Olympia Fields Library
Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2025
Swearing in of Trustees
New trustees Keasar Driver and Fredi Taylor were sworn in by Village President Sterling Burke.
Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:45 pm.
Trustees Present: Jerry Pierson (President), Dr. Taneen Brinson (Vice President), Sherry Demian (Treasurer), Elizabeth Hadala (Secretary), Dr. Kametta Clark (Parliamentarian), Keasar Driver, and Fredi Taylor
Also Present: Mary VanSwol, N’Deye Walton, Dr. Tyree Brinson, and Craig Taylor
Minutes
Trustee Demian moved to approve the minutes of the May meeting. Trustee Hadala seconded. The motion passed.
Correspondence
Trustee Hadala reported that the Board received a card from the Center for Food Equity in Medicine thanking them for their donation.
Financial Report
Trustee Demian presented the financial report. There is one correction: the YTD expenditure for the contract should be $0. Trustee Demian and President Pierson went to the bank to put President Pierson on the account as a signatory. Trustee Demian is looking into getting bank statements online to eliminate the printed statement fee. Trustee Brinson moved that the Board accept the financial report as corrected. Trustee Taylor seconded. The motion passed.
Data Storage
Trustee Brinson stated that former President Robinson passed on two binders and box of documents. She and Trustee Hadala reviewed the documents. Trustee Brinson would like to explore digital storage. The president and secretary would have access. Trustee Brinson would like to set up a Board account so that in transition, information could be passed on. Trustee Taylor talked about the trustees obtaining gmail addresses so that the document gmail account could be shared. President Pierson asked Trustee Brinson, Trustee Driver, and Trustee Taylor to make a plan for digital document storage. Trustee Brinson stated that she would like the system in place by September 1. Trustee Brinson asked that President Pierson talk to former President Robinson about any additional items he has. Trustee Demian said she would work with Trustee Hadala about sorting through the existing documents.
Centennial Committee
Trustee Clark stated that the Board gave a check to the head of the committee. They have not heard back. The board discussed the quilt project. Trustee Clark is the contact for the committee. Trustee Brinson suggested creating an event in collaboration with the library. She also suggested putting information in the village newsletter.
Appreciation Gifts
The Board discussed ideas for appreciation gifts for Howard Robinson and Carolyn Johnson. Trustee Demian suggested donating a book in honor of the former trustees to the library. She also suggested Maple Tree Inn for a luncheon. Some of the trustees like Balagio. Trustee Brinson suggested setting a date in July. She also suggested that President Pierson have a transition meeting with Howard Robinson. Trustee Brinson would like to see transition instructions in the bylaws. Trustee Brinson suggested the hibachi grill in Tinley Park. The Board decided on dinner. They are going to aim for July 28 or 30.
Pledge of Allegiance
President Pierson proposed that the Board say the pledge of allegiance at meetings. He stated that it is a positive action for the Board to take. Other board meetings that he attends the trustees say the pledge. The board discussed the suggestion.
Report From the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol reported that the new glass has been installed, and the parking lot has been resealed. The library is waiting on the electronic sign to be installed because it requires new electrical to be run to the sign. Summer Reading started June 7 and runs through August 1. On Tuesday, July 8 at 5:30 pm, the library will have a salsa dancing class. Registration is required. The library has rescheduled Singing Bird to do her presentation on the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History for July 21 at 5:30 pm. The Summer Reading Finale is August 1 at 12 pm. Kids will be doing hand-on experiments and participate in interactive stories to get kids excited about science. Registration is required. The Park Forest Public Library Board cancelled their July meeting. The library’s Security Specialist turned in his resignation, and we also lost an assistant. The library is search for a new Security Specialist and Library Assistant. President Pierson asked about the ILA Conference. The dates are October 14-16, and it will take place in Rosemont.
Trustee Training
Trustee Brinson suggested having a trustee training. She recommended Trustee Clark to spearhead the training as Parliamentarian.
Adjournment
Trustee Brinson moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Clark seconded. The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm.