Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Public Library District for Jan. 15, 2026

Meeting Summary

The Peotone Public Library District Board of Trustees met on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, to address a slate of new business, financial reports, and policy reviews. All seven trustees—President Margaret Horne, Susan Chisausky, Mary Jane Carlson, Steve Dascenzo, Sandra Gall, Jean Oliver, and Bonnie Patek—were present for the session.

In addition to selecting a new cleaning vendor and discussing human resources policies, the Board handled routine financial matters. A motion to pay the bills and file the financial report for audit was made by Trustee Jean Oliver and seconded by Trustee Steve Dascenzo. The motion passed via a unanimous roll call vote.

News Briefs

Monee Smart Locker Agreement Signed
Under unfinished business, the Board confirmed the status of a service expansion into Monee Township. An Intergovernmental Agreement regarding a smart locker pickup system has been signed by Library Director Sarah Ehlers and delivered to Monee officials. This agreement is part of the library’s efforts to serve residents in the distinct parts of Monee and Will Townships included in the district.

Collection Development Policy Approved
The Board reviewed and accepted the library’s Collection Development Policy. Trustee Bonnie Patek moved to accept the policy, with a second from Trustee Jean Oliver. The motion carried with a general vote of “all yeses.”

Trustee Concerns on Communication
During the designated Trustee Comments portion of the meeting, Trustee Sandra Gall raised concerns regarding board packets and emails she had received pertaining to library business. Director Sarah Ehlers also addressed digital access, offering to show any board member how to access the Google Drive to view documents pertaining to library business.

Committee of the Whole
According to the published agenda, the Board was scheduled to hold a “Committee of the Whole” special meeting at 5:30 p.m., immediately preceding the regular meeting. The agenda for that session listed strategic planning, the five-year budget, and a review of Monee surveys as discussion items. No formal report from this committee was detailed in the minutes of the regular 6:30 p.m. meeting.