Park Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
March 19, 2026
The regular meeting of the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees opened at
7:33 pm.
Roll Call
Those present were:
Park Forest Public Library Board Members: Lance L. Jefferson, Alan Shnay, Alice
McBride, Jessica Rodrigues Katherine Coleman, and Joshua Travis
Absent:
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Herbert Obah
Also present: Mark Pries
Audit Review
Mark Pries from the village of Park Forest gave a financial presentation.
There were two reports for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025:
1) Annual Financial Report
2) Auditor’s Communication to the Board of Trustees and Management
Mr. Pries advised, the Library received the best opinion you can receive. There
was nothing that required further attention.
Approval of Minutes
Trustee Shnay moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February
19, 2026, as submitted.
Trustee Coleman seconded.
Roll Call Vote was taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
Communications
None
Audience to Visitors
None
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol advised that the February numbers are in the board
packet. We are 66.67% through the fiscal year. Tax money is low because of the
delay in tax funds. Spending is fairly on target.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Trustee McBride seconded.
Roll Call Vote was taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
Report of the Board President
President Jefferson advised he is waiting on the availability of everyone in the
committee to schedule trustee candidate interviews.
Statements of economic interest should be submitted by April 15 no later than the
deadline in May. The Library will not pay if fined for missing the deadline. If you
work in the public body or have reportable financial interest please disclose that
information on the Statement of Economic Interest.
Report of the Librarian
There are new cabinet doors on the share space display cases which now houses
Danbury Mint models donated from the family of Kathy Miller.
We have the new study booth. The wrong door was sent but the correct door
should arrive March 20th.
Grand opening for the Library of Things is scheduled for April 18, 2026 at noon.
The date will be revised due to a scheduling conflict.
Report of the Olympia Fields Library Trustee
None
Report of Committees
None
Internet Use Policy and Procedures – 1st Reading
Proposed Action: Presented for review and discussion
Item should have been the 2nd reading and an action item.
A consensus was taken by President Jefferson to move forward as an action item.
All agreed to vote on the Internet Use Policy and Procedures.
President Jefferson called for a motion for the Board to approve the Internet Use
Policy and Procedures as submitted.
In order to get e-Rate discount for internet service adjustments need to be made to
the policy.
Director VanSwol will find out if we have POTS lines.
The Director advised that according to the IT Coordinator the library computers
have filters because they need to be protected from malicious websites.
Motioned by Trustee Shnay, Seconded by Trustee Coleman
Roll Call vote taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion Carried.
Resource Selection Policy – 1st Reading
Proposed Action: Presented for review and discussion
Item should have been the 2nd reading.
A consensus was taken by President Jefferson to move forward as an action item.
All agreed to vote on the Resource Selection Policy.
President Jefferson called for a motion for the Board to approve the Resource
Selection policy as submitted.
Motioned by Trustee McBride seconded by Katherine Coleman.
Roll Call vote taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motioned carried.
Electronic Sign
Director VanSwol advised that the Martin Branding Company is working on
installing the sign but they need a few more weeks. They expected to begin to
work on March 16th but did not.
The board discussed options for moving forward with the issue.
The Board created a motion for the Library to pay the sign manufacturer the
amount to transport and install the sign with further agreement that the Board will
recover damages from the contractor Martin Branding. The Board authorized
Director VanSwol to take action on the approved motion.
Motioned by Rodrigues, seconded by Trustee Coleman.
Roll Call vote taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motioned carried.
Library Budget FY27 – 1st Reading
Proposed Motion: Presented for review and discussion.
The Board was advised to review and contact Director VanSwol with questions or
bring them to next meeting.
Director VanSwol expressed thoughts and ideas about the FY27 budget.
The Board discussed ideas about the FY27 budget.
Info Zone Renovation
The Board approved the proposal to hire the architect, Product Architecture +
Design, at an estimated cost of $4000 to create a renovation plan for Info Zone.
Director VanSwol presented a vision for Info Zone.
The Board expressed their ideas on how to move forward with the renovation and
the need for a Strategic Plan.
Motioned by Rodrigues, seconded by Trustee Coleman.
Roll Call vote taken.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motioned carried.
Custodial Bids
The Board approved the agreed upon custodial contract with Eco Clean
Maintenance for FY2027-FY2028 at a monthly amount of $1949.00.
Eco Clean Maintenance was the recommendation of Director VanSwol based on
bids and references. Charges are listed at a monthly rate. The timeframe to
terminate contract for unsatisfactory performance would have to be investigated.
Alpha Building maintenance the current company servicing the library sold out to
Skyward. Skyward had discrepancy in their bid. A revised bid from Skyward
would still cost more than Eco Clean Maintenance.
Motioned by Rodrigues, seconded by Trustee Coleman.
Roll Call vote taken.
5 yeas, 1 nay.
Motioned carried.
Adjournment
Moved by Trustee Rodrigues, Seconded by Trustee Travis.
All were in favor.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.