Park Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
August 21, 2025
The regular meeting of the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees opened at 7:31pm.
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: Felicia Rangel
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Millie Robles, Herbert Obah, and Christen Slaughter
Also present: Beth Brecher
Staff Presentations Millie Robles presented for Patron Services. She stated that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Beginning August 26th a new service will be offered called Patron Point. It will be integrated into our library catalog. Library patrons will be able to get a digital library card anytime. The SWAN system will verify the patron’s address and issue the appropriate village/city library card. Hopefully, this new service will help to boost patron numbers.
Approval of Minutes
Vice-President Jefferson called for a motion to approve the minutes.
Trustee Rodrigues moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 12, 2024, as distributed. Secretary Shnay seconded. Roll call vote. 6 yeas, 0 nays the motion passed.
Communications
Library Director VanSwol relayed, Phyllis Wilson gave the library a card to commend Elijah Gardner Woods, Robert Hensley, and Kaitlyn Keller. Audra Rocket and Rocket family commended Nikki for youth service programming. The Library received a letter from Secretary of State announcing our per capita grant of $31,988.33. The Library has received the Park Forest Beautification Award. Audience to Visitors None
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol advised June and July numbers are in the board packet. June is not yet audited. We are 8.33% through the fiscal year. We’ve spent 5.72% of the budget.
Vice-President Jefferson called for a motion to approve the financial report.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned to accept the financial report, Trustee McBride seconded.
Roll call vote. 6 yeas, 0 nays motion carried.
Report of the Board President
None
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol introduced 2 new staff members: Herbert Obah, Security Specialist and Christen Slaughter, Library Assistant. Nathan Stone (Security Specialist) and Veronica Wright (Library Assistant) are also new staff members but were unable to attend the meeting. The library has a survey out right now. So far 42 people have completed the survey. The electronic sign has not yet been installed. During the 1st week of August Director VanSwol attended Directors University. Saturday, August 30th will be the Local Author Fair from 11 am-3:30 pm.
Report of the Olympia Fields Library Trustee
Trustee Betty Hadala of Olympia Fields Board advised they have two new trustees. Keasar Driver and Fredi Taylor. Trustees met to discuss Olympia Fields Library Bylaws on August 15th and will finalize the bylaws at next week’s board meeting. The Olympia Fields board hosted a dinner for outgoing President Howard Robinson. Trustees Brinson, Driver, and Taylor are investigating digital storage of board documents. They are creating a plan to be completed by September 1st. Trustee Clark is investigating the creation of a trustee training program. The Olympia Fields board will set up 4 standing committees: Finance, Technology/Marketing, Community Relations, and Bylaws.
Report of Committees
None
Program Registration Policy – 1st Reading
A question was raised about parent supervision of children under 9 in the library. The library asks that a guardian supervise children under 9 at all times, including at programs. The policy is not being changed with the exception of grammatical errors. The revision date will change to the date approved.
Relationship between the Board of Trustees and the Library Director Policy – 1st Reading
The question was raised if the library has had an expense over $25,000. The library has not had an emergency expense of that amount; if the situation occurs, a special meeting of the board would be called to discuss next steps. Group Visits Policy Vice-President Jefferson called for a motion for the Board to approve the deletion of the Group Visits Policy, as it is covered under the Patron Behavior Policy.
Secretary Shnay motioned, Trustee Rodrigues seconded.
6 yeas, 0 nays motion carried.
Adjournment
Vice-President Jefferson called for a motion to adjourn the regular session meeting.
Trustee Travis motioned, Trustee Coleman seconded.
Roll call vote. 6 yeas, 0 nays motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm