Agenda
Jacksonville Public Library
Board of Trustees
Monday, September 14, 2026 5:00 p.m.
- Call to Order
- Public Comments
- Minutes of August 10, 2026, Board Meeting
- Financial Reports
- Approval of the Payment of Payroll and Bills for September 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
- Non-Resident Card Program Renewal
- Board Member Terms Expiring: Capo, Keaton, Kennedy
- Library Director’s Performance Review (closed session)
- Adjournment
SUMMARY OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
There was not a quorum for this evening’s board meeting, so the Board of Trustees were unable to conduct any official business. A special meeting will be scheduled soon to pay the bills and consider any other actionable items.
The following Trustees were present: President Mary Fergurson, Noel Beard, Forrest Keaton, and Katie Weeks. The following Trustees were absent: Laura Bandy, Beth Capo, Kevin Eckhoff, Lisa Haley and Elizabeth Kennedy. Library Director Jake Magnuson was also present.
ENDOWMENT REPORT
Keaton reported the Endowment Fund market value was $2,724,246.41 as of August 31, 2026, and noted that, after taking into account $112,609.42 of cash disbursements since December 31, 2025, the market value had increased by $201,852.88 since December 31, 2025.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Magnuson reported that he contacted Jamie Cosgriff at Graham & Hyde Architects to discuss a potential parking lot landscaping project. Magnuson reported that Cosgriff informed him that he would work to set up a meeting with a landscape architect to discuss the project.
Magnuson reported that the annual elevator inspection performed by Stuard & Associates was performed on August 6, and that the library had no issues, so Magnuson is waiting to hear from the Office of the State Fire Marshal regarding attaining an updated license. Magnuson reported that since the State has moved to a new online registration system, it may take a little longer to register the library’s elevator but is confident that upon completion of the initial system setup, the renewal process will be more expedient.
Magnuson reported that the library passed both the fire alarm and sprinkler system inspections by Johnson Controls on August 28,and that both inspections were passed.
Magnuson reported that the library displays in the rotunda currently contain a display of historic photographs and postcards provided by Chad Boehlke.
Magnuson reported that the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Board met on August 20, and that the Friends of the JPL Membership Drive is currently underway. Magnuson reported that the drive has been quite successful, with numerous patrons renewing their membership as well as a good number of people purchasing lifetime memberships.
Magnuson reported that his monthly segment on WLDS was successful with several library-related articles, including a piece on the Andrew Carnegie program.
Magnuson reported that the FY2026 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization grant check was received on August 5, and that there were extra funds to be distributed, which was an unexpected addition.
Magnuson reported that the Circulation Department continues to provide excellent customer service to the library patrons.
Magnuson reported that the Adult Services programs in August were extremely well-attended. Magnuson reported that Ali had a full registration on both days for the faux stained-glass craft, and that it is one of the most requested crafts Ali has. Magnuson reported that the book club program was consistent with eight patrons attending, but the August program of note was HFK (History for Kids) Presents: Andrew Carnegie and the Gospel of Wealth. Magnuson reported there were forty-five patrons who attended, and that the actor who played Mr. Carnegie did so with gusto, and the audience was riveted by his story.
Magnuson reported that Ali will have a Fall Gardening 101 Program with University of Illinois Extension’s Ken Johnson, and she plans to introduce the Seed Library to the group, which will be displayed in Spring, at which time Mr. Johnson will return to the library and hold a Spring Gardening 101 Program.
Magnuson reported that since the number of patrons conducting genealogy research at the library has declined as of late, that former Genealogical Society volunteers Wanda and Anne will dial back their volunteer time on Wednesdays, but would be happy to meet with patrons needing assistance. Magnuson reported that if the number of researchers begins to rise, that the ladies would be willing to revisit the volunteer schedule.
Magnuson reported that Ali continues to have success with her Tech Drop-ins at both The Pointe and Cedarhurst, and that due to this her time at Cedarhurst has increased from one to two hours to ensure she has enough time to address residents’ tech concerns.
Magnuson reported that Ali took two full tubs of books to the National Night Out event on August 4 and did not return to the library with a single title left.
Magnuson reported that both the Adult Summer Reading Program and the JPL Bookmobile concluded in August, and that participation was comparable to last year. However, Magnuson reported that Ali intends to find an alternate location to replace the Centenary Pavilion stop for the JPL Bookmobile, as the children who came to that location in the past have aged out of the program, so she will be in touch with someone to discuss Minnie Barr Park as the possible alternate location.
Magnuson reported that August was an extremely packed month for Community Outreach. Magnuson reported that Heidi attended the Back to School Bash in Minnie Barr Park on August 8and saw over one hundred families stop at the library table to learn about the library as well as receive some fun library swag! Magnuson reported that Heidi also attended the Murrayville Back to School Bash on August 11, which was another successful event.
Magnuson reported that Heidi, Ali, and Karina Moore from the University of Illinois Extension held the sixth Wits Fitness session on August 11, which continues to grow each month.
Magnuson reported that Heidi gave a tour of the library to the Illinois College Summer Bridge program students, and that she also signed them all up for library cards.
Magnuson reported that Heidi took the Connection Kits to the Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers on August 27, and that sixteen people had the opportunity to interact with the kits.
Magnuson reported that Courtney took a break from story times in August so she could take a breath after Summer Reading and get herself ready for the school year. Magnuson reported that Courtney has been able to plan out her programming for the next few months.
Magnuson reported that Courtney has been busy cleaning up the Storytime Room, and that she has a better system in place to keep it clean and tidy.
Magnuson reported that Blaine has been hired as the new Youth Service Assistant and began this new position in the middle of August to assist Courtney with various things.
Magnuson reported that he has been working with Courtney to figure out ways to update the toy area, and that they plan to have some ideas before mid-October, which is the deadline for the Jacksonville Children’s Foundation grant.
Magnuson reported that Courtney has been in contact with the Jacksonville High School but has yet to hear back from them, but that she did contact the National English Honor Society at the high school to continue to collaborate as she has previously done.
COMPARATIVE SERVICE REPORT
Magnuson reviewed the Comparative Service Report for August 2026.
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
FY27 Public Library Per Capita Grant Application
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 Finance & Budget and Governance & Administration.
Respectfully submitted by Ali Jones