Peotone Library Board Reviews HR Standards and Succession Planning

Peotone Public Library District Meeting | Jan. 15, 2026

Article Summary: Library officials discussed necessary updates to job descriptions and the creation of a “How To” handbook to ensure smooth operations during leadership absences. The Board identified specific roles requiring updated documentation.

HR Standards Key Points:

• Job Descriptions: The Board noted that descriptions for the Library Director, Head of Circulation, and Maintenance staff need updates.

• Succession Planning: A handbook outlining the Director’s duties is currently being updated to assist with coverage.

• Staff Training: Employee Becky Hase-Plefka is cross-training to cover Director duties during vacations.

The Peotone Public Library District Board on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, engaged in a discussion regarding Human Resources standards, focusing on updating internal documents and preparing staff for future leadership coverage.

During the discussion on HR standards, the Board identified three specific job descriptions that require updates: Library Director Sarah Ehlers, George in maintenance, and Tammi, the head of circulation.

Officials also discussed a “How To” handbook focused on the Director’s duties. This document, currently being updated, is designed to serve as part of a succession plan to ensure continuity of operations. In practice of this planning, it was noted that staff member Becky Hase-Plefka will work for Director Sarah Ehlers when she is on vacation and is currently learning the responsibilities of the library director.

The Board noted that helpful information regarding these HR standards is obtained through “HR Source,” a service available to the library through the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS).