Agenda
Jacksonville Public Library
Board of Trustees
Monday, February 9, 2026 5:00 p.m.
- Call to Order
- Public Comments
- Minutes of January 12, 2026, Board Meeting
- Financial Reports
- Approval of the Payment of Payroll and Bills for February 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
- New Business
- Transfer of excess funds to Special Reserve
Adjournment
Minutes
February 9, 2026
The regular meeting of the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees was held on February 9, 2026, in the conference room of the Jacksonville Public Library. The following Trustees were present: President Mary Fergurson, Laura Bandy, Beth Capo, Kevin Eckhoff, Forrest Keaton, Elizabeth Kennedy, and Katie Weeks. The following Trustees were absent: Noel Beard and Lisa Haley. Library Director Jake Magnuson was also present.
President Fergurson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
President Fergurson asked if there were any persons desiring to make public comments, and there were none.
On motion of Eckhoff, seconded by Weeks, and carried, the minutes of the January 12, 2026 meeting of the Board of Trustees were approved as corrected.
The financial reports and bills were reviewed. On motion of Kennedy, seconded by Capo, and carried, the financial reports for February 2026 were approved and all properly approved expenses and payroll for February 2026 in the amount of $76,514.36 are to be paid out of general funds as funds are available.
Keaton reported that the Endowment Fund market value was $2,628,495.23 as of January 31, 2026 and noted that, after taking into account $23,093.88 of cash disbursements since December 31, 2025, the market value had increased by $45,730.19 since December 31, 2025.
Director’s Report
Magnuson reviewed the Director’s Report for January 2026. He reported that the Library received a pleasant surprise in January when it received word that the Library’s building had been selected for inclusion (at #56) in the list of the 133 Most Beautiful Public Buildings in America published by the interior design company Love vs. Design.
Magnuson reported that Abby Roth began her new role as a Library Clerk on January 16.
Magnuson reported he had completed the FY2026 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant application and submitted it in early January. He also reported that he has spent time working on the Illinois Public Library Annual Report that is due on March 1.
Magnuson reported that Doyle Plumbing and Heating was at the Library on January 21 to work on two clogged bathroom sinks and that the sinks are now working properly.
Magnuson reported that the annual fire sprinkler system inspection took place on January 21.
Magnuson reported that the Friends of the Library Board met on January 15 and that the annual book sale, which was held in December, was discussed. He also reported that the Author of the Year Competition dates were set and a committee was formed.
Magnuson reported that he had participated in his regular monthly segment on WLDS radio to discuss upcoming events. He also reported on newspaper coverage in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier, including a front-page article about the Wits Workout program collaboration between the Library and the University of Illinois Extension Office.
Magnuson reported that, on January 29, the Library received the $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation which, per the terms of the letter, comes “without conditions or expectations” and may be spent as the Library chooses “for the benefit of your library and community in commemoration of the 250th anniversary” of the United States. He reported that part of the funds may be used to book speakers with presentations related to Illinois and the country’s 250th anniversary.
Magnuson reported that, in Circulation, Abby Roth and Andy Mitchell have been busy assisting patrons at the circulation desks and that Brittany Overby has been working to send back expired holds and to mail out overdue notices that are sent daily from RSA.
Magnuson reported that, in Adult Services, Ali Jones had been busy during January including conducting 26 technology and resume-building appointments and assisting two patrons in finding jobs.
Magnuson reported that there were four Adult Service Programs in January which included two adult craft sessions, the Page Turners Book Club, and the bi-monthly game night for adults. He reported that the January installment of Music Under the Dome featured Ben Bedford and attracted an audience of 42 people.
Magnuson reported that Ali Jones and Heidi Estabrook will be meeting again with staff from The Pointe to revisit possible “Senior Crafternoons.”
Magnuson reported that the successful inaugural Wits Workout, at which 14 patrons attended, has led to planning with Karina Moore from the University of Illinois Extension Office for monthly sessions through June.
Magnuson reported that, in Outreach Services, Heidi Estabrook had delivered books to The Pointe, Cedarhurst, Prairie Village, The Grove, Arcadia Care, and the Volunteers of America Apartments, as well as to homebound individuals.
Magnuson reported that, in Youth Services, attendance at Storytime every Wednesday has been steady. He reported that there was again no attendance at the Sensory Sensitive Storytime on January 31, and that if no one attends the February Sensory Sensitive Storytime, the Library will stop offering it until interest returns.
Magnuson reported that Courtney Langdon has been planning the year for Youth Services which includes a monthly Teen Craft Night or Adult + Teen Craft Night, and a monthly STEAM program, probably on Saturday. He also reported that the Teen Advisory Board is still going strong.
Magnuson reported that, at the monthly visit to the Illinois School for the Deaf, 60 books were checked out.
Magnuson reported that Courtney Langdon is working to have as many Summer Reading entertainers as possible booked by the end of February.
Magnuson reviewed the Comparative Service Report for January 2026.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Automation/Technology
No report.
Building and Grounds
No report.
Finance
Keaton reported that the Finance Committee will meet with representatives of US Bank Private Wealth Management on February 25, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. to review endowment fund performance and recommendations.
Personnel
No report.
Public Relations
No report.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
No report.
RAILS/RSA
No report.
OLD BUSINESS
The Board of Trustees discussed the possibility of making the food donation for payment of fines for overdue books a year-round program.
NEW BUSINESS
Transfer of Excess Funds to Special Reserve Fund: Magnuson reported that the surplus of revenue over expenses for the year 2025 was $50,264.92. On motion of Weeks, seconded by Eckhoff and unanimously carried, the Board of Trustees directed that the $50,264.92 of excess funds be transferred to the Library’s Special Reserve Account held by Stifel Nicolaus.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on motion made by Keaton, seconded by Capo, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Forrest Keaton