National City library trustees approve consent agenda; hear arts partnership, event updates and staff recognition

National City library trustees approved the consent agenda with corrections and spent most of the meeting reviewing a proposed arts partnership and several upcoming events.

The meeting opened at 5:30 p.m. and the chair called roll before moving to the consent agenda. The chair moved to approve the consent agenda with corrections to the minutes; multiple trustees responded and the motion passed by voice vote, the chair said.

Staff answered trustees' questions about a separate library trust fund, explaining that a portion of property taxes is directed to that trust while other revenue comes from the general fund. Staff estimated the trust contains roughly $50,000 but said they would need to check budget records for a precise figure.

Under new and unfinished business, staff described a proposed partnership with the city arts program in which student classes would create a legacy art project and install murals in the children's area at no additional cost. Staff said mock-ups had been provided and estimated each class would include about 12 to 18 students who would collaborate on individual panels. "We're hoping they get approved on the 21st from council, and then they can start the next day," staff said; if approved, staff said the work could be finished by the 6th to coincide with an existing art-wall event.

Jose Lopez, who introduced himself as Jose Lopez and said he was born and raised in National City, identified his background in art history and museum studies and spoke in favor of involving students: "I'm excited to be a board of library trustee...I've spent about four years now" working with arts programs and said the project would be a community-building opportunity.

Staff reported on recent programs, saying the library's Hispanic Heritage event on the 19th drew a good turnout, the library's 20th anniversary celebration was well received, and upcoming events include a Filipino American history month program on Saturday at 1 p.m. and a "Booktacular" family event on Oct. 31. Staff said the library will be closed during daytime hours on Oct. 31 and reopen in the evening for the event.

Trustees heard from a member who runs the library's bookstore and reported the 2nd-Tuesday sale raised $56; organizers said they'd like to hold sales more often. Staff also announced that Malia, the circulation supervisor who has worked with the library for 38 years, will be recognized as employee of the quarter at the sponsors meeting next Tuesday; the meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Staff raised a potential outreach partnership with the rescue mission to place a mobile outreach unit near the library; staff offered to share contact information so they could explore logistics.

The chair closed the meeting and reminded trustees the next regular meeting will be Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m.