Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees
August 26, 2026
Minutes
Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:30 pm.
Trustees Present: Jerry Pierson (President), Dr. Taneen Brinson (Vice President), Sherry Demian (Treasurer), Elizabeth Hadala (Secretary), Dr. Kametta Clark (Parliamentarian), and Keasar Driver
Absent: Fredi Taylor
Also Present: Mary VanSwol
Minutes
Trustee Demian had a correction to the minutes. The minutes should say that she will investigate banks.
Trustee Brinson moved to approve the minutes of the June meeting as revised.
Trustee Demian seconded.
The motion passed.
Correspondence
Trustee Demian reported that the Board received the per capita check in the amount of $8,020.60 and a catalog.
Financial Report
Trustee Demian presented the financial reports for June and July.
Trustee Hadala moved that the Board accept the financial reports.
Trustee Clark seconded.
The motion passed.
Trustee Demian changed the address with the bank. She has not purchased checks at this time, while the Board decides whether to change banks.
Trustee Demian talked to BMO about their account. The banker suggested purchasing a CD. She also talked to US Bank. The interest rate was higher there. Trustee Demian stated that she could get more information from US Bank. Trustee Brinson asked if information could be emailed to the Board prior to the next meeting. Trustee Demian and Trustee Driver will coordinate to visit the bank together.
Centennial
Trustee Clark was not able to reach Carolyn Johnson to talk about the quilt. The Centennial meeting is tomorrow.
The Board discussed other ideas in case the quilt idea falls through. Trustee Demian asked whether there is a historical society. There is a history of Olympia Fields, but there is not an organization right now.
Trustee Brinson suggested a “then and now” digital billboard. The Village could put out a request for photos to create the display. The title could be Evolution of Olympia Fields. Trustee Driver suggested finding out who the oldest resident is. There could be photos from every 10 or 20 years in the display. The Board discussed sources of photos.
election of officers
President Pierson asked about the election of officers. He proposed changing the bylaws so that officers are elected for 2-year terms in May. The Board can review the bylaws at the next meeting.
Trustee Driver moved to change the bylaws at the September meeting to elect officers from annually to every two years.
Trustee Clark seconded.
The motion passed.
Report from the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol reported that the library is hiring, and several new employees will be starting soon. The storms knocked down several branches around the library, but the building did not suffer any damage. The library is hosting a Local Author Fair and a Back2School Bash on August 29. The library is now allowing Park Forest Public Library cardholders to place holds on Library of Things, including hotspots. This measure was taken to ensure that Park Forest and Olympia Fields residents have priority for checking out the Library of Things. The Village of Park Forest started distributing election packets for the next local election in April 2027. Two positions will be open on the Olympia Fields Board. The terms of Trustees Driver and Taylor are up in April 2027. Library Director VanSwol passed out September calendars that list the library’s events for the month.
Communications
None
Adjournment
Trustee Demian moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:09 pm.