Park Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 21, 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, and Joshua Travis
Absent: Tammi T. Davis
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Herbert Obah
Also present: Kevin Chavers, Beth Brecher, Olympia Fields Library Board President Jerry Pierson, and Dr. Pamela McCullough
Approval of Minutes
President Jefferson called for a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 16, 2026, as distributed.
Motioned by Secretary Shnay, seconded by Vice-President Rodrigues.
Roll Call Vote.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
Communications
Library Director VanSwol stated that staff received several commendations for Marla, Robert, Kaitlyn, Loretta, and Sam H. Also a patron expressed concern about the fish tank. The aquarium service company advised the fish tank light is on a timer and turns off at night.
Audience to Visitors
Jerry Pierson announced he was with the Olympia Fields Library Board.
Kevin Chavers, a resident, wanted to notify the board he works with ADA assistive disability website. He evaluated the Park Forest website. It is not in compliance and it does not work for people who are visually impaired. His brother had a stroke and can’t use the mouse. Director VanSwol offered to speak with him after the meeting.
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol advised we are 83.3% through fiscal year. The library has received more tax money and the April payment from Olympia Fields. We are in good standing for April and the numbers are in the board packet. She checked with the village and some payments they received were partially for the library. There was a communication error. The village reassigned some money to the library.
VP Rodrigues moved to approve the Financial Report for April 2026.
Trustee McBride seconded.
Roll Call Vote.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
Report of the Board President
President Jefferson, Board Member Travis and Olympia Fields Library President Pierson attended the ribbon cutting for the Library of Things. Park Forest Mayor Woods also attended and spoke. The event was well attended.
Both President Jefferson and Vice-President Rodrigues will be unavailable for the June meeting. It is uncertain if there will be a quorum and the board may need to reschedule meeting for another day. The board also needs to schedule a special meeting about the director evaluation tool. Director VanSwol should be given the opportunity to review the evaluation tool and provide evidence needed for the evaluation. VanSwol stated that the architects were invited to the June meeting. President Jefferson advised they should be notified the meeting will be rescheduled. The meeting date and time will be determined later.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol advised that Library Specialists have been chosen: Sam Chamas in Patron Services, Sam Hall in Kids Zone, and Lee Hauser in Info Zone. Specialist positions begin June 22, 2026. Electronic Outdoor sign is done. No update on legal proceedings. Concrete leveling will be done in three spots on June 3rd.
Quotes and replacement options have been requested for one of the big windows in Info Zone which is cracked. The Board might need to decide on the window options given. Some window options may change the aesthetic of the library. Summer reading kickoff will be May 30th from 12 pm -2 pm. There will be an ice cream truck and mini golf event. This summer there will be a Library Passport program with other libraries. Patrons visit other libraries, turn in a stamped booklet and get to enter a raffle for $100 gift card for every five libraries visited. The program begins May 26th.
Report of the Olympia Fields Library Trustee
Olympia Fields Library Board President Jerry Pierson stated the Olympia Fields Library Board is working on bylaws and working on involvement in Olympia Fields village centennial. He attended the Olympia Fields Village Board meeting. The liaison presented the Library of Things at the meeting. He hopes patrons will utilize the program. In the past there was a joint meeting between library boards and he would like to reinstate the joint meeting.
Report of Committees
None
Bylaws
President Jefferson called for a motion to the Board approve the Bylaws as amended striking the pledge of allegiance.
Trustee Travis moved to approve the Bylaws as amended.
Trustee Shnay seconded.
Roll Call Vote.
6 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
The board discussed the order of business on the agenda and the pledge of allegiance. A board member felt that the library is seen as an outpost of inclusion and acceptance. The pledge can be exclusive.
The board discussed committees and liaisons. Committee/liaison preferences should be given to the President who will appoint board members. Assignments including chairpersons will be given at the next meeting. The expectation of liaisons would be to attend meetings and give a report from the meeting.
Materials Displayed in the Library Policy – 1st Reading
President Jefferson advised board members to review the policy and ask question before or at next meeting.
He would also send out availability for next meeting.
Director VanSwol advised the change to this policy pertains to notices pinned above the water fountain. The Community Engagement Coordinator Sarah Weiner takes care of the bulletin board. Director VanSwol will look for another policy for special displays.
President Jefferson offered that if something needs approval between board meetings the Library Director should contact the Board President. The President would poll the Board and the Board could retroactively approve the motion at the next meeting.
Adjournment
President Jefferson requested a motion to adjourn.
Trustee Coleman motioned, Vice-President Rodrigues seconded.
All were in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.