October 28, 2026: Board of Library Trustees Regular Meeting Materials

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301 | Second Floor Scoville Room
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – 6:30 pm
Meeting to be held in person and via Zoom

Agenda

1. Call to Order and Roll Call (6:30 pm)

Call to order
Roll call

2. Public Comments (6:35 pm)

Please read the Public Comment at Board Meetings Policy.
Public comments may be provided in one of the following ways:

In person at a board meeting;
As an email to Executive Director Elsworth Carman at (elsworthc@oppl.org); or to Library Board President Virginia Bloom at (trusteevirginiab@oppl.org) sent by 4:30 pm on the date of the meeting;
As a submission through this Public Comment Form by 4:30 pm on the date of the meeting.

Meeting Minutes
Routine Personnel Reports
1. Staff Additions & Separations Report, September 2026
2. Staff Changes Report, September 2026
Partner Reports
Financial Reports
1. September 2026 Financial Reports
2. September 2026 Resolution on Disbursements
Executive Director’s Report, October 2026
Strategic Priorities Report, September 2026
Library Core Use Statistics
Lost or Stolen Library Cards Policy Review
Staff Library Cards Policy Review
Eligibility for Full Member Benefits Policy Review

4. 2025 Draft Financial Audit Presentation

2025 Draft Financial Audit Presentation

5. Unfinished Business (6:45 pm)

FY2027 Budget (Action, 30 minutes)
Bylaws of the Board of Trustees of the Oak Park Public Library (Action, 30 minutes)

6. New Business (7:45 pm)

Project Planning (Action)
1. Board of Library Trustees Strategic Initiatives
2. Library Trustee Handbook

7. Reports and Updates: Trustee Comments and Calendar (8:00 pm)

Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 6 pm: Governance Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30 pm: Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30 pm: Special Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:30 pm: Regular Library Board Meeting

8. Adjournment (8:30 pm)

Meeting Minutes

RETURN TO AGENDA

Routine Personnel Reports

Staff Additions and Separations Report (September 2026)

Additions

Name	Employment Status	Department	Job Title	Hire Date
Angeles, Johnn	Part-Time, 20 or more hrs/wk	Technology Services	Information Technology Specialist	09/09/2026

Separations

Name	Employment Status	Department	Job Title	Hire Date	End Date
Kartha, Girija	Part-Time, 20 or more hrs/wk	Collection Services	Library Clerk	02/04/2008	09/20/2026

Staff Changes Report (September 2026)

Changes

Name	Employment Status	Department	Job Title	Change	Effective Date	Notes
Gauthier, Camiile	Full-Time	Collection Services	Library Specialist	Promotion	09/24/2026	Previous Title: Library Assistant
Skinner, Alexandra	Full-Time	Leadership Team	Director of Public Services & Communications	Promotion	09/24/2026	Previous Title: Director of Communications
Tarullo, Leigh	Full-Time	Leadership Team	Deputy Director	Promotion	09/24/2026	Previous Title: Director of Collections & Technology

RETURN TO AGENDA

Partner Reports

Intergovernmental Committee (IGov)

Trustee Rogers update from IGov:

IGOV hosted a discussion on how to support teens over Halloween, as OPPD is concerned about another “teen takeover. There was talk of forming a permanent village committee to plan for future years with sufficient lead time. The Demystifying Referendums presentation has been postponed to January or February. During October meeting, IGOV is hearing from/heard from Kevin Bueso, Village CFO to hear about how they’ve ensured their investments align with the community values (no arms manufacturers and fossil fuel investments e.g.). Starting in 2027, IGOV will no longer have a paid administrator to support.

Council of Governments (CoG)

Did not meet.

Friends of the Oak Park Public Library

The Friends of OPPL Board met on Monday, October 19 where they presented a feedback from a survey of OPPL staff that was done after the Book Fair. They discussed the yearly gift for 2027 fiscal year to the library. Key upcoming dates and events sponsored by the Friends are: Folk music concerts at Main Library on 11/10, The Barbara Ballinger Lecture at Main Library on 10/29, and the Friends Fall Social (location to be determined) on 11/17.

RETURN TO AGENDA

Financial Reports

September 2026 Bank Reconciliation Reports and Cash Disbursement Journals (PDF)

Summary As of August 2026 (75% of the year complete)

Prepared by Linda Barnett – October 19, 2026

OPERATING CASH

Byline Checking: $637,695
*Outstanding payments: $(161,544)
Byline Analysis: $329,370
Byline Public Fund MM: $602,808
Hinsdale – Wintrust MM: $223,615
Illinois Funds Invest: $3,263,708

Ending operating cash available: $4,895,652

Art Fund: $3,290

OVERALL SUMMARY

Oak Park Public Library is 75% of the way through the fiscal year. The year-to-date (YTD) financial statement through September 2026 shows a surplus of $2,709,216, with $11,737,871 in Property Taxes revenue, which includes prior-year tax receipts paid in 2026.

September YTD revenue totaled $12,254,039, or 98% of the 2026 budget. This amount is 23% over the YTD budget for the fiscal year. Again, the $11,737,871 in Property Tax revenue received includes prior-year tax receipts paid in 2026.

September YTD operating expenditures totaled $9,222,050 or 74% of the 2026 budget. This amount is 1% under the YTD budget for the fiscal year.

REVENUE

As of September 2026, the library has recorded $11,737,871 in property tax revenue, or 98% of the budget, for the fiscal year. This figure includes the second installment of tax receipts (due in 2025) and prior-year receipts. The first installment for tax year 2025 (due in 2026) was delayed by one month, from March 1 to April 1, and most disbursements have occurred.

The second installment of property tax bills was delayed by two months (from July 1 to September 1), pushing the due date for property tax payments from August 1 to October 1. As of the date of this report, some second installment disbursements have been received, and the library will continue to monitor.

Corporate Property Tax is at 81% of the annual budget, which is 6% over the YTD budget. Illinois disburses these payments to local taxing bodies eight times per year, and the next scheduled payment of $59,289 is due in October 2026.

Parking lot revenue of $25,577, or 82%, of the YTD budget. The revenue helps cover part of the costs of servicing and maintaining the parking garage and gates.

Interest Income at 69%, totaling $153,050. Because the library had not received its usual second installment of property tax distributions for more than 5 months in 2025 and early 2026, it had to draw on its cash reserve. Combined with the current lower interest rates, this drawdown reduced the cash balance and, in turn, the interest earned. Interest income is likely to remain at or below budget for FY2026.

Community Endowment revenue of $18,817, or 74% of the YTD budget. The revenue is earned as expenses are incurred against the foundation grants.

Miscellaneous Income of $15,386.28 is contributed to $3,711 received from E-Rate. This is a discount received from the Federal Communications Commission to assist with affordable telecommunications and internet access. In addition to the $1,375 Blackbaud (accounting software) rebate and a payout received from a class action lawsuit with Cintas.

TOTAL REVENUE YTD: $12,254,039

EXPENDITURES

Total disbursements: $1,285,790

The total People expenditure is at 75%, which aligns with the YTD budget. Workers’ Compensation Insurance payment for 2026 at 113% is due in January for the full year and is over budget due to an adjustment required after the annual carrier audit.

Support Services is expended at 81% of the YTD budget, which is 6% over budget. The over-expenditure is mainly due to various Administration Support Services costs:

Audit Fees are at 87% of the budget, which is due to work performed through April 2026 for the FY25 audit.
Consulting Services costs are overspent by 83% for this point of the year due to the use of a municipal advisor for the Fund Balance policy and consultant support for the Board’s strategic planning.
Legal Fees is at 109% of the budget, due to ongoing legal counseling for various matters.
Insurance (property, liability, auto, etc.), which is charged for the full year in the first month of the year and is at 89% of the budget line.
Supplies are at 73% of the YTD budget and are typically under budget at this point in the year. However, printing costs for toner (charged quarterly) and paper have escalated due to increased usage. The library implemented a plan to reduce printing costs going forward, ensuring it can continue to meet the community’s need for this service sustainably and within budget.

Public Services is at 74%, or 1% under YTD budget, driven by the timing of subscriptions and service renewals, which are at 91% YTD.

September’s operating expenditures are at 74%, which is 1% under the YTD budget.

Account line/group expenditure levels by percentage:

People:
Compensation: 75%
Talent Development: 71%
Total People: 75%

Support Services:
Marketing: 79%
Store: 18%
Collections: 33%
Administration: 85%
Other Support Services: 64%
Total Support Services: 81%

Equity And Anti-Racism:
Total Equity And Anti-Racism: 34%

Library Materials:
Total Library Materials: 70%

Facilities Management:
Facilities Supplies: 61%
Facilities Services: 59%
Total Facilities Management: 59%

Public Services:
Programming: 53%
Digital Services: 79%
Total Public Services: 74%

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: 74%

TOTAL CAPITAL AND OUTSIDE SUPPORT: 45%

Oak Park Public Library Statement of Revenue & Expenditure – Period Ending 9/30/2026

Revenue

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Property Taxes, for operating	168,745.94	11,737,871.35	11,979,000	97.99%
Corp. Property Replacement Tax	0	157,922.78	195,000	80.99%
Service changes & fees	0	417.00	0	0%
Lost Books Reimbursed/Reciprocal Borrowing	0	8,172.51	13,000	62.87%
Sales	100.00	332.00	0	0%
Rentals-Library Space	48.26	3,253.65	0	0%
Vending/Enterprise Income	0	302.39	0	0%
Parking lot revenue	3,440.81	25,577.26	31,200	81.98%
Interest	14,646.03	153,049.70	223,000	68.63%
Gifts	95.00	385.00	0	0%
Gifts from FOPPL	600.00	10,283.94	25,000	41.14%
Illinois Per Capita Grant	0	92,791.10	0	0%
Grants	1,022.01	29,477.22	0	0%
Community Fund Endowments	0	18,817.06	25,300	74.38%
Miscellaneous Income	0	15,386.28	9,000	170.96%
TOTAL REVENUE	188,698.05	12,254,039.24	12,500,500	98.03%

Expenses – Operating

People

Compensation

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Wages & Salaries	571,892.04	5,233,430.66	7,010,000	74.66%
Employee Health Benefits	119,420.82	1,072,728.33	1,364,000	78.65%
IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)	22,072.45	193,752.99	273,000	70.97%
FICA/MEDICARE	41,762.45	382,448.25	517,000	73.97%
Workers Compensation Insurance	0	19,708	17,500	112.62%
Unemployment Compensation Insurance	0	3,962	15,000	26.41%
Total Compensation	755,147.76	6,906,030.23	9,196,500	75.09%

Talent Development

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Dues	1,054.50	20,155.50	19,000	106.08%
Staff Development/Travel	4,641.47	74,219.93	107,850	68.82%
Tuition Reimbursement	1,750.00	18,130.94	27,000	67.15%
Hiring	0	1,110	3,500	31.71%
Board Development	0	2,420	6,000	40.33%
Total Talent Development	7,445.97	116,036.37	163,350	71.04%
TOTAL PEOPLE	762,593.73	7,022,066.60	9,359,850	75.02%

Support Services

Marketing

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Promotions	0	10,218.91	13,000	78.61%
Publications	2,750.70	29,442.43	37,000	79.57%
Total Marketing Support	2,750.70	39,661.34	50,000	79.32%

Store

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
General Merchandise	0	0	250	0%
Fees & Servcies	4.56	183.71	750	24.49%
Total Store Support	4.56	183.71	1,000	18.37%

Collections

Category	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
ILL Payments	329.74	3,500	9.42%
Cataloging/Bib Search Fees	1,676.76	2,500	67.07%
Total Collections Support	2,006.50	6,000	33.44%

Administration

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
HRIS & Payroll Processing Fees	2,834.91	25,237.70	34,000	74.23%
Mileage & Miscellaneous Reimbursement	38.84	8,090.66	20,000	40.45%
Hospitality	0	271.32	5,000	5.43%
Staff Appreciation/Engagement	327.92	7,646.82	12,000	63.72%
Audit Fees	0	10,100	11,600	87.07%
Merchant Account Services	188.55	1,034.99	1,200	86.25%
Consulting Services – Admin	4,000	39,677.50	48,000	82.66%
Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA)	0	14,034.97	25,900	54.19%
Legal Fees	1,297.50	27,234.25	25,000	108.94%
Postage & Delivery	5,580.29	14,991.71	18,500	81.04%
Insurance	0	117,052.06	132,000	88.68%
Contingency	(840.49)	0.00	0	0%
Grant Expenses	1,022.01	29,477.22	0	0%
Supplies	3,881.74	65,933.59	90,000	73.26%
Total Administration Support	18,331.27	360,782.79	423,200	85.25%

Other Support Services

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Telephone/Communications	4,120.10	36,922.66	60,000	61.54%
Office & Library Machinery Service	1,158.13	10,423.17	14,000	74.45%
Total Other Support Services	5,278.23	47,345.83	74,000	63.98%
TOTAL SUPPORT SERVICES	26,364.76	449,980.17	554,200	81.19%

Equity and Anti-Racism

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Learning & Development	1,169.96	1,343.96	20,000	6.72%
Affinity Groups	0	576.39	2,000	28.82%
Community Engagement	0	10,280	14,000	73.43%
TOTAL EQUITY AND ANTI-RACISM	1,169.96	12,200.35	36,000	33.89%

Library Materials

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Print Materials	37,291.79	252,223.15	388,000	65.01%
Audio & Video Materials	9,556.94	60,348.35	96,500	62.54%
Digital Content	38,507.96	513,383.48	665,700	77.12%
Devices	2,820.69	14,426.67	26,000	55.49%
Realia & other formats	2,460.71	7,320.28	10,500	69.72%
Archival Collection	78.85	2,442.43	20,000	12.21%
TOTAL LIBRARY MATERIALS	90,716.94	850,144.36	1,206,700	70.45%

Facilities Management

Facility Supplies

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Fuels & Lubricants	215.76	1,300.26	2,000	65.01%
Building Materials & Supplies	1,314.83	6,458.81	12,000	53.82%
Equipment Parts	1,117.49	7,769.69	12,000	64.75%
Cleaning & Housekeeping Supplies	462.47	5,147.05	9,000	57.19%
Signage	39.13	3,292.39	4,000	82.31%
Total Facility Supplies	3,149.68	23,968.20	39,000	61.46%

Facilities Services

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Landscaping & snow removal services	571.74	7,966.74	25,750	30.94%
Custodial Services	19,999.75	160,880.98	236,000	68.17%
Water	609.30	6,961.43	12,250	56.83%
Sewer/Garbage	899.69	8,916.52	14,000	63.69%
Parking lot expense	1,999.50	8,590.56	10,750	79.91%
Natural Gas	1,560.14	31,991.29	90,000	35.55%
Rentals-Equipment & Facilities	1,370.00	12,330	25,000	49.32%
Repair & Maintenance Prop. & Equip.	10,617.84	153,322.90	254,000	60.36%
Total Facilities Services	37,627.96	390,960.42	667,750	58.55%
TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT	40,777.64	414,928.62	706,750.00	58.71%

Public Services

Programming

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Children’s Programming	1,366.83	16,835.83	28,000	60.13%
Middle & High School Programming	2,528.40	10,779.42	26,000	41.46%
Adult Programming	2,290.65	22,025.18	35,000	62.93%
Social Services	0	1,515.92	10,000	15.16%
Creative Studio	379.11	6,678.37	11,000	60.71%
Patron Services Programming	0	1,533.47	3,000	51.12%
Total Programming	6,564.99	59,368.19	113,000	52.54%

Digital Services

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Consultant Support Services	1,500	37,927.00	65,000	58.35%
SWAN	0	77,469.45	111,000	69.79%
Subscriptions & Services	9,732.61	293,812.24	323,000	90.96%
Equipment & Supplies	39.49	4,153.49	25,000	16.61%
Total Digital Services	11,272.10	413,362.18	524,000	78.89%
TOTAL PUBLIC SERVICES	17,837.09	472,730.37	637,000	74.21%
TOTAL EXPENSES – Operating	939,460.12	9,222,050.47	12,500,500	73.77%

Expenses – Capital

Category	Current Month	YTD Totals	Total Annual Budget	% Budget YTD Received/Expended
Facilities Equipment	0	1,664.18	10,000	16.64%
Furnishings	5,173.88	35,740.07	75,000	47.65%
Technology Projects & Equipment	0	8,364.71	60,000	13.94%
Building Improvements	3,516.50	277,003.86	575,000	48.17%
TOTAL EXPENSES – Capital	8,690.38	322,772.82	720,000	44.83%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)	(759,452.45)	2,709,215.95	(720,000)	(376.28%)

RETURN TO AGENDA

Resolution on Disbursements, September 2026

RESOLVED THAT DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2026 IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,285,790 AS DETAILED IN THE CASH DISBURSEMENTS JOURNAL AND GENERAL LEDGER, AND SUMMARIZED WITH ADJUSTMENTS FOR CREDITS IN THE STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE FOR THAT MONTH BE RATIFIED, CONFIRMED, AND APPROVED.

RETURN TO AGENDA

Executive Director’s Report (October 2026)

Executive Director’s Report, October 2026 (web version, below | PDF version)

Prepared by Elsworth Carman for the October 28, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting

Administrative Staffing Update

Effective the last week of September, we made some significant staffing changes within the library’s Leadership Team. I communicated the general elements of these changes to trustees via email, but am pleased to share more details and functional impacts in this report.

A vacancy in the Deputy Director position provided an opportunity to assess the role and refine the Leadership Team to most effectively meet the needs of the library and the community. After exploring several models for managerial leadership of Public Services (Children’s Services, Middle & High School Services, Adult Services, and Patron Services) and administrative responsibilities associated with the Deputy Director role, we restructured these areas of responsibility to better support our staff.

Leigh Tarullo is moving into the Deputy Director role and will oversee the administrative and implementation aspects of library-wide projects and initiatives, while maintaining her leadership of Collection Services, Special Collections, and IT. (Leigh’s previous position was Director of Collections & Technology.) Aligning these work units creates dynamic opportunities for project design and service development across the organization.
Alexandra Skinner is now serving as the Director of Public Services & Communications, leading the Public Services Team alongside her existing leadership of Communications. (Alexandra’s previous position was Director of Communications.) This transition aligns two highly impactful and visible components of our work and positions the library to tell our story in new ways.

Both Leigh and Alexandra bring extensive institutional knowledge, a passion for library service and the Oak Park community, a commitment to supporting and developing staff, and strong interpersonal skills to these positions.

As we adapt to these administrative changes, I am immensely thankful for the flexibility, open-mindedness, and creativity of the Leadership Team, as well as the strength and resiliency of all Oak Park Public Library staff. Without a solid foundation, changes like these would be significantly more difficult.

Connecting these departments under this realigned structure positions us to better coordinate library-wide projects and strengthen our daily service to Oak Park. I am confident this structure will serve our organization well, and I look forward to keeping the Board informed as our work moves forward.

RETURN TO AGENDA

Strategic Priorities Report (September 2026)

Library’s logic model
Strategic Priorities Report: September 2026 (web version, below | PDF version)

Engagement in September 2026

We create opportunities for connection and community participation.
We deliver inclusive, compassionate, and high-quality customer service.

Work Highlights

Bringing Shakespeare fans together (Public Services & Programs)

Photo collage of staff and kids dressed up in Shakespeare themed clothing for a program.

Our annual Shakespeare Fest took place on September 20, returning to its original location at the Maze Branch. The event saw its highest-ever participation, with 38 patrons attending to celebrate all things Shakespeare. The open mic was once again a highlight, featuring three enthusiastic middle schoolers who acted out a scene for the audience. The DIY flower crown station was so popular it ran out of flowers, and the insults flew merrily thanks to Library Assistant Brent Haines’ Bard O-Matic Shakespearan insult generator, a crowd favorite activity since our first Fest. Patron Services Supervisor Michelle Springer worked with a dedicated group of library staff to organize the event and was pleased that the changes in location and time of year were successful in encouraging community members to join the fun. Two weeks after the event, the library shared a summary of the fun on social media, receiving over 70 likes and several re-posts on Instagram.

Supporting & connecting local business leaders (Public Services & Programs)

Adult Services Librarian Bridget Optholt continues to strengthen our community partnerships with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the OPRF Chamber of Commerce, helping local entrepreneurs connect with these important resources and each other. Working year-round alongside SBDC Director Andy Pham, Bridget provides one-on-one consultations for local entrepreneurs, hosted in library study rooms and at the Oak Park Office of Economic Vitality. In September, she assisted an SBDC client in utilizing library databases —specifically Reference Solutions and Record Information Services — to gather data for their business plan. Additionally, Bridget helped the OPRF Chamber of Commerce in hosting a September meetup for solo entrepreneurs, and assisted in securing monthly library space for the group through the end of the year. She also represents the library during the Chamber’s monthly Women in Business meetings.

An engaging local author talk (Public Services & Programs)

Author Stephanie Soileau with staff member Dontana, holding their book.

On September 23, Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph and Adult Services Supervising Librarian Margita Lidaka hosted debut Chicago author Stephanie Soileau for a guest author event at the Main Library. The presentation featured an engaging discussion of Soileau’s newest work, Should the Waters Take Us, exploring themes of home, displacement, environmental collapse, and industrialism in Louisiana. The discussion was enriched by personal insights shared by both staff members regarding their connections to the region, including reflections on family, culture, and culinary traditions. Books were made available to attendees for purchase through The Dandelion Bookshop.

Learning in September 2026

We encourage exploration of new ideas through diverse collections, programs, and other resources.
We support community members and staff in developing the knowledge and skills to reach their goals.

Work Highlights

Introducing young patrons to creative technology (Public Services & Programs)

Staff member showing a group of kids with a adult a TinkerCAD program.

On September 23, Creative Technology Specialist Nick Meryhew and Children’s Digital Learning Librarian Eileen Saam collaborated in hosting a successful session of “3D Design with TinkerCAD for Kids” — a program where kids in grades 3-5 learn basic tips and tricks for 3D modeling and 3D printing. While this program has been offered by the library before, this was its first time being offered in the Main Library Storytime Room, which allowed for more kids to walk up to the program and check it out. Nick and Eileen also structured this session to be a more open-ended version of the program, with options for each child to decide what to design instead of having a single project that everyone worked on. These tweaks to program format and location allowed for more play, practice, learning, and fun for all participants.

The new archivist for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust visited Special Collections in September to learn more about our collections and the cataloging programs we use to manage our materials. The visit also provided an opportunity to explore future collaborative programming between the library and the Trust.

Highlighting exciting new book releases (Collections)

Collection Management Librarian Jenna Friebel was recently featured in a Woman’s World article titled “America’s Librarians Have Spoken: The 10 New Releases They’re Most Excited For Us To Read.” The feature highlighted an excerpt from her enthusiastic blurb for the October 2026 LibraryReads list, where she praised the upcoming novel Bad Words by Ríoghnach Robinson. Jenna adored this bookish enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart take on literature and criticism that is a great read for fans of Emily Henry.

Community Voice

An educator from North Carolina recently reached out to share gratitude for our Tech Tips series:

“Hi! I’m an instructor at Mitchell Community College in Statesville, NC, and I teach a ConEd Computer Basics class. In my class, I tend to get many seniors who feel left behind by technology and are very eager to learn. They’ll often request references/websites that they can take home or use after class ends, since many of these skills require more practice than I can offer in class.

I have been referencing your Tech Tips series often in class recently (with full credit, of course!), and I just wanted to send a quick note to say that these tutorials have been so valuable to my students. They are well-written, easy to understand, and contain exactly the amount of information we need — not too long, not too short. Many tutorials or articles that I have found presume a lot of knowledge, and I appreciate that the Tech Tips articles are very approachable if you are a true beginner. Please share my thanks with your team for creating such a wonderful resource. You are helping people halfway across the country!”

Stewardship in September 2026

We provide broad, effective, and equitable access to resources.
We care for community resources, library assets, and library staff responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.

Work Highlights

Maintaining & improving library spaces (Facilities)

The Facilities Team was busy with a number of maintenance and improvement activities in September, at both the Main Library and Maze Branch. With summer coming to a close, we worked with our plumber to clean and evacuate the parking garage sump pump triple catch basin, which processes all of the water that enters our parking garage. Maintaining this system in good working condition ensures that it can process high volumes of water and minimizes the chance of having standing water in the garage. This routine maintenance is critical before the fall and winter seasons, as leaf litter, road debris, and eventually road salt will make its way into our system. Cleaning and evacuating our catch basins ensures we have adequate volume to handle the seasonal demands.

Early in September, the team also diagnosed an issue with the fountain pump at the Main Library after it failed suddenly. We were able to correctly diagnose the problem, source the appropriate replacement motor and impeller, and complete the repair internally, restoring the fountain to service with minimal downtime.

Additionally, a few aesthetic improvements were made at the Maze Branch. The Facilities Team took several days to complete exterior cleanup, including cleaning the window well drains and grates and power-washing the entry facade, stairway, walkway and sidewalks, and painted hand railings. These jobs, though small individually, created a tremendous visual improvement to the exterior of the building.

Lastly, the team undertook a significant maintenance project on the Main Library’s automated materials handling (AMH) system. Using parts on hand, the team disassembled a large curved portion of the conveyor system and replaced every roller band along the conveyor line. Over time, these bands break with normal wear and tear, and the system had reached the point where a re-banding was necessary. Coordinating with the Materials Handling Team, our Facilities Team was able to schedule and complete the maintenance in one afternoon, improving the equipment’s operation and reliability.

Community Voice

During the month of September, the library received 15 five-star Google reviews. A sample of positive comments received in these reviews is below:

“Very clean, all reading material you can think of… I requested a book in Spanish and they ordered for me!”
“Very nice, helpful people, all kinds of technical, video, computer assistance. Great choice of literary items, children’s play area, etc.”
“Oak Park Library is beautiful, very clean, very comfortable. It’s a well put together Library. I will continue to come to this one, when I need to come to the library!”

Anti-Racism & Equity in September 2026

We develop and implement library policies and practices that promote equitable outcomes and experiences for staff and the public.
We support our diverse community through responsive and intentional resource sharing, communication, and relationship building.

Work Highlights

In September 2022, to support the library’s expanded strategic focus on anti-racism and equity, the Communications Team created a new Equity & Anti-Racism email series as a way to highlight the library’s commitment to the work. Since launching, the monthly email has regularly included related stories, upcoming events, and title suggestions compiled by our collection librarians. In September 2026, the most recent edition of this primarily subscription-based email was sent to more than 880 people. It featured a number of exciting events — The Nap Ministry with Tricia Hersey; Black Panther History in Illinois; Barbara Ballinger Lecture on civics, community, and democracy; a voter education series; and Gender-Affirming Garment Alterations — as well as materials celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This newsletter is a powerful resource for reaching library users about anti-racism and equity efforts at the library and encouraging community members to engage with these important activities and resources.

Expanding the Equity & Anti-Racism Team (Anti-Racism & Equity)

In September, the Equity & Anti-Racism department conducted interviews for the Restorative & Belonging Practitioner position. The interview process focused on identifying a candidate with the experience and skills to support restorative practices, foster a culture of belonging, strengthen staff affinity groups, and advance the library’s equity and anti-racism initiatives. This recruitment effort represents an important step in building the department’s capacity to support staff and community engagement.

Director of Social Services & Public Safety Rob Simmons recently began working with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago on a research project that examines opioid use and addiction in Western Suburban Cook County. The project specifically analyzes community informatics and urban data, and the quantitative and qualitative research findings will ultimately be used to help improve local public health programs. Rush has been an excellent partner to the library for years by providing free clinical support to our patrons, and Rob is excited about this new research partnership. The project will conclude at the end of 2027.

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Library Core Use Statistics

View the library’s core use statistics dashboard (web version) | (PDF version)

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Lost or Stolen Library Cards Policy Review

Type of Review

Routine review.

Date of Last Review

February 28, 2023

Context

This policy establishes protocols for promptly reporting and deactivating lost or stolen library cards to safeguard patron accounts and library assets. It also defines cardholder accountability, confirming that individuals remain financially responsible for all materials borrowed and fees incurred prior to notifying library staff.

Review Committee

Leigh Tarullo, Deputy Director; Martyn Churchouse, Manager of Patron Services; the Governance Committee; and Elsworth Carman, Executive Director.

Committee Recommendations

Recommendation	Explanation
Update language to reflect current practice	Proposed language aligns with current practice and better aligns with our general communication style.

Lost or Stolen Library Cards Policy: Current Version

Markup Version: Lost of Stolen Library Cards Policy

Library Board approved May 18, 2010. Effective July 14, 2010. Revised February 28, 2023. Revised October 28, 2026.

A library card is a form of credit card. Lost or stolen library cards must be reported immediately to library staff. The reported library card will be deactivated. The patron who has NOT reported their library card lost or stolen will be responsible for all items checked out on the card and payment of all related charges as listed in the Borrowing of Library Items policy.

A library card provides access to library borrowing services and should be treated with care. Patrons are encouraged to report a lost or stolen library card to library staff as soon as possible. Once reported, the library card will be deactivated to help protect the patron’s account and borrowing privileges. Patrons who have not reported a library card as lost or stolen remain responsible for items checked out on the card, as well as any related charges, in accordance with the Borrowing of Library Items policy.

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Staff Library Cards Policy Review

Type of Review

Routine review.

Date of Last Review

May 23, 2023

Context

This policy outlines staff library card eligibility and borrowing expectations for Oak Park Public Library employees, maintaining cardholder liability for lost or damaged materials. It establishes the requirement for timely returns and authorizes the Executive Director to revoke borrowing privileges in instances of misuse.

Review Committee

Leigh Tarullo, Deputy Director; Martyn Churchouse, Manager of Patron Services; the Governance Committee; and Elsworth Carman, Executive Director.

Committee Recommendations

Recommendation	Explanation
Remove reference to trustees	To serve as a trustee, Oak Park residency is required, so all trustees are eligible for an Oak Park Public Library card.
Update language to reflect current practice	Proposed language aligns with current practice and better aligns with our general communication style.

Staff Library Cards Policy: Current Version

Markup Version: Staff Library Cards Policy

Library Board approved May 18, 2010. Effective July 14, 2010. Revised May 23, 2023. Revised October 28, 2026.

Employees and Trustees of Oak Park Public Library may obtain staff library cards for their individual use. Fees are not charged against overdue items borrowed on staff library cards, but fees for lost or damaged items are charged. Items borrowed on staff library cards are expected to be returned promptly. The Executive Director is authorized to revoke staff library card privileges in cases of abuse of staff privilege.

Employees of Oak Park Public Library may obtain staff library cards for their individual use, subject to all guidelines set forth in the Borrowing of Library Items policy. Items borrowed on staff library cards are expected to be returned promptly on their date due for return. The Executive Director is authorized to revoke staff library card privileges in cases of misuse of staff privilege.

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Eligibility for Full Member Benefits Policy Review

Type of Review

Routine review.

Date of Last Review

February 28, 2023

Context

This policy establishes the eligibility criteria and qualifying categories for individuals to receive an Oak Park Public Library card with full service benefits.

Review Committee

Leigh Tarullo, Deputy Director; Martyn Churchouse, Manager of Patron Services; the Governance Committee; and Elsworth Carman, Executive Director.

Committee Recommendations

Recommendation	Explanation
Adding clarifying details about non-resident eligibility for full cards	Proposed changes make the policy easier to understand and reflect current practice.

Eligibility for Full Member Benefits Policy: Current Version

Markup Version: Eligibility for Full Member Benefits Policy

Library Board approved May 18, 2010. Effective July 14, 2010. Revised February 28, 2023. Revised October 28, 2026.

The following are eligible for an Oak Park Public Library ~~library~~ card and full service benefits:

Residents of Oak Park who hold current Oak Park Public Library cards.
~~Non-residents who pay Oak Park property taxes who have been issued Oak Park Public Library cards in accordance with provisions of Illinois law.~~
Qualified Oofficers of Oak Park businesses who have been issued Oak Park Public Library cards in accordance with Illinois law and administrative procedures.
Non-residents of Oak Park who have purchased library cards at the annual fee set by the Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees in accordance with Illinois law and administrative procedures.
1. To be eligible for a non-resident card, an individual must live in an area that is not included within a library service area and must apply for a card at the nearest public library. [23 Ill. Adm. Code 3050.10]
Non-resident teachers, teaching assistants or care providers who are employed by any school or daycare in Oak Park.
Short-term residents of Oak Park who have been issued temporary courtesy cards.
Employees of the Oak Park Public Library who have been issued staff library cards.

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2025 Draft Financial Audit Presentation

Oak Park Public Library Annual Financial Report – For the Year Ended December 31, 2025 (PDF)

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Unfinished Business

Board Memo – Building a Balanced Overall Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (Draft 3)

To: Board of Library Trustees

From: Billy Treece, Director of Finance & HR

Date: October 22, 2026

Subject: Building a Balanced Overall Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (Draft 3)

The third and final draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget is attached for your review, consideration, and adoption. Following the discussion of Drafts 2a and 2b at the September regular board meeting, this final draft incorporates the Board’s direction and internal line-item adjustments. Additionally, the Board’s Finance Committee met earlier this month to thoroughly review the draft budget and examine projections and forecasts related to the library’s future financial health and long-term sustainability.

Process Reminder

Each year, the Board of Library Trustees reviews and approves the library’s budget for the next fiscal year (January 1 to December 31). In accordance with Illinois law, because Oak Park is structured as a local village library, the approved budget is then submitted as a levy resolution to the Village of Oak Park, which includes the library’s levy in its levy to the Cook County Treasurer. Typically spanning six months, the process generally is as follows:

June & July: Library staff work to develop the first draft of next year’s budget.

August: Library staff present the first budget draft to the Library Board for discussion and direction on the levy request and priorities.

September: Library staff present the second budget draft for further Library Board discussion and direction.

October: Library Board reviews and approves the third budget draft and the levy resolution.

November: Library staff sends the approved levy resolution to the Village of Oak Park.

December: The Village incorporates the library’s levy into its levy, the Village Board approves it, and sends it to the Cook County Treasurer.

Staff Budget Goals

Building on our recent success of balancing our operational budget, our focus for FY2027 is on building a balanced overall budget. By applying a modified zero based budgeting approach across all departments, our goal is to build an operational net surplus that directly funds capital expenses and progressively reduces our reliance on reserve funds.

Last month, staff presented two scenarios: Draft 2a (a 4.0% levy increase baseline with an overall deficit of $(234,900)) and Draft 2b (a 5.0% levy increase combined with staffing and capital reductions to model a $0.00 overall deficit). Following discussion with the full Board in September and subsequent internal conversations and review with the Finance Committee regarding the library’s future financial health, Draft 3 maintains the 4.0% property tax levy increase. This honors our commitment to tax restraint for Oak Park residents while preserving essential staffing and strategic initiatives.

Draft 3 achieves an operating net surplus of $68,400 and reduces our total net budget deficit to $(257,100), a 64.3% reduction compared to FY2026.

Key Items in Draft 3 Budget

Oak Park Public Library Draft 3 – FY2027 Budget Totals Summary

Category	FY2026 Budget	FY2026 Projection	FY2027 Budget	FY26-FY27 Budget Variance
TOTAL REVENUE	12,500,500	12,618,175	13,115,600	4.9%
TOTAL EXPENSES – Operating	12,500,500	12,277,154	13,047,700	4.4%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) – OPERATING	0	341,021	67,900	0%

Category	FY2026 Budget	FY2026 Projection	FY2027 Budget	FY26-FY27 Budget Variance
TOTAL EXPENSES – Capital	720,000	620,346	325,000	-54.9%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) – OPERATING & CAPITAL	(720,000)	(279,325)	(257,100)	-64.3%

Note: “(change)” or “(same)” indicates line items that changed or remained identical relative to Draft 2a.

Revenue increased by $615,100, or 4.9% (from $12,500,500 in FY2026 to $13,115,600 in Draft 3; an increase of $25,000 over Draft 2a):
- (same) Property Taxes, +$481,000 or +4.0%: Budgeted at $12,460,000, representing 95.0% of total revenue. In accordance with Board and Finance Committee guidance, the levy increase is held at 4.0% rather than 5.0%. For illustrative purposes, if all factors were equal, a 4.0% levy increase amounts to $20.58 more per Oak Park household annually (from $512.51 to $533.09).
- (change) Gifts from FOPPL, +$25,000 or +100.0%: Increased by $25,000 from Draft 2a (from $25,000 to $50,000) following discussions with the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library, confirming their expanded FY2027 contribution. This added revenue directly funds $25,000 in specific planned operating enhancements detailed below.
Operating expenses increased by $546,700, or 4.4% (from $12,500,500 in FY2026 to $13,047,200 in Draft 3; an increase of $96,700 over Draft 2a):
- (change) FOPPL-Funded Planned Enhancements (+$25,000 combined):
  - Archival Collection (Library Materials), +$13,000 or +65.0%: Increased from $20,000 to $33,000 to archivally frame nine Margaret Burroughs prints using the expanded Friends gift.
  - Signage (Facilities Management – Facility Supplies), +$7,200 or +180.0%: Increased by $5,500 over Draft 2a (from $5,700 to $11,200) to refresh additional interior and exterior signage.
  - Adult Programming (Public Services – Programming), +$4,500 or +12.9%: Increased by $6,500 over Draft 2a (from $33,000 to $39,500) to provide additional funding for the ongoing concert series (+$500) and the Barbara Ballinger Lecture programming (+$6,000).
- (change) Tuition Reimbursement (People – Talent Development), $0 or 0.0%: Restored by $6,000 (from $21,000 in Draft 2a back to $27,000, matching FY2026) due to renewed interest and applications from eligible staff pursuing library and professional degree programs.
- (change) Subscriptions and Services – Internal (Public Services – Digital Services), +$10,200 or +3.2%: Increased by $66,200 over Draft 2a (from $267,000 to $333,200). After an internal review and reconciliation, Draft 3 is now confirmed to include all internal subscription and service costs budgeted for 2027.
- (same) People / Compensation, +$495,500 or +5.4%: Total Compensation remains preserved at $9,692,000. As supported by the Board and Finance Committee, Draft 3 does not implement the changes modeled in Draft 2b. It fully funds 3.9% average market equity adjustments, 20 additional hours per week for Public Safety coverage, 8 additional weeks for the Book Bike Assistant coverage, and required healthcare/pension costs.
Operating Net Surplus is $67,900, delivering a sustainable operational savings buffer that is funneled directly into capital expenses.
Capital expenses are planned for $325,000 (a decrease of $50,000 from Draft 2a’s $375,000, and down $395,000 or -54.9% from FY2026):
- (change) Building Improvements, -$340,000 or -59.1%: Reduced by $50,000 from Draft 2a (from $285,000 to $235,000) by deferring the $50,000 interior painting at Dole Branch.
Overall Net Surplus/(Deficit) is $(257,100), cutting our overall net deficit by 64.3% compared to FY2026’s $(720,000).

Recommendation

Library staff recommend that the Board of Library Trustees review and discuss Draft 3 of the FY2027 budget, and adopt the corresponding resolution setting forth the library’s financial requirements (budget and property tax levy) for Fiscal Year 2027.