McLean County Times

Golden Prairie Public Library District Board of Trustees met March 19.

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, Stephen Peterson (5:07pm), Jim Russell, Patti Salch, Ary Anderson

Others Present: Nan Goerlitz, Jeanne Hamilton, Karen Combs, Faith Frankeberger, Shanna Hargitt, Erin Jensen, Coleen Moore, Matthew Newell, Tierra Shickel, Renee Stolte, Mark Ulbrich

Absent: Kathy Vroman, Stephanie Walden

III. Introductions

The group from Leadership McLean Group introduced themselves.

IV. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

V. Special Marketing Plan Presentation from Leadership McLean County

The group presented their final plan to the board and answered questions.

VI. President’s Report

Ary Anderson asked the trustees how the group wants to proceed with the marketing plan. It was decided that everyone would read through the material and come to the April meeting prepared to discuss options for moving forward.

VII. Approval of Minutes

A. February 19, 2025 Regular Meeting

The minutes were approved as presented.

VIII. Staff Reports

A. Director’s Report: Jeanne shared the Illinois Library Association magazine which featured the library’s renovation. She informed the group that they are all invited to the Leadership McLean County lunch where the groups present their projects. Jeanne will attend and represent the group. Jeanne is finishing work on the Digital Equity Capacity Grant and feels the library group has a good chance of being awarded the grant. She mentioned the President’s Executive Order to close the Institute of Museum and Library Services and explained how that may impact the Bloomington Public Library. Finally, Jeanne shared that the Bloomington Public Library Board approved the BPL On the Go vehicle purchase.

B. Outreach Report: There was no report.

C. Financial Report: Kathy Jeakins stated that the report was in the packet.

IX. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

X. New Business

A. Approve 2025 Summer Reading Donation

RUTH NOVOSAD MOVED, AND PATTI SALCH SECONDED, TO APPROVE A $3500 DONATION TO THE 2025 SUMMER READING PROGRAM.

YAYS: RUTH NOVOSAD, STEPHEN PETERSON, JIM RUSSELL, PATTI SALCH, ARY ANDERSON

NAYS: NONE

ABSENT: KATHY VROMAN, STEPHANIE WALDEN

B. Discuss the Upcoming GPPLD Board Seat and Presidental Vacancy beginning May 19, 2025 Jeanne reminded trustees to be thinking about possible candidates for the vacancy that will be on the board after the election.

C. Discuss 2024 User Data Summary – This discussion is tabled until the April meeting.

XI. Comments from Board Trustees

Ruth Novosad gave a quick update on the Beecher Trails hearings. Ruth attended a meeting regarding broadband, and McLean County is actively looking at getting broadband into the rural areas. Jim Russell gave some notes on what to look at in the User Data Summary to prepare for April’s meeting. Ary Anderson mentioned how much she enjoyed the HerStory program recently presented at the library. Ary suggested signing a thank you note for the team from Leadership McLean County.

XII. Reminder

A. File Your Economic Statement of Interest

B. Next Board Meeting is April 16, 2025

XIII. Adjournment

Ary Anderson adjourned the meeting at 6:16 pm.

https://www.bloomingtonlibrary.org/sites/default/files/content/minutes/March%2019%202025%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf