04/14/2021 Library Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 06/09/2021
CITY OF GILROY
LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 14, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Gilroy Library Meeting Room
350 W. Sixth Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Victoria Coverson-Baxter Commissioner P
Michaela Gonzalez Vice Chair A
Sumana Reddy Commissioner P
Katherine Robinson Chair P
Kathy Souza Commissioner P
II. SECRETARY'S REPORT – The Library Commission agenda was posted on
April 9, 2021 in the City Hall kiosk at 9:56am and on the City website at
10:15am.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 10, 2021 – Commissioner Souza motioned to approve the
February meeting minutes. Chair Robinson seconded. Motion passed 4 -0-1
(Absent: Gonzalez).
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Commissioner Souza motioned to approve the
agenda. Chair Robinson seconded. Motion passed 4-0-1 (Absent: Gonzalez).
V. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – none.
VI. NEW BUSINESS – none.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Library Commission Confirm Recommendation for the Upcoming Two-
year Budget Cycle. – The Commission confirmed their request for funding
in the upcoming two-year budget of $100 per fiscal year for training or
materials. The Commission will use the funds to either purchase books for
each of the five commissioners on the topic of advocating on behalf of the
library or to send a Commissioner(s) to training.
VIII. LIBRARY REPORTS
A. County Library Report for April 2021 (report attached) – Diane Roche,
Director of Communications and Marketing for Santa Clara County Library
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District (SCCLD) presented the report. Starting on April 19, the libraries will
be expanding their hours to Monday through Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00pm.
They will be able to open at 50% occupancy and will therefore limit visits to
one hour so that more people can utilize the library. Curbside pickup service
will continue Monday through Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Steve
Fitzgerald, who has been with SCCLD since 2007 is the new County Deputy
Librarian. Roche recommending visiting the SCCLD website to see further
teen programming and to register for the virtual Distinguished Author series.
The Library Joint Powers Authority Board Meeting will be held on Thursday,
April 29 at 12:00pm.
B. Gilroy Library Report for April 2021 (report attached) – Wong shared the
Gilroy Library is currently averaging about 500 items per day, which is about
a 15% increase since reopening lobby service. They are averaging 1,500
grab-and-go meals a month and have a couple grant funded activities
planned for this summer. Wong shared a variety of upcoming events in the
month of April, including Dia De Los Ninos event and Bilingual Earth Day
Story Time. Commissioner Souza asked about increasing programming for
teens since Gilroy is the only school in the County not returning to any in-
person sessions for Middle and High School. Roche shared the Teen Open
Mic Night and recommended visiting the website current activities available
for teens through SCCLD. Wong thanked Souza for the question so that
further programming opportunities can be explored. Chair Robinson asked
about Library staff assisting with vaccination process and if that will continue
and about possible programming to help the community deal with the after-
effects of the pandemic since the library can reach people that aren’t being
reached by other avenues. Wong shared that there are some resources
available already on the website and said appreciated the feedback
because that can help them structure future programs. Roche explained the
role of the Disaster Service Worker (DSW) and that all County employees
are DSW’s. About 30% of the library staff have been supporting COVID-19
efforts, which will continue as needed with an unknown end date at this
time.
IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS – none.
X. STAFF COMMENTS – Sendejas reported the City Clerk’s Office confirmed the
Library Commission’s presentation to Council will be on Monday, October 18
and by the September 8th meeting, you should decide who will make the
presentation. Sendejas also reported the SCCLD placed a Summer Reading
Program ad in the Recreation Activity Guide that was mailed to homes in Gilroy
last week.
XI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – none.
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XII. ADJOURNMENT – Commissioner Reddy motioned to adjourn the meeting at
7:59pm. Commissioner Souza seconded. Motion passed 4 -0-1 (Absent:
Gonzalez).
Monica Sendejas
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division