09/13/2023 Library Commission Regular
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City of Gilroy
Library Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 | 7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Coverson-Baxter called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
2. ROLL CALL
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Victoria Coverson-Baxter, Chair
Saied Nooshabadi, Vice Chair
Sumana Reddy, Commissioner (LATE, arrived at 7:07 p.m.)
Gabriela Kim, Commissioner
Absent None
3. SECRETARY'S REPORT
The meeting agenda was posted online and in the City Hall kiosk on Friday, September 8,
2023.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1. May 24, 2023
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Gabriela Kim, Commissioner
SECONDER Saeid Nooshabadi, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Coverson-Baxter, Commissioner Kim, Commissioner
Nooshabadi
ABSENT: Commissioner Reddy
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Gabriela Kim, Commissioner
SECONDER Saeid Nooshabadi, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Coverson-Baxter, Commissioner Kim, Commissioner Nooshabadi
ABSENT: Commissioner Reddy
6. INTRODUCTIONS
None.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
8 OLD BUSINESS
September 13, 2023 | 7:00 PM Page 2 of 3 Library Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
8.1. Review Library Commission Workplan for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
Henig reviewed the work plan with the Commission. On item number three,
“increase interest among prospective [library commission] applicants,”
commissioners recommended the following ideas for community outreach:
• Create a flyer and distribute it to patrons during library events (e.g.,
storytime, author talks, etc.)
• Contact Friends of Gilroy Library
• Hang large sign in the Library’s lobby.
• Include a QR code on flyers and banner.
• Attend library events and make pitch about applying to serve on the
commission.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Selection of Commissioner to Attend a 2024 Library Conference.
Since the Commission received funding to send a commissioner to a California Library
Association (CLA) conference for the next two fiscal years, the Commission now needs to
determine who will attend. All necessary expenses (travel, lodge, meals) will be paid (and
reimbursed) by the City of Gilroy.
It was noted that during this fiscal year the annual American Library Association (ALA)
conference will be held in San Diego. Library staff explained that this conference provides
a “broader view” of library services” whereas the statewide conference is more localized
and “granular.” It was also pointed out that it is rare for the ALA to host a conference in
California, which is why library staff recommend that the commission send an attendee to
the national conference. Commissioner Kim nominated Chair Coverson-Baxter to attend
the ALA, who accepted. Commissioner Reddy seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Gabriela Kim, Commissioner
SECONDER Sumana Reddy, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Coverson-Baxter, Commissioner Kim, Commissioner Nooshabadi,
Commissioner Reddy
10. LIBRARY REPORTS
10.1. Santa Clara County Library Reports for June through September 2023
(attached)
Deputy County Librarian Steve Fitzgerald presented the September report,
which included the following:
• National Library Card Sign-up Month
• National Preparedness Month
• National Hispanic Month
• Registration to vote
• Poet Laureate application deadline
10.2. Gilroy Library Report
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Regular Meeting Minutes
Gilroy Librarian Casandra Wong discussed the following from her report:
• Storytime has reached 100 participants, the highest number since the
start of the pandemic.
• Looking into collaborating with the City on the Storywalk project
• With more programs, Library is increasing staffing levels
• Gilroy Library is focusing on exploring potential projects that could be
funded using the library bond.
• Planning to connect with Gilroy High School this season.
• Library had nearly 4,000 online users: 4,300 individual borrowers, nearly
400 new cardholders, and circulated nearly 22,000 items
• Summer Program Recap included 581 Powerschool and 112 STEM
program participants; 21 teenage volunteers; 1,600 summer reading
participants.
• Upcoming fall programs include: Turkey Bingo, more storytime, an art
showcase, and other workshops/events.
11. COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Reddy suggested the Commission post flyers on the Nextdoor website.
12. STAFF COMMENTS
Librarian Wong informed the Commission about the “Library of Things” pilot program at
Milpitas. Patrons have the opportunity to check out items beyond the what is currently
offered at the library. These include a metal detector, a food dehydrator, and a popcorn
maker.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioner Kim inquired if there’s a significant disparity in costs between the two
conferences. Staff will follow-up. Chair Coverson-Baxter requested to share the ALA
conference schedule with commissioners, in hopes to receive feedback on which sessions
to attend.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Coverson-Baxter adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
______________AH____________
Adam Henig, Recreation Division
Recording Secretary