OLYMPIA FIELDS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
May 27, 2026 Minutes
Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:35 pm.
Trustees Present: Jerry Pierson (President), Dr. Taneen Brinson (Vice President),
Sherry Demian (Treasurer), Elizabeth Hadala (Secretary), Dr. Kametta Clark (Parliamentarian), and Fredi Taylor
Absent: Keasar Driver
Also Present: Mary VanSwol, Andrea Townson, and N’deye Walton
Minutes
Trustee Demian moved to approve the minutes of the April meeting.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
Correspondence
Trustee Demian received a letter from the insurance company about the renewal.
The insurance company requires a form to be completed. Library Director VanSwol
requested a copy of the surety bond, and Trustee Demian provided it.
Financial Report
Trustee Demian presented the financial report. There was a $15 service fee for overage
on the checking account. Trustee Demian requested discussion on having a link between
the savings and checking account to cover overages. The Board discussed banking and
accounting practices. The Board does not want to have a link between accounts. Trustee
Demian will put a note in her records.
Trustee Taylor moved that the Board accept the financial report with the addition of the
memo of the $15 service charge.
Trustee Brinson seconded.
The motion passed.
Meeting Location
The Board discussed locations of Board meetings: the current location of Village Hall,
the Old Village Hall, or the library.
The Board is in favor of staying at Olympia Fields Village Hall.
Statement of Economic Interest
President Pierson asked whether everyone completed the Statement of Economic Interest.
Trustee Taylor did not receive an email. President Pierson instructed her to notify the
Cook County Clerk’s office.
Centennial Committee
The Centennial Committee meeting is May 28 at 6:00 pm.
Little Free Libraries
Trustee Demian had a suggestion from a community member about putting up
Little Free Libraries in the home owner association neighborhoods. The community
member also suggested books about plants. The Board discussed options and
concluded that home owners associations would need to be in charge of little free
libraries on their property.
Election of Officers
The Board discussed the election of officers and when to hold them.
Trustee Taylor moved to postpone trustee officer elections until May 2027.
Trustee Demian seconded.
The motion passed.
The Board discussed amending the bylaws.
Report from the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol reported that the library has a new electronic sign. The library posted
three specialist positions internally, and they are all being filled by current staff.
From May 26-September 5, 35 area libraries are participating in a Library Passport Program.
Pick up your passport at your home library, visit libraries on the passport and get your passport
stamped, and return your passport by September 5 for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
You receive 1 drawing entry for each 5 libraries visited. Summer Reading Kickoff is Saturday,
May 30 from 12-2 pm. Library Director VanSwol passed out June calendars that list the library’s
events for the month.
Communications
Village Trustee Townson stated that she informed the Olympia Fields Board about the Library of Things.
She asked how the Village can support the Library Board and how they are organized. Trustee Demian
explained that the Board contracts with the Park Forest Public Library so that Olympia Fields residents
can get a library card from that library. Village Trustee Townson also asked about investments.
Trustee Demian asked where the Village banks. Village Trustee Townson answered that they bank with
Bank Financial. The library banks with US Bank. Trustee Demian will look into investments and interest rates.
Veterans Banners are going up in Olympia Fields on Kedzie Avenue soon and will stay up until November.
Trustee Pierson stated that he attended the Park Forest Public Library Board meeting. He also attended the
Olympia Fields Village meeting. He suggested a joint meeting with the Park Forest Public Library board.
Adjournment
Trustee Demian moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Brinson seconded.
The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm