Park Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 17, 2026
Minutes
The regular meeting of the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees opened at 7:30 pm.
Roll Call
Those present were:
Park Forest Public Library Board Members: Lance L. Jefferson, Alan Shnay, Jessica Rodrigues,
Joshua Travis, and Tammi T. Davis
Absent: Alice McBride, Katherine Coleman
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol and Allison McCray
Also present: Beth Brecher
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol advised we have 6 new staff members. There are 2 security
specialists, 3 Library Assistants in Circulation and 1 in Adult services. Two EV charging stations
are installed, but they still need signage and painting.
The new window glass shattered during installation but the new window should be installed on
September 25th.
The Library of Things now has a graphing calculator, ring light, karaoke machine, sewing
machine, bike lock and more hotspots.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. People who have library cards can refer someone to
get a card and the referral cards are placed in a raffle.
There were several comments from the suggestion boxes. Katherine received multiple
commendations for the Senior Craft Program, and one commendation for Wojciech a new library
assistant who started on Monday 9/14.
The exterminator did not find any evidence of bugs. A dog will be brought in to sniff for bugs
Friday 9/18.
Report of the Board President
President Jefferson advised if your seat is up for election petitions are available from circulation
desk or online. Petitions must be filed between: November 16-23.
Approval of Minutes
Vice President Rodrigues moved to approve the Minutes for the Regular Meeting August 20,
2026, as submitted and table Closed Session Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026. Trustee Travis
seconded.
Roll Call Vote.
5 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
Approval of Financial Report
August numbers are in the board packet. The Library received the Per Capita Grant funds. No tax
money has been received yet but tax bills did go out. Tax bills are due on October 1st.
Vice President Rodrigues moved to approve the Financial Report for June 2026 and July 2026 as
presented.
Secretary Shnay seconded.
Roll Call Vote.
5 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
Report of The Olympia Fields Library Trustee
None
Report of Committees/Liaisons
Trustee Travis relayed information regarding the Strategic Planning Committee. He sent a notice
proposing meetings to be held on 1st Thursday of every month at 7:30pm. When the information
is finalized he will share it.
Trustee Travis also shared, there is a District 227 teacher working with a freshman seminar to
understand the power of library. He connected the teacher with Director VanSwol.
Circulation of Library Policy – 2nd Reading
Vice President Rodrigues moved that the board approve the Circulation of the Library Materials
Policy as submitted. Trustee Travis seconded.
Roll Call Vote.
5 yeas, 0 nays.
The motion passed.
2026 Library Levy Request – 1st reading
VanSwol proposed the levy of $1,524,429, which is $100,000 less than last year. The reduction
is justified because the library receives the equalization grant which is not a one-time grant.
President Jefferson called for questions.
Some board members expressed that they do not want to have to increase taxes in a few years
because the levy was lowered this year.
The question was raised and answered that the Cook County tax money owed to the library
should be paid to the library, but there is no timeline.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.