Agenda
Jacksonville Public Library
Board of Trustees
Monday, May 11, 2026 5:00 p.m.
- Call to Order
- Public Comments
- Minutes of April 13, 2026, Board Meeting
- Financial Reports
- Approval of the Payment of Payroll and Bills for May 2026
- Endowment Report
- Director’s Report
- Comparative Service Report
- Committees:
- Automation/Technology
- Wi-Fi Network Upgrade Proposal
- Building and Grounds
- Finance
- Personnel
- Public Relations
- Automation/Technology
- Friends of the Library
- RSA/RAILS
- Old Business
- New Business
- Adjournment
MINUTES
May 11, 2026
The regular meeting of the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees was held on May 11, 2026, in the conference room of the Jacksonville Public Library. The following Trustees were present: President Mary Fergurson, Noel Beard, Beth Capo, Kevin Eckhoff, Lisa Haley, Forrest Keaton, Elizabeth Kennedy, and Katie Weeks. The following Trustee was absent: Laura Bandy. Library Director Jake Magnuson was also present.
President Fergurson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
MINUTES OF April 13, 2026 BOARD MEETING
On motion of Eckhoff,seconded by Haley,and carried, the minutes of April 13, 2026, meeting of the Board of Trustees were approved.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial reports and bills were reviewed. On motion of Beard, seconded by Kennedy, and carried, the financial reports for May 2026 were approved, and all properly approved bills and payroll for May 2026 in the amount of $58,658.45are to be paid out of general funds as funds are available.
ENDOWMENT REPORT
Keaton reported that the Endowment Fund market value was $2,688,350.84 as of April 30, 2026, and noted that, after taking into account $31,421.64 of cash disbursements since December 31, 2025, the market value had increased by $113,913.56 since December 31, 2025.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Magnuson reported that VICC completed the parking lot patching during the second week in April, and that they will complete the sealcoating and striping in May or June.
Magnuson reported that he spoke with Sarah Armstrong, the consultant who helped the library with their last strategic plan in 2018. He reported that she has moved out of state, so she wouldn’t be able to be here in person that much, but she seemed willing to help out in whatever way we needed. He reported she will put together some options for how the library can proceed with their next strategic plan.
Magnuson reported that Chad Boehlke from the Morgan County Historical Society installed an underground railroad display in the cases in the library lobby.
Magnuson reported that in lieu of a regular meeting, the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library board held a celebration for the winners of the Author of Year contest. He reported that the event was well-attended, with nearly all of the winners reading from their work. He reported that the event also served as an opportunity to honor board member Don Pigg who is stepping down from the board.
Magnuson reported that his monthly WLDS segment went well, and that the Jacksonville Journal-Courier featured a front-page article about the Author of the Year celebration.
Magnuson reported that Adult Services had another productive month, and that Ali continues to meet with patrons to assist with technology questions, though her number of appointments were fewer due to the library’s collaboration with the Job Center.
Magnuson reported that for the most part, Adult Services programs were successful in April: The craft night on April 1 didn’t have anyone attend, but encore on April 11 had seven attendees. He reported that a presentation from the Job Center’s Jeni Sprinkle had seven attendees. He reported that the final performance of the 2024-2025 season of Music Under the Dome featured the Illinois College Percussion Ensemble and had 76 people attend. He also reported that Laura Keyes’s performance as Elizabeth Packard drew a crowd of 81 people. Finally, he reported that John Lynn’s presentation on the return trip of Lewis & Clark had fourteen people attending.
Magnuson reported that Ali continues to promote events and library services and sends press releases to the local media outlets. Magnuson reported that Ali has booked some America250-related programming for 2026.
Magnuson reported that the Tech Drop-in times at The Pointe and Cedarhurst continue to be successful, with Ali having residents at both facilities requesting tech help.
Magnuson reported that Ali attended RSA Day in Macomb on April 8. He reported she had an opportunity to attend some informative sessions and to network with staff from other RSA libraries
Magnuson reported that Ali has also been working on creating a seed library. He reported she has been in contact with the University of Illinois Extension Office and has reached out to local businesses to see if they would be interested in donating seeds to the project.
Magnuson reported that Heidi continues to perform her outreach services in an exemplary manner.
Magnuson reported that Heidi attended the attended the Morgan/Scott/Greene County Interagency meeting to discuss what the library has to offer. He reported that Ali accompanied her to the meeting.
Magnuson reported that the newly renamed “Brain Boost Tuesdays” program was a success with 17 people attending.
Magnuson reported that Youth Services had consistent attendance at all storytimes in April.
Magnuson reported that third and fourth grade classes from Westfair school visited the library. He reported that they took a tour, read a story and did a scavenger hunt.
Magnuson reported that the Baby Rave was a success with around 70 people attending. He reported that Amber was a great dancing unicorn.
Magnuson reported that Courtney spent most of the rest of the month finalizing the details for the Summer Reading Program. He reported that the calendar and information sheet are complete and the library has started advertising the program.
COMPARATIVE SERVICE REPORT
Magnuson reviewed the Comparative Service Report for April 2026.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Automation/Technology.
Magnuson presented a proposal from Matt Martin Consulting for updating the library wireless network in the amount of $1,940. On a motion by Beard, seconded by Weeks, and carried, the proposal was approved.
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
No old business.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on motion made by Beard, seconded by Eckhoffand carried, the meeting was adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Jake Magnuson