McLean County Times

Golden Prairie Public Library District Board of Trustees met Dec. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order

President Anderson called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

II. Roll Call

Trustees Present: Ruth Novosad (arrived at 5:02 pm), Stephen Peterson, Jim Russell (arrived at 5:03 pm), Patti Salch, Kathy Vroman, Ary Anderson

Others Present: Nan Goerlitz, Jeanne Hamilton, Kathy Jeakins

Absent: Stephanie Walden

III. Introductions

There were no introductions.

IV. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

V. President’s Report

There was no report.

VI. Approval of Minutes

A. November 15, 2023

THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

VII. Staff Reports

A. Director’s Report: Jeanne Hamilton shared the highlight of the Governor's press conference being held at the Library recently. The United Way of McLean County, who have been participating in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, was asked to submit five locations in the county to be considered for the press conference, and the Library was selected from those. It was a great fit and a very exciting event.

B. Outreach Report: Jeanne Hamilton mentioned that the Bookmobile was decorated for Diwali with the help of patrons, making it a special experience.

C. Financial Report: Kathy Jeakins stated that the report was in the Board packet. Per Capita money has been spent on books and A/V materials. As of today, all necessary documents have been submitted for the levy process.

VIII. Unfinished Business

A. Discussion of Per Capita Grant Requirements: Jeanne Hamilton reviewed the final portions of Serving Our Public 4.0: Standards for Illinois Public Libraries.

B. Strategic Planning Process: Kathy Vroman led the Trustees in the next step in developing a Vision Statement for the library district.

IX. Comments from Board Trustees

Jim Russell commented that he got an email from a group called Mom’s Fed Up wanting him to sign a petition to keep books in the libraries. He also had a short conversation with an acquaintance who asked about removing books from the library, which had Jim wondering how many requests the Library gets to get rid of books. Jeanne Hamilton stated that the Library hadn’t received any Requests for Reconsideration in 2023; in 2022 the Library received two; prior to that it was very sporadic. She offered to share talking points she has compiled for censorship talks.

X. Reminder

A. Next Board Meeting is January 17, 2024

XI. Adjournment

Ary Anderson adjourned the meeting at 6:01 pm.

https://www.bloomingtonlibrary.org/sites/default/files/content/minutes/December%2020%202023%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf