Park Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
Minutes
January 15, 2026
The regular meeting of the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees opened at 7:30 pm.
Roll Call
Those present were:
Park Forest Public Library Board Members: Lance L. Jefferson, Alan Shnay, Alice McBride,
Jessica Rodrigues, Katherine Coleman (entered at 7:31 pm), and Joshua Travis
Absent: None
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Herbert Obah
Also present: Beth Brecher
Approval of Minutes
President Jefferson called for a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 2025, as distributed.
Secretary Shnay motioned, Trustee McBride seconded.
All were in favor.
The motion passed.
Communications
Library Director VanSwol stated that the library received a letter of congratulations from State Representative Anthony DeLuca on the Equalization Grant we will receive later this year. Shirley Burner sent a Thank you card for the December concert. A patron named Sarah said staff member Elijah is very helpful.
Audience to Visitors
None
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol advised as of the end of December we are 50% through fiscal year. November and December reports are in the board packet. Cook County disbursements are still delayed. The delay will effect last year’s income. Results of the delay will be seen when the audit is released. The four bathroom faucets for patrons currently use battery operated motion sensors. An electrician will install new hardware for the faucets that will not be battery operated.
President Jefferson called for a motion to approve the financial report.
Trustee Coleman motioned, Trustee McBride seconded.
Roll call vote was taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays. The motion passed.
Report of the Board President
President Jefferson expressed, Happy New Year to all and looks forward to working with everyone. He prefers to hold off on the Vice-President election until we have seated a new member. Committees will be discussed again. Committees work to expedite regular session meetings. He will seek approval to rearrange some things on the meeting agenda.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol stated Congratulations to President Jefferson who is the longest serving member almost seven years. We have three new staff members. Marla Johnson and Simone Lewis started January 5th and Jarvis Bailey will start Jan 20th. Access began for Northstar, an online self-paced digital literacy class paid for with Age Options funds. SWAN’s annual national change of address is complete. Library cards of people who moved are removed from the system. The Library of Things is up and running. Postcards went out to Olympia Fields residents letting them know we are their library and they can sign up for a library card with a QR code. A sign-up sheet to attend Olympia Fields Library board meetings was sent around for board members to sign up.
Report of the Olympia Fields Library Trustee
None
Library Hours
President Jefferson called for a motion to approve the new Library Hours as presented. Starting February 1, 2026 library hours will be Monday-Thursday 9 am – 8 pm, Friday-Saturday 9 am – 5 pm.
Trustee Travis motioned, Trustee Coleman seconded.
All were in favor.
Motion passed.
Prefabricated Study Room
President Jefferson called for a motion for the Board to approve the purchase of a prefabricated study room not to exceed $20,000.
Trustee Travis motioned, Secretary Shnay seconded.
Roll call vote was taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion passed.
Board Vacancy
The board discussed options to interview and fill the vacant trustee position. The decision was made that candidate applications must be
submitted by February 7, 2026. A 3-person candidate interview committee was established consisting of President Jefferson, Secretary Shnay and Trustee McBride. Point of order question – do committees need to be approved by the board? This is an ad hoc committee added for the purpose of filling a trustee vacancy. Generally, committee members are appointed by the President but the board does not have to approve them.
Electronic Sign
Director VanSwol advised that the library paid Martin Branding but the electronic sign has not been delivered. The sign is sitting at the
manufacturer. The board discussed options to proceed. It was decided that Director VanSwol will keep the board updated through weekly updates and this item will be placed on the March 2026 agenda.
Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy – 1st Draft
President Jefferson asked the board to review the employee handbook and personnel policy, prepare any questions and be ready to take action at the February 2026 meeting.
Detective Tim Jones Resolution
President Jefferson requested a motion to approve the resolution commemorating Detective Tim Jones.
President Jefferson read the resolution.
The resolution will be signed and presented to surviving family.
Motioned by Secretary Shnay, seconded by Trustee Travis.
Roll call vote was taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion passed.
Adjournment
President Jefferson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee McBride motioned, Trustee Rodrigues seconded.
The meeting adjourned at 8:13 pm.