McLean County Times

Golden Prairie Public Library District Board of Trustees met June 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Re-elected and Re-appointed Trustees: Oath of Office

Ary Anderson and Stephen Peterson took the Oath of Office.

II. Call to Order

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

III. Roll Call

Trustees Present: Stephen Peterson, Jim Russell, Patti Salch, Kathy Vroman, Ary Anderson

Others Present: Nan Goerlitz, Jeanne Hamilton, Kathy Jeakins

Absent: Ruth Novosad, Stephanie Walden

IV. Introductions

There were no public present.

V. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

VI. President’s Report

There was no report.

VII. Approval of Minutes

A. April 16, 2025 Regular Meeting

The minutes were approved as presented.

VIII. Staff Reports

A. Director’s Report: Jeanne shared that the BPL On the Go vehicle is being upfitted currently. The vehicle should be ready in a few weeks and will be used for current outreach services over the summer. The plan is to start new tech outreach services this fall. She mentioned that the library partnered with the Bloomington Revivalists to host their celebration of the sidewalk wayfinding project on May 30, 2025. The artwork can be seen at the North entrance to the library as well as along the sidewalks leading to Museum Square. The artwork is a temporary prototype and should last up to 9 months. Jeanne walked the route that Saturday and overheard lots of positive comments. She stated that the new phones were installed, and staff is working through a few minor issues.

Jeanne indicated that the library’s Green Committee, which is focused on sustainability, applied for and received a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. These funds were used to install native plants on the library’s patio just in time for the summer concerts on the patio. There will be a kick-off event for the new plants in August.

Jeanne updated the board on their recent donations. The bench and Teen Zone display have been purchased and are in place. The new translation device went live on the Bookmobile last week. Five new Hot Spots were added to the collection as well as some items for the Calming Rooms. The Library of Things project is planned for later this fall, and the library’s selector for online materials will look at new additions after Summer Reading Program is finished.

Finally, Jeanne highlighted that the library’s highest visit so far this year was May 27 (the first day of Summer Reading Program) with 1,604 people come in the building. She also shared contact information from the Bookmobile drivers for potential new board members and community social media content managers.

B. Outreach Report: There was a webinar regarding pulling data from the Census site that Jeanne, Jim, and staff members, Caitlin and Rosie attended.

C. Financial Report: Kathy Jeakins stated that the reports were in the packet.

ARY ANDERSON MOVED, AND STEPHEN PETERSON SECONDED, TO DISCUSS NEW BUSINESS BEFORE UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

IX. Unfinished Business

A. Discuss Leadership McLean County Marketing Plan

Kathy Vroman distributed a template for marketing initiatives. The concept is that a Board member will research the chosen initiative and bring a completed template to the group for approval.

X. New Business

A. Elect Officers

Stephen Peterson provided a Slate of Officers for the GPPLD as: Jim Russell, President; Stephanie Walden, Vice President; and Kathy Vroman, Secretary/Treasurer.

STEPHEN PETERSON MOVED, AND KATHY VROMAN SECONDED, TO APPROVE THE SLATE OF OFFICERS LISTED ABOVE.

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. Approve GPPLD Board Meetings for the Next Fiscal Year

PATTI SALCH MOVED, AND KATHY VROMAN SECONDED, TO APPROVE THE GPPLD MEETING DATES FOR FY26.

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Budget Discussion

Kathy Jeakins asked for input on the budget. Discussion followed with the Board asking to increase amounts for the audit and travel expenses and possibly programming.

Patti Salch left at 5:34pm.

XI. Comments from Board Trustees

Jim is excited about the data available from the Census information. He is disappointed about the loss of the Digital Equity Grant. Ary mentioned that there was a question about Ruth serving on this Board at the same time as the Old Town Township Board. Jeanne shared the research that she was able to do on the topic.

XII. Reminder

A. Next Board Meeting is July 16, 2025

XIII. Adjournment

Ary Anderson adjourned the meeting at 6:01pm.

https://www.bloomingtonlibrary.org/sites/default/files/content/minutes/02%20June%2018%202025%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf