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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 12, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees was held on May 12, 2025, in the conference room of the Jacksonville Public Library. The following Trustees were present: President Mary Fergurson, Noel Beard, Beth Capo, Kevin Eckhoff, and Elizabeth Kennedy. The following Trustees were absent: Laura Bandy, Lisa Haley, Forrest Keaton, and Katie Weeks. Library Director Jake Magnuson was also present.
President Fergurson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
MINUTES OF APRIL 14 BOARD MEETING
On motion of Beard, seconded by Eckhoff, and carried, the minutes of the April 14, 2025, meeting of the Board of Trustees were approved as presented.
The financial reports and bills were reviewed. On motion of Eckhoff, seconded by Kennedy, and carried, the financial reports for May 2025 were approved, and all properly approved bills and payroll for May 2025 in the amount of $66,416.88 are to be paid out of general funds as funds are available.
ENDOWMENT REPORT
Magnuson reported that the Endowment Fund market value was $2,367,562.47 as of April 30, 2025, and noted that, after taking into account $28,600.68 of cash disbursements since December 31, 2024, the market value had decreased by $23,586.34 since December 31, 2024.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Magnuson reported that Matt Martin Consulting came to the library on the May 8 to fix the firewall, and now everything is operating correctly.
Magnuson reported that City of Jacksonville Fire Inspector Gary Hickox came to the library on the May 2 to perform a fire safety inspection, and he reported that three emergency lights needed replacement batteries. Cors Electric came out later in the week and replaced all three batteries, so the library is currently in compliance.
Magnuson reported that painters from Tim Powell Painting came to the library and worked on the window and door painting project in the month of April, and that due to rainy weather they were able to work inside and paint the meeting room as well. The exterior window and door painting project should be completed by mid-May.
Magnuson reported that the first round of website revisions was sent to CyberOptik, and that they should respond in early May. He reported that the revisions were mostly grammatical misspellings and some formatting inconsistencies. Magnuson also reported that the agreement with CyberOptik allows for two initial rounds of revisions, with any further revisions requiring payment at the hourly rate. He reported that when the website has been completed, CyberOptik will provide training on how to update the site ourselves, and that once training is complete, the website will go live.
Magnuson reported that the Friends of the Library did not have a formal board meeting; instead, they held the annual celebration for the winners of the Author of the Year contest, which was very successful. Magnuson reported that every winning author was able to attend the celebration, and that they read their winning entries to the audience of 45 people. Magnuson reported that an employee from the Farmers State Bank and Trust Company was on-site to present each winner with prize money. Magnuson reported that there was an article in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier on the event.
Magnuson reported that the Friends had a pop-up sale of DVD TV series, and that they all sold out within one week. He also reported that the Friends are currently holding a pop-up sale of audiobooks on CD on display in front of the Circulation desk.
Magnuson reported that the Friends are gearing up for the upcoming Puzzle Challenge fundraiser, as well as the Children’s Gardening Club.
Magnuson reported that there were two articles in the weekend edition of the Journal-Courier: one on patron Mary Susan Farmer’s May art display under the dome, and another on the Friends of the JPL’s Author of the Year reception.
Magnuson reported that patron and artist Julie Connors displayed her artwork under the dome during the month of April.
Magnuson reported that the Circulation department continues to provide excellent service to the patrons of the library.
Magnuson reported that Adult Services was fairly busy in April, and that Ali is working with Courtney to find more inventive ways to advertise their upcoming programs. Magnuson reported that the Adult Craft Night and Encore Craft Day continues to be very popular, quickly filling up once advertised. Magnuson reported that the DNA Zoom program played host to only one patron, and that the presenter has offered a make-up session at no charge. Magnuson reported that the Crisis Center Foundation of Jacksonville held a program about bullying and what adults can do to recognize and prevent it, but that unfortunately only two patrons attended. Magnuson reported that the final installation of the 2024-25 season of Music under the Dome was a huge success, and that performer Tim Chipman brought in over 95 audience members.
Magnuson reported that Ali held her first technology assistance session at the Pointe on the 8th, and that she will be holding sessions once a month as long as there is a need. Magnuson reported that Ali is still waiting to hear from Cedarhurst regarding possible dates.
Magnuson reported that Ali has seen an uptick in patrons utilizing the genealogy materials, as well as an increase in the number of patrons seeking assistance from the volunteers.
Magnuson reported that Ali has been planning for the summer bookmobile program, and that the library is a recipient of a $500 summer reading grant through Dollar General that she applied for in February.
Magnuson reported that the Outreach services have continued to be successful, and that Heidi continues to provide a variety of materials to both the homebound individuals, as well as the residents of the various facilities in Jacksonville.
Magnuson reported that Courtney and Abby visited the Illinois School for the Deaf, and that many books were again checked out by the students.
Magnuson reported that Heidi’s book club at Volunteers of America continues to be successful, with new members attending.
Magnuson reported that Heidi attended the Morgan/Scott/Greene interagency meeting on the May 10, which promotes collaboration between approximately 25 agencies.
Magnuson reported that Heidi attended a Baby Shower held by the Salvation Army for expectant mothers, and that Heidi donated children’s books to the new mothers, as well as provided them with an informational brochure on reading to their babies. Magnuson also reported that the expectant mothers were invited to attend the story times at the library.
Magnuson reported that Heidi, Ali and Courtney met in April to discuss the upcoming community outreach events. Magnuson reported that the group created an outreach schedule, shared resources with one another, and came up with games and materials for the events.
Magnuson reported that Youth Services has seen steady attendance at its regular programming.
Magnuson reported that TAB is beginning to see an increase in attendance since the school year is coming to a close.
Magnuson reported that unfortunately, no one attended April’s sensory story time, and that Courtney still intends to offer it in June and July. However, if attendance does not increase, Magnuson reported that the program may need to be revisited. Magnuson reported that Courtney is teaming up with Ali for the craft nights in June and July for the summer reading program, and that they are in talks with Khristina at Our Town Books about holding the Hunger Games Trivia event in either June or July.
Magnuson reported that Courtney spent most of the month planning for Summer Reading, and that everything is mostly in order. Magnuson reported that Courtney has planned a Family Game Night in collaboration with Beyond Tabletop Gaming.
COMPARATIVE SERVICE REPORT
Magnuson reviewed the Comparative Service Report for April 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
No report.
RAILS/RSA
Magnuson reported that RAILS had sent out a link to an update on the IMLS library funding situation, but that it didn’t contain very many details. He also reported that there is a RAILS Member Update coming up later in the week and hoped to get more details at that time.
OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on motion made by Kennedy, seconded by Eckhoff, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Ali Jones
