; Jessica Matos Assistant Director.
Christina Bergvall, Chair, declared that a quorum was present and called the meeting of the Library Board to order at 4:04 PM.
(1)
INTRODUCTIONS
(2)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes were approved unanimously.
Minutes were approved unanimously.
(3)
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
(a)
Meeting of the Galveston County Library Advisory Council on April 8, 2025
Cheryl Loewen and Christina Bergvall attended this meeting. The proposed budget for FY 2026 was discussed - it may include a new van for the Extension Services program; Jesus Moya reported on the activities of Extension Services; all libraries reported on recent activities and programs.
Cheryl Loewen and Christina Bergvall attended this meeting. The proposed budget for FY 2026 was discussed - it may include a new van for the Extension Services program; Jesus Moya reported on the activities of Extension Services; all libraries reported on recent activities and programs.
(b)
Programming update
Programs discussed: Plans for the summer reading program and Kick-Off on May 31; Local author showcase on May 10; Small Business Success Series is going very well.
Programs discussed: Plans for the summer reading program and Kick-Off on May 31; Local author showcase on May 10; Small Business Success Series is going very well.
(c)
E-Read Texas
This is a new service now available for our patrons too check out eBooks and eAudiobooks. It is provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and is free to the library.
This is a new service now available for our patrons too check out eBooks and eAudiobooks. It is provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and is free to the library.
(d)
Outreach
Library staff attended the CPS resource fair on April 15.
Library staff attended the CPS resource fair on April 15.
(e)
Family Place Libraries grant update
The total attendance for the first series of workshops was 82. Library staff are very pleased with this attendance. The second series of workshops is scheduled for August 15-September 12.
The total attendance for the first series of workshops was 82. Library staff are very pleased with this attendance. The second series of workshops is scheduled for August 15-September 12.
(f)
TexTreasures grant update
Funding has been restored for this year's grant and the invoice has been received. The application for the FY26 grant was submitted, and we are waiting for a response.
Funding has been restored for this year's grant and the invoice has been received. The application for the FY26 grant was submitted, and we are waiting for a response.
(g)
Thinking Money for Kids grant update
There are more programs for this grant scheduled for May and for the summer.
There are more programs for this grant scheduled for May and for the summer.
(h)
Dollar General Literacy grant application
An application was submitted for this grant to purchase tablets loaded with activities that support early literacy.
An application was submitted for this grant to purchase tablets loaded with activities that support early literacy.
(i)
Local History update
As part of the TexTreasures grant, QR codes have been created and affixed to exhibits at the Texas City Museum. These codes take visitors to the online site containing articles from the Texas City Sun that relate to the specific exhibit.
As part of the TexTreasures grant, QR codes have been created and affixed to exhibits at the Texas City Museum. These codes take visitors to the online site containing articles from the Texas City Sun that relate to the specific exhibit.
(j)
Policy updates
The circulation policy that was approved by the Board at the last meeting has been approved by the City Commission and is now posted on the libraries website. Other policiess being looked at are the Interlibrary Loan Policy and the Patron Behavior Policy.
The circulation policy that was approved by the Board at the last meeting has been approved by the City Commission and is now posted on the libraries website. Other policiess being looked at are the Interlibrary Loan Policy and the Patron Behavior Policy.
(k)
Texas State Library and Archives Commission update
There has been some uncertainty regarding funding due to the federal government curtailing the activities of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provides TSLAC with 33% of its funds. The library director was recently informed that the TexTreasures grant funds were restored, as were the ILL reimbursement grant funds. Funding for the Texshare database program is not yet confirmed.
The application for accreditation for the next year was submitted on March 21, 2025.
There has been some uncertainty regarding funding due to the federal government curtailing the activities of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provides TSLAC with 33% of its funds. The library director was recently informed that the TexTreasures grant funds were restored, as were the ILL reimbursement grant funds. Funding for the Texshare database program is not yet confirmed.
The application for accreditation for the next year was submitted on March 21, 2025.
(4)
OLD BUSINESS
(a)
Budget FY 2025 - City of Texas City
As of April 21, 56.6% of the budget has been spent, so spending is on track for the year.
As of April 21, 56.6% of the budget has been spent, so spending is on track for the year.
(b)
Budget FY 2025 - Galveston County Library System
As of the end of March, 50% of the county funds have been spent, so spending is on track for the year.
As of the end of March, 50% of the county funds have been spent, so spending is on track for the year.
(5)
NEW BUSINESS
The library is purchasing self-service payment equipment for the public printer.
The library is purchasing self-service payment equipment for the public printer.
(6)
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
The library director gave an update on pending state legislation that could impact the library.
Mr. Henry Gomez requested to speak: he mentioned that the font size of the posted agenda was too small, and he spoke about the hispanic community in Texas City.
The library director gave an update on pending state legislation that could impact the library.
Mr. Henry Gomez requested to speak: he mentioned that the font size of the posted agenda was too small, and he spoke about the hispanic community in Texas City.
(7)
ADJOURN
Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM.
Next scheduled meeting is Monday, June 23, 2025
Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM.
Next scheduled meeting is Monday, June 23, 2025