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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
MARCH 10, 2025
The regular meeting of the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees was held on March 10, 2025, in the conference room of the Jacksonville Public Library. The following Trustees were present: President Mary Fergurson, Noel Beard, Beth Capo, Lisa Haley, Forrest Keaton, and Katie Weeks. The following Trustees were absent: Laura Bandy, Kevin Eckhoff, and Elizabeth Kennedy. Library Director Jake Magnuson was also present.
President Fergurson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2025, BOARD MEETING
On motion of Weeks, seconded by Beard, and carried, the minutes of February 10, 2025, meeting of the Board of Trustees were approved as presented.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial reports and bills were reviewed. On motion of Beard, seconded by Haley, and carried, the financial reports for March 2025 were approved, and all properly approved bills and payroll for March 2025 in the amount of $61,228.45 are to be paid out of general funds as funds are available.
ENDOWMENT REPORT
Keaton reported the Endowment Fund market value was $2,442,218.67 as of February 28, 2025, and noted that, after taking into account $18,787.56 of cash disbursements since December 31, 2024, the market value had increased by $54,620.59 since December 31, 2024.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Magnuson reported that there are still issues with the snowmelt system on the patio, so he will be in contact with Adam Gano about possibly putting the sensor in the patio itself.
Magnuson reported that Doyle Plumbing and Heating came to the library in February to fix a slow sink drain in the north women’s restroom as well as a leaky toilet in the main floor women’s restroom. Magnuson also reported that he found the children’s area cold one morning due to no fan running in the ceiling, but returned to normal within the hour, so Doyle came back later in the month to inspect the system and found a sensor on the damper that was not working properly. Magnuson reported Doyle will return to replace it.
Magnuson reported that he met with CyberOptik regarding the upcoming new website, and that it will be ready for staff to view sometime in March.
Magnuson reported that the Crisis Center Foundation put up a new display in the young adult area downstairs for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Magnuson reported that the Friends of the Library Board held their monthly meeting on the 20th, and that they noted a large increase in income from book sales within the library in January. Magnuson reported that the Friends are currently taking submissions for the Author of the Year Contest, and that judges were selected for the contest. He reported that Ali attended the meeting to discuss her role in the upcoming planned puzzle competition.
Magnuson reported he held his monthly segment on WLDS, and that the Jacksonville Journal Courier had a variety of articles in their paper advertising February’s various library programs. Magnuson also reported that WIUS had an entry on their calendar for the library’s March Music Under the Dome event.
Magnuson reported he submitted the Illinois Public Library Annual Report on February 13.
Magnuson reported that circulation continues to provide excellent service to all patrons, and that Brittany, Courtney and Ali have created ongoing weeding projects in their departments for pages to complete.
Magnuson reported that Adult Services had another productive month, and that Ali was able to hold only 4 of the 6 planned programs due to poor weather conditions. Magnuson reported that Ali had 30 appointments in February, and helped 3 patrons find jobs.
Magnuson reported that the programs in adult services were a success in February, with the Saturday craft day bringing in 10 patrons, the Kanopy Big Movie watch bringing in 5 patrons, the book club bringing in 8 members, and the Lotus Lantern Workshop bringing in a total of 16 patrons. Unfortunately, the craft night and Ellie Presents programs were cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
Magnuson reported that Ali went to the Pointe with Heidi on the 4th to meet the activity director, but that the director was out sick. Magnuson reported that Ali has been in touch with the activity directors at both the Pointe and Cedarhurst and is awaiting a response from them with possible dates and times for drop-in tech sessions.
Magnuson reported that Mr. Gil Maruna from Franklin School contacted Ali in regard to a biography paper project for his 8th grade class. Ali pulled various biographies for each student, and assisted Mr. Maruna and his class with finding proper information and citing their information correctly. Magnuson reported that this will be an ongoing collaboration with Mr. Maruna as he expressed interest in returning next year, as well as having Ali provide basic research and card catalog instruction.
Magnuson reported that Ali has seen an uptick in the special collections and genealogy research among patrons, and that 6 patrons signed in with former Genealogical Society members Wanda and Anne during their scheduled volunteer time on Wednesdays.
Magnuson reported that Heidi delivered materials to all scheduled residencies and homebound patrons in February, and that Courtney and Heidi continue to see successes in the Illinois School for the Deaf outreach program. Magnuson reported that Heidi attended the Interagency Meeting for Morgan/Scott and Greene Counties on the 13th, and that she shared information with the other 25 agencies that attended. He reported that Andy went with Heidi to the Volunteers of America apartments, where he read and discussed poetry and with the group. Magnuson reported that Heidi learned about public libraries and dementia through a Zoom meeting via RAILS as well.
Magnuson reported that attendance for story times has returned to normal in youth services. Magnuson reported that Courtney has been in contact with the Jacksonville High School regarding possible outreach programs and is waiting to hear back from them. He reported that Courtney is planning on creating a gallery wall in the teen space area, and that she intends to contact the local art teachers about a possible collaboration on the project. Magnuson reported that Courtney is thinking about offering an evening story time once a month since morning story time has not been well-attended beyond the daycare class that attends.
Magnuson reported that youth services assistant Abby has been working on creating displays, and that the current display is a Picture Book Character March Madness bracket. He reported that Courtney intends to reimplement the take and make crafts again this month as well.
Magnuson reported that RSA member Jennifer Choate stopped by the library for a visit to tech services, and that she was impressed with how well our library did regarding call numbers and utilizing the help desk. He reported that Lauren and Amber learned about the different types of reports that our library can request from the RSA to ensure our database is as accurate as it can be.
COMPARATIVE SERVICE REPORT
Magnuson reviewed the Comparative Service Report for February 2025.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Automation/Technology.
No report.
Building and Grounds
No report.
Finance
No report.
Personnel
No report.
Public Relations
No report.
Friends of the Library
See director’s report.
RAILS/RSA
No report.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Public Comment Policy
Magnuson reported he found an existing Public Comment Policy in his files – he updated the policy for library board review and discussion.
On motion of Beard, seconded by Weeks, and carried, the updated public comment policy was approved.
Personnel Policy Handbook Revision
Magnuson proposed to the board that since the city’s policy was updated recently to carry over 60 sick days instead of 45, that the library follow suit as the current policy is set for 45.
Magnuson reported he will obtain a copy of the city’s personnel policy to compare and review and will provide suggested revisions to the next meeting for board review and approval.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on motion made by Keaton seconded by Capo and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 5:51pm.
Respectfully submitted by Ali Jones
