The Carpinteria City Council convened on November 12, 2024, to address various agenda items, beginning with the temporary current Rio Library Board of Trustees. All board members were present except for member Nomura. The meeting commenced with a public comment period, which saw no speakers, leading to the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on October 14, 2024.
The council then moved to the November 2024 community library report, presented by library staff. Key highlights included participation in community outreach events and the launch of new computer classes in Spanish, aimed at enhancing digital skills among first-time library users. The report noted that the library's engineering workshops for children had reached full capacity, indicating strong community interest.
Library statistics were shared, revealing that the Amel Public Library's data submission to the California State Library was under review, with a full report expected in future updates. Staff training sessions and recruitment for a literacy coordinator were also discussed, alongside plans for a strategic development consultant.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on community-driven programming, emphasizing the library's efforts to empower immigrant populations. Eric Castro, the community engagement librarian, detailed a co-design project aimed at addressing the needs of immigrants in Carpinteria. This initiative involved engaging with the community to identify their needs, leading to the development of programs such as English language tutoring and legal advice sessions.
The council expressed appreciation for the library's outreach efforts and the positive impact of the co-design approach. Discussions included the need for driving lessons for women in the immigrant community and the challenges they face in accessing childcare.
The meeting concluded with a motion to receive and file the library report, which passed unanimously. The council then adjourned the library board meeting and prepared to reconvene the regular city council meeting, indicating a smooth transition in governance and continued focus on community engagement.