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Farmers Branch library board reviews new printing system, program lineup and budget requests
Summary
Trustees heard a report on pending state bills affecting libraries, a library director update on a new patron computer/print kiosk and summer programs, and discussed budget requests including an additional ESL instructor, a color copier, security cameras, and a braille-enhanced story walk partnership for Rawhead Park.
The Farmers Branch library board on an evening meeting reviewed pending state legislation affecting libraries, received a detailed operations update from the library director and discussed several budget requests for the coming fiscal year.
Trustee Speaker 3 opened the meeting's substantive discussion by flagging multiple bills moving through the state legislature, including a proposal that would "prohibit access to ******** for minors to ******** explicit materials in municipal libraries" and another that would limit municipal financial support for the American Library Association. Speaker 3 said both measures remain in committee and recommended the board monitor progress.
The Library Director (identified in the meeting as the person delivering the Library Director's Report) described operational changes that aim to streamline patron services. "It was a 10 step process to print a page," the director said, and the new system "makes a 2 step process," adding that the kiosk issues a visitor pass and will support mobile printing in the near future. Trustees asked how the kiosk prevents accidental printing of large documents; the director said the kiosk previews the job, shows page count and cost, and requires payment before release.
The director outlined programming and outreach plans: a summer reading kickoff set for Friday, May 31 with an outdoor foam-bubble truck; a Wednesday performers series running through July 23; a makerspace with monthly open office hours; and a recently held STEM Fest supported by a stipend or grant for teen programming. The director reported the library is also exploring hotspot checkout programs and other access initiatives cited in a national American Library Association snapshot.
On budget priorities for the new fiscal year (which the director said begins in October), trustees were presented with requests for funding for a second ESL instructor or class (including a possible Saturday offering), a replacement color copier, repairs and expansion of security cameras, and a donor- and grant-supported braille-enhanced bilingual story walk planned for Rawhead Park in partnership with the Parks department and Envision Dallas. The director said some elements depend on grant outcomes and that donated funds will be used where appropriate.
Trustees also discussed event coordination across city entities. Speaker 3 said an events advisory effort is evaluating large community events (Veterans Day, July 4, Halloween, Day of the Dead) and working on a coordinated calendar to better cross-promote smaller library programs. Board members noted a perceived gap in programming for adults in their 30s'50s and brainstormed events such as game nights and intergenerational activities while acknowledging staffing, liability and beverage-service constraints.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the April 10, 2025 minutes with corrections (motion by Speaker 3; second by Paul; voice vote approved) and later moved and approved adjournment (motion by Speaker 3; second by Lee; voice vote approved).
The board scheduled its next meetings for June 12, skipped July, and set the following meeting for Aug. 14. The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m., and staff stopped the recording shortly afterward.
