Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Olympia Fields Village Hall
20040 Governors Highway
Olympia Fields, IL 60461
April 23, 2025 Minutes
Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:38pm.
Trustees Present: Howard Robinson (President), Dr. Taneen Brinson (Vice President), Sherry Demian
(Treasurer), Elizabeth Hadala (Secretary), Jerry Pierson (Parliamentarian), and Carolyn Johnson
Absent: Dr. Kametta Clark (arrived 6:51 pm)
Also Present: Mary VanSwol, Jessica Washington, Julia Churchill, and Miriam Churchill
Minutes
Trustee Pierson moved to approve the minutes of the March meeting.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
Correspondence
President Robinson reported that there was no correspondence.
Financial Report
Trustee Demian presented the financial reports for November 2024-March 2025.
Trustee Johnson asked where funds are being held. Trustee Demian answered that there are two
accounts at BMO and a third account in Illinois Funds. The board discussed the $3 fee for printed
statements from BMO.
Trustee Johnson moved that the Board accept the financial reports.
Trustee Brinson seconded.
The motion passed.
Appointment of Unfilled Positions
President Robinson asked Trustee Brinson and Trustee Pierson to be in charge of the appointment of
unfilled positions. He appointed Trustee Brinson as acting president until the next election of officers.
The Board discussed the appointment of trustees.
Attendance at Park Forest Public Library Meetings
President Robinson attended the Park Forest Public Library Board meeting last week. He and Illinois
Senator Michael Hastings presented Sevena Merchant with a proclamation in honor of her years of
service to the Park Forest Public Library Board. President Robinson suggested having trustees attend
the Park Forest meetings on a rotation.
Location of Meetings
Trustee Johnson stated that Old Village Hall is ready for use. The Board discussed changing their
meetings to the new location but decided to stay in the new Village Hall.
Centennial Project
Trustee Johnson turned over her information about the centennial quilt to Trustee Clark. Trustee
Johnson would like the students of Arcadia and Rich Central to have a part in the project, as well as local
authors.
Little Free Library
Trustee Pierson mentioned that the Little Free Library across from the Post Office needs to be filled with
more books.
Proclamation
President Robinson presented Trustee Johnson with a proclamation from the Illinois State Senate
congratulating her on twelve years of service. President Robinson thanked Trustee Johnson for her
leadership and for keeping the board on track. Trustee Johnson stated that she tried to do her best to
help the board to do their mission.
Report From the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol reported the library celebrated Women’s History Month in March. The week
of April 6 was National Library Week. The library staff celebrated long-time staff member Julie
Gurganus, who celebrated her 40th anniversary working for the library. Staff participated in fire safety
training on April 11.
Library Director VanSwol thanked outgoing trustees Howard Robinson and Carolyn Johnson for their
service to the library and gave them thank you gifts on behalf of the library.
Communications
Village Administrator Jessica Washington shared gifts with the outgoing trustees. The Centennial
Committee is in full swing. On Friday, there will be a tree planting in honor of Arbor Day. On Saturday,
there will be a village-wide clean-up day. Trustee Kelvin Oliver and his wife host an annual blood drive
in honor of their daughter. This year’s blood drive is this Saturday at Sergeant Means Park.
Trustee Johnson moved that the Board donate $100 to the blood drive.
Trustee Brinson seconded.
The motion passed.
Audience to Visitors
Julia Churchill addressed the Board. She used to work at the Park Forest Public Library. She just retired
as the Head of Reference from the Oak Lawn Public Library. She said she has a different perspective
about libraries because of her work experience. The Board discussed all that libraries offer the
community. Miriam Churchill stated that she enjoys going to the Park Forest Public Library.
Trustee Johnson asked about the status of the notaries at the library. Library Director VanSwol
answered that they are on the last step of getting notarized.
President Robinson stated that it has been a privilege to serve on this library board. He thanked Carolyn
and Sherry, who were on the board when he first started. He also wanted to thank Diane Pierson, who
was the president when he first started. He thanked the board for all their support. He stated that he
will continue to serve the residents of Olympia Fields. He thanked Library Director VanSwol and Village
Administrator Jessica Washington for their work.
Adjournment
Trustee Demian moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Clark seconded.
The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm