Park Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
November 20, 2025
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: Felicia Rangel, Alan Shnay, Alice McBride, Jessica
Rodrigues, Katherine Coleman, Lance L. Jefferson and Joshua Travis
Absent:
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Herbert Obah, Elijah
Gardner-Woods, Shahedeh Tasharoki, Paul Silic
Also present: Theresa Settles, Tiffani Graham, Danny Graham Jr., Victor Blackful, Beth
Brecher, Mae Brandon
Approval of Minutes
President Rangel called for a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October
16, 2025, as distributed.
Trustee Jefferson motioned. Trustee Coleman seconded.
The motion passed.
Communications
There were no communications.
Audience to Visitors
None
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol stated that the October numbers are in the board packet.
Cook County tax bills have been sent out. Some funds should be received soon.
Report of the Board President
President Rangel stated that the NovemberFest was very nice and that she loved 1950’s theme.
There was a nice crowd with familiar faces. She’s glad we’re keeping it as an annual event. She
announced that the meeting would be her last on the Board. She offered to be a resource for the
Board and thanked everyone for making her feel welcome.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol advised she is having difficult time with the vendor for the electronic
outdoor sign. The library has paid for the sign, but it has not been received. She will work on
options to move forward to be discussed at the next meeting.
The library has received and catalogued many of the items for the Library of Things but is still
waiting on the hotspots. The staff will test products before sending them out with patrons.
The library’s blue micro pantry has been installed on Lakewood Boulevard.
Library Director VanSwol thanked the Board members who were able to attend NovemberFest.
Board member emails are working now.
Library Director VanSwol stated that State Library Director Greg McCormick called with news
that the library will be receiving an Equalization Grant worth potentially $98,000. The grant
amount depends on the equalized assessed valuation of village properties and population size.
Library Director VanSwol thanked Felicia Rangel for her service.
Report of the Olympia Fields Library Trustee
None
Social Media Policy – 2nd Reading
President Rangel called for a motion for the Board to approve the Social Media Policy as
submitted.
Motioned by Secretary Shnay, seconded by Trustee McBride.
Motion carried.
Cancellation of December Meeting
President Rangel called for a motion for the Board to approve the cancellation of the regular
meeting scheduled December 18, 2025.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Seconded by Trustee Coleman.
Motion carried.
2026 Meeting Schedule
President Rangel called for a motion for the board to approve the 2026 Meeting Schedule as
submitted.
Motioned by Secretary Shnay, seconded by Trustee McBride.
Motion carried.
Library Hours
President Rangel called for a motion for the board to approve the agreed upon hours for the
library, effective February 1, 2026.
Vice-President Jefferson motioned.
The motion died due to lack of second. Trustee Rodrigues and Trustee Travis requested an
informal discussion. An informal discussion ensued. Director VanSwol provided statistics from
patron surveys taken 3 years prior and advised that libraries do not get a lot of traffic on
Sundays.
A consensus of the board was taken for Option 2 and all were in favor of Option 2. The hours
will increase by 10 hours of operation. The new library hours starting February 1, 2026, will be:
Monday – Thursday 9 am-8 pm, Friday – Saturday 9 am-5 pm.
The board plans to retroactively approve the decision at the January 15, 2026 meeting.
Prefabricated Study Room
President Rangel read the motion for the Board to approve the purchase of a prefabricated study
room, not to exceed $20,000.
Trustee Travis moved for an informal discussion of the motion. President Rangel agreed.
Director VanSwol advised that our current study rooms are ADA compliant and the
prefabricated study rooms are not required to be ADA compliant because they are considered
furniture. The prefabricated study room dampens the sound but it is not completely soundproof.
They are not common in the south suburban area right now. Our library would be a trendsetter.
Patrons would have to register to use the prefabricated study room. More information will be
gathered, and it will be placed on the January agenda.
Adjournment
President Rangel called for a motion to adjourn.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Trustee McBride Seconded.
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm.