2024-01-18 Library Board Meeting Minutes
Pearland Library Board Minutes January 18, 2024
CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 2024
The Library Board of the City Council of Pearland, Texas, convened in a meeting on
January 18, 2024, at the Tom Reid Library, 3522 Liberty Dr, Pearland, Texas. The
following represents the actions taken in the order they occurred during the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by Chair McLain
II. ROLL CALL AND CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM
Members Present are Member Joshi, Member Dunn, Member Parkerson, Chair
Mclain, Member Reynolds.
Member Camille arrived at 7:09 pm.
Member absent is Member Grimmit.
Others present are Kevin Carter, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation; Amy
Coykendall, Executive Assistant; Carol Krenzke, Friends of the West Pearland Library;
Lisa Loranc, Director of Brazoria County Library Systems; Grace Heffernan, West
Pearland Librarian; Jennifer Trusty, Tom Reid Librarian.
III. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No citizens are present.
IV. REGULAR AGENDA
I. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the
Pearland Library Board meeting held on July 20, 2023.
Member Joshi Motioned to approve minutes. Seconded by Member Dunn and
Member Parkerson
II. Board Report
Chair McLain has spoken to multiple people and they have stated they really
enjoy the facilities at West Pearland Library.
Member Reynolds was able to share information on the Library of Things.
III. Report from Friends of the West Pearland Library
Krenzke shared information on the handout. 2022 was focused on raising
money for the library; 2023 was focused on spending the money. Th final
treasurer's report the board spent $2,936 on programing; $937 for librarian
appreciation events; booked 540 volunteer hours. For February 2nd, they have
scheduled a Lunar New Year event at the West Pearland Library. Saturday,
January 20th, at 3:00 pm, will be the annual board meeting.
IV. Report from West Pearland Librarian
Page 1 of 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: E17DED16-2FA0-4C84-AE96-DF9708288560
Pearland Library Board Minutes January 18, 2024
Lisa Loranc introduced the new librarian, Grace. Grace provided the report for
West Pearland Library.
Amit Joshi asked about a teen group and if they were still active. Teen
Advisory Board (TAB) meets regularly.
Kevin Carter asked if the libraries acted as warming center and if they had any
participants. Lisa Loranc said they did, they opened earlier than usual. Many
people did let them know they were there due to the cold weather. Freeport
had the highest number of participants and will be acting as an overnight
shelter when colder water happens again. It will be staffed by city personnel,
not Library staff. Member Sullivan stated some of her students were able to
use West Pearland Library as a warming center.
V. Report from Tom Reid Librarian
Jennifer attended Trick or Treat Trail with Joann from West Pearland Library as
a joint event. The writer's program has had multiple people complete their
novels. One person was able to complete a trilogy and donated copies to the
library. Election season is coming soon.
Chair McLain asked what the librarians believe causes the shift in change of
leveling off numbers. Lisa Loranc was able to explain that members are
moving back to Tom Reid and other branches that are more convenient to get
to as the newness of the Library has worn off.
VI. Report from the Brazoria County Library System
Lisa Loranc discussed the handout. Cultural events will become an annual
event at the libraries, with the Lunar New Year starting at the West Pearland
Library.
Provided FY23 in review with statistics for Pearland Branches. $5,950,697 -
Amount that Pearland saves with checking items out. $3,528,109- Amount that
Brazoria county spends on Pearland libraries.
Member Dunn asked the date for the Author dinner. The date is Thursday,
April 25th at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 6:00 pm.
Carol asked if he will have books for sale. Lisa stated that he will, and there will
be a silent auction. She has asked that the Board participate in sponsorships
or getting tickets. They can be purchased at either library.
Member Reynolds asked about book challenges and if there are any
increases. Lisa Loranc said that they have slowed down from last year's
escalation of 18. One book was removed due to usage; it was only checked
out once in a 5-year period. All other challenges resulted in 3 books moved to
adult areas and the rest have stayed. The READER ACT/House Bill 900 is on
hiatus; legislations have not gone past judicial review and are now falling under
first amendment protections.
VII. Discussion on FY23Q4 Budget and FY24Q1 Budget
Page 2 of 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: E17DED16-2FA0-4C84-AE96-DF9708288560
Pearland Library Board Minutes January 18, 2024
Kevin Carter discussed the Budget reports and the budget year process.
Member Joshi wanted clarification on Page 2, Revenue/Donations. Carter
stated that there was a possibility of a donation. Joshi stated that the
next page there was a negative balance of -$250 and wanted clarity on
that. Kevin Carter is going to get more information and provide an
answer. Kevin Carter explained what each of the columns were on the
Q1 budget and how the numbers are calculated. Carol asked what the
fiscal year dates were, and Kevin stated is was October-September.
Lisa Loranc stated that it was the same for all but one city follows the
October-September FY.
Kevin asked if there were any concerns/unmet needs for the libraries.
Jennifer stated just parking. Lisa Loranc stated that the parking helps
control the compacity in the building, and then there would be concerns
to fire codes. There is hope that Manvel will build a new Library that will
help with the numbers as the West Pearland library utilization.
Chair McLain asked about security for the libraries, especially with after
hours opportunities. Lisa stated it is closely monitored and there are not
any security concerns at this time, aside from the break ins in 2023
across Brazoria County. Member Reynolds asked about the after hours
option and what they can do. Lisa explained it is a VIP access available
by members agreeing to the rules, open 7 am-10 pm Monday-Saturday,
at West Pearland only; can pickup hold items, use computer or printer,
meeting rooms, etc.
VIII. Discussions for Future Library Board Agendas
1. Advocacy- Brazoria County Libraries will be sending out invites to
board meetings discussing the 5-year action plan. West Pearland
meeting is Saturday February 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Would like the board
to review and endorse the plan. This correlates with the plan shared in
July 2023. Tom Reid is January 27th at 2:00 pm.
2. Discussion and Consideration- Lighting/electrical in the amphitheater at
West Pearland- operational components, outlets, power, security
coverage, privacy requirements
V. ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Member Dunn. Seconded by Member Joshi.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Page 3 of 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: E17DED16-2FA0-4C84-AE96-DF9708288560
Pearland Library Board Minutes January 18, 2024
_________________________
Kevin Carter
Assistant Director of Parks &
Recreation
Page 4 of 4
DocuSign Envelope ID: E17DED16-2FA0-4C84-AE96-DF9708288560