January 16, 2025 Minutes
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: Sevena Merchant, Felicia Rangel, Alan Shnay, Alice McBride, Katherine Coleman, Jessica Rodrigues and Lance L. Jefferson (arrived at 7:32 pm)
Absent: None
Library Staff Present: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Millie Robles, Jennifer Oosterbaan Tommie Taylor and Sarah Weiner
Also present: Beth Brecher, Carrie Malfeo
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the regular meeting of November 21, 2024, were approved as distributed.
Communications
Library Director VanSwol stated there were no communications.
Audience to Visitors
No one addressed the board.
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol advised the November 2024 and December 2024 numbers are in the board packet. The library is 50% through the fiscal year and everything is fine so far.
November had a 25% increase in program attendance due to a successful November fest.
Report of the Board President
President Merchant advised there was nothing new to report.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol introduced Sarah Weiner to the library board. She started as the new Community Engagement Coordinator on January 6.
December holiday programs were successful and everyone enjoyed the holiday decorations. Patrons were asked to write their favorite winter thing to do on the chalk wall near Patron Services.
The new ADA accessible workstation is up and running.
Technology has been updated in the Ringering room and it has been painted.
Staff In-Service was held on December 20 led by Troy Siewert from Insightful Crisis Response. Training went well. It was informative and the staff appreciated it.
Report of the Olympia Fields Public Library Trustee
Library Director VanSwol relayed that the Olympia Felds board approved their 2025 calendar.
Report of Committees
Vice-President Rangel reported that the Friends Meet & Greet will be held February 8, 2025. The committee is trying to get more active participation.
Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy - 1st Reading
The board discussed the policy and suggested changes.
EV Charging Stations
Carrie Malfeo, Park Forest Sustainability Coordinator gave a presentation about EV stations and answered questions. Ms. Malfeo advised the library should choose a cost structure for the EV station. A request was made for the Village’s data on usage with charges versus when it was free. Also, an intergovernmental Agreement needs to be established between the Village and the Library. It is estimated to take 6 weeks to install the stations and they must installed by December 2026.
Closure for Flooring Maintenance
The Board discussed the closure of the library on Friday, February 28, 2025 for maintenance of the interior tile at the front entrance. An inspection noted that grout is missing near the library entrance. The request for closure is on Friday because the company completing the work only provides weekday service and there needs to be a period of time without any foot traffic for the grout to properly cure.
Trustee Jefferson motioned, Secretary Shnay seconded.
Motioned passed.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm.