Agenda
Jacksonville Public Library
Board of Trustees
Monday, August 10, 2026 5:00 p.m.
- Call to Order
- Public Comments
- Minutes of July 13, 2026, Board Meeting
- Financial Reports
- Approval of the Payment of Payroll and Bills for August 2026
- Endowment Report
- Director’s Report
- Comparative Service Report
- Committees:
- Automation/Technology
- Building and Grounds
- Finance
- Personnel
- Public Relations
- Friends of the Library
- RSA/RAILS
- Old Business
- FY27 Public Library Per Capita Grant application
- New Business
- Adjournment
MINUTES
August 10, 2026
The regular meeting of the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees was held on August 10, 2026, 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 Elizabeth Kennedy. The following Trustees were absent: Laura Bandy, Kevin Eckhoff, and Katie Weeks. 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 July 13, 2026, BOARD MEETING
On motion of Keaton,seconded by Beard,and carried, the minutes of July 13, 2026, meeting of the Board of Trustees were approved.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial reports and bills were reviewed. On motion of Haley, seconded by Kennedy, and carried, the financial reports for August 2026 were approved, and all properly approved bills and payroll for August 2026 in the amount of $83,265.65are to be paid out of general funds as funds are available.
ENDOWMENT REPORT
Keaton reported that the report for the Endowment Fund as of July 31, 2026, had not yet been received.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Magnuson reported that he followed up with Amanda Standerfer from Fast Forward Libraries about their strategic plan proposal. He reported that he informed her that the library would be putting the strategic plan on hold for the time being while it is determined how the library is doing with meeting the goals that were set forth in the previous strategic plan.
Magnuson reported that the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library board discussed the upcoming annual membership drive at its regular board meeting. He also reported that the Garden Club has been well attended, though the board hopes to find more volunteers to assist next year. Some board members suggested partnering with other local groups such as 4-H clubs, U of I Extension, Morgan Co Garden Club, or the Agrowhood program.
Magnuson reported that his monthly WLDS segment went well, and that the Jacksonville Journal-Courier featured several library-related articles and press releases, including several front-page photos of Summer Reading Program events.
Magnuson reported that most of the Adult Services programs were successful in July: the craft night on July 15 had the maximum of eight people attend, but for whatever reason the six patrons that registered for the July 25 encore craft failed to show up. He reported that the monthly Page Turners Book Club meeting was very well attended, with twelve members present. He reported that Adult Services hosted two American 250-related programs in July: Moments that Made America attracted 8 patrons on July 18 and LaCreatia Huff’s program on Washington DC tourism had 11 people attend on July 29.
Magnuson reported that the summer bookmobile program met with continued success in July. He reported that Ali is planning to rethink some of the stops next year to try to maximize access for children who otherwise might not be able to make it to the library during the summer.
Magnuson reported that the Adult Summer Reading Program wrapped up on July 31. He reported that the winners of the grand prize drawing would be notified in early August.
Magnuson reported that Heidi made all her regular deliveries to facilities and homebound patrons.
Magnuson reported that Heidi attended the Senior Services event at Cedarhurst on July 9 and talked about summer programs at the library.
Magnuson reported that Heidi also was invited to speak at the Sunrise Rotary meeting on July 14. He reported that she spoke about Dementia Friends training and the connection kits she has been putting together over the past year.
Magnuson reported that the Summer Reading Program finished up in July, and it made for a busy month in Youth Services. He reported that, while all the entertainers drew decent crowds, some were better attended than others. He reported that Courtney is planning to try some new entertainers next year. He also reported that she is thinking of partnering with the Abraham Lincoln Council to assist the library with providing STEM programming.
Magnuson reported that the closing party was a little lackluster but overcast weather may have played a part in that. He reported it also seems to be the nature of the program that events later in the summer sometimes have lower attendance as families try to get in last minute vacations before school starts. He reported that the library will discuss revamping the grand prizes for the program, hopefully partnering with local business to see if they are interested in donating prizes.
COMPARATIVE SERVICE REPORT
Magnuson reviewed the Comparative Service Report for July 2026.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Automation/Technology.
No report.
Building and Grounds
No report.
Finance
No report.
Personnel
In preparation for the Director’s performance review at the September board meeting, evaluation forms will be sent out to board members.
Public Relations
No report.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
See director’s report.
RAILS/RSA
No report.
OLD BUSINESS
In preparation for the FY2027 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Grant application, two Illinois Public Library Standards were reviewed. The standards that were reviewed were “Building & Grounds” and “Collection Management.”
NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on motion made by Capo, seconded by Haleyand carried, the meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Jake Magnuson