834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301 | Second Floor Scoville Room
Wednesday, April 22, 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. Approval of Minutes (Action, 6:35 pm)
3. Public Comments
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.
4. Trustee Comments and Calendar (Discussion, 6:40 pm)
- Friday, April 24, 2026, 12:30–3:30 pm: Board President and Vice President Communications Training
- Sunday, May 3, 2026, 12–4 pm: Village of Oak Park Civic Engagement Festival
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 5:30 pm: Governance Committee Meeting
- Friday, May 8, 2026, 1 pm: Advocacy Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6 pm: Finance Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 6:30 pm: Regular Library Board Meeting
- Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11am–4 pm: Day in Our Village, Scoville Park
- Friday, July 10–Sunday, July 12, 2026: Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Book Fair, Main Library
5. Unfinished Business (6:50 pm)
- Web Compliance Update (Discussion)
6. New Business (7:10 pm)
- Staff Presentation: Collection Services Department (Discussion)
- Consent Agenda Recommendation (Governance Committee) (Action)
- Leaves of Absence Policy Review (Action)
- Appointment of the Board Nominating Committee (Action)
- Bylaws of the Board of Trustees of the Oak Park Public Library Review (Action)
7. Committee Reports (Discussion, 7:55 pm)
- Governance Committee
- Advocacy Committee
- Finance Committee
8. Financial Reports (8:05 pm)
- March 2026 Financial Reports (Discussion)
- March 2026 Resolutions on Disbursements (Action)
9. Executive Directors Report (Discussion, 8:10 pm)
10. Staff Reports (Discussion, 8:15 pm)
- Strategic Priorities Report
- Library Core Use Statistics
- Additions & Seperations Report
- Staff Changes Report
11. Additional Reports (Discussion, 8:25 pm)
- Intergovernmental Committee (IGov)
- Council of Governments (CoG)
- PlanIt Green
- Friends of the Oak Park Public Library
- Out with Purpose
- Collaboration for Early Childhood
12. Adjournment (8:30 pm)
- Adjournment
Minutes for March 25, 2026 Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Minutes prepared by Camayia Dantzler, Communications Specialist
Call to Order and Roll Call
President Bloom called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm. Secretary Yamamoto took roll.
Present: Colin Bird-Martinez, Kristina Rogers, Mika Yamamoto, Virginia Bloom
Absent: Annie Wilkinson, Megan Butman
Also attending: Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Suzy Antell (Deputy Director), Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources), Ashley Boyer (Manager of Digital Engagement)
Public Commentators: none
Motion to allow the remote participation of trustee Susanne Fairfax to the regular board meeting.
Moved by Bird-Martinez, Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
President Bloom made an adjustment to the meeting agenda item “Consent Agenda Recommendation (Governance Committee)” under New Business to table to the April regular board meeting.
Approval of Minutes
February 9, 2026 Special Board Meeting
Motion to approve the February 9, 2026 Special Board Meeting minutes.
Moved by Bird-Martinez. Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
February 17, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting
Motion to approve the February 17, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting minutes.
Moved by Bird-Martinez. Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
February 24, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
Motion to approve the February 24, 2026 Regular Board Meeting minutes.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
February 26, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting (Strategic Planning Session)
Motion to approve the February 26, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting (Strategic Planning Session) minutes.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Bloom. Approved by all present.
March 9, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting
Motion to approve the March 9, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting minutes.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Bloom. Approved by all present.
Public Comments
There was a public comment received in writing from Leona Schaffer about her remote participation in the live stream of the regular board meetings, noting that the change in the regular meetings to Wednesdays will prevent her from participating.
Trustee Comments and Calendar
Bloom reviewed the following upcoming events on the calendar: the April 7, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting, the April 17, 2026 LACONI Trustee Banquet, the April 22, 2026 Regular Library Board Meeting, and the June 7, 2026 Day in Our Village event.
Trustee Bird-Martinez noted that a Finance Committee meeting will be scheduled and added to the calendar, and that an Advocacy Committee meeting will also be scheduled.
New Business
Web Compliance Update
Ashley Boyer, Manager of Digital Engagement, presented to the Board on web compliance and digital accessibility. She highlighted updates to Title II, noting that government entities serving populations over 50,000 must comply by April 24, 2026. The presentation included an overview of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and addressed accessibility considerations for portable document format (PDF) files, including available remediation options. The cost of PDF remediation was discussed, with estimates ranging from $8 to $15 per page. Based on a 100-page monthly packet, the annual cost is projected to be between $10,000 and $18,000. The benefits of providing content directly on web pages in accordance with accessibility guidelines were also noted. Discussed was the video recordings to Youtube and the requirements for it to be accessible.
Consent Agenda Recommendation (Governance Committee)
The board agreed to table this agenda item to the April 2026 regular board meeting.
Exhibiting Art in the Library Policy Review
Motion to approve all proposed changes.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Bird-Martinez. Approved by all present.
Library Opening an Hour Early for Day in Our Village
Motion to approve an amendment to the library operating hours to open an hour early (from 12 pm to 11 am) for Day in Our Village on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Moved by Fairfax. Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
Committee Reports
Governance Committee
Yamamoto reported on the consent agenda and a potential modification to the agenda, including the proposed order of business as outlined in the memo. The Board discussed the Executive Director evaluation scheduled for February 2027, noting it will follow the same procedure. A follow-up to the strategic planning session was addressed, with plans to identify a time for a full Board meeting. The board bylaws will be discussed at the April regular meeting.
Advocacy Committee
Rogers presented a report on behalf of Trustee Annie Wilkinson, who was absent. Plans are underway to schedule meetings in April and May, with a focus on Chapters 1, 2, and 7 of Belonging Without Othering: How We Save Ourselves and the World by John A. Powell and Stephen Menendian. The group discussed inviting a speaker for the May meeting and is exploring how institutions are applying the framework.
Finance Committee
Did not meet.
Financial Reports
February 2026 Financial Reports
The board reviewed the February 2026 Financial Reports. Treece provided an update on the February financial reports, including a review of year-to-date expenses and revenue. It was noted that $750,000 in installment payments has been received, with sufficient cash on hand to support operations through June.
February 2026 Resolutions on Disbursements
Motion to approve the resolution on disbursements for February 2026.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Bloom. Approved by all present.
Executive Directors Report
The Executive Director’s Report highlighted administrative efforts to ensure the library remains in compliance with state and federal requirements, including the Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR), the 2026 Annual Library Certification, and the ADA Digital Accessibility Mandate.
Staff Reports
Strategic Priorities Report (February 2026)
Several events, programs, and initiatives were highlighted, including the Puzzle Swap, “Your Tax Bill Explained,” and a new partnership with the nonprofit organization Cara Collective. Additional updates included a webinar presentation on Canva Pro by Graphic Designer Gabriela Denton, upgrades to circulating technology, and building repairs and improvements at the Main Library.
Additions & Separations Report (February 2026)
There were no changes in the Additions and Separations Report for February 2026. Discussed were five staff members starting in the first week of April along with temporary summer positions.
Staff Changes Report (February 2026)
There were no changes in the Staff Changes Report for February 2026.
Additional Reports
Intergovernmental Committee (IGov)
Rogers reported that the final components of the webpage are ready to go live. Rogers also noted that moving board meetings to Wednesdays has been beneficial, as Tuesdays often conflict with multiple meetings and events with other governing bodies. Additionally, a community fridge project meeting was held, during which a presentation was given and financing was discussed.
Council of Governments (CoG)
Did not meet.
PlanIt Green
Did not meet.
Friends of the Oak Park Public Library
Did meet. Yamamoto reported on the voting for board members and reviewed annual goals, as well as discussed upcoming projects.
Out with Purpose
Did not meet.
Collaboration for Early Childhood
Did not meet.
Motion to adjourn to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1))
President Bloom motioned to adjourn to a closed session meeting to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.
Moved by Rogers. Seconded by Bird-Martinez. Approved by all present.
Open Session: Proposed adjustment to the Executive Director’s compensation
President Bloom motioned to accept the proposed adjustment to the Executive Director’s compensation, as discussed in closed session.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Bird-Martinez. Approved by all present.
The board approved the recommended change of a 2.8% increase, to align with the staff average, retroactive to the first pay in January. Retroactive pay is expected on the next pay, March 31, 2026.
Adjournment
Bloom adjourned the meeting at 8:38 pm.
April 7, 2026 Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees Governance Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes prepared by Trustee Megan Butman
Call to Order and Roll Call
The Governance Committee called the meeting to order at 5:07 pm.
Present: Megan Butman (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Mika Yamamoto (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources)
Observing: Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources), Barbara Fitzgerald (Manager of Collection Services)
Public commentators: none
Public Comments
No public comments were received in person or in writing for this meeting.
Leaves of Absence Policy Review
The governance committee reviewed the updated Leaves of Absence Policy to comply with new Illinois law addressing neonatal policy; review of the new Sabbatical & Renew Policy. The governance committee recommends adopting both policies.
Consent Agenda Recommendation
This agenda item got pushed to the April regular board meeting. The governance committee recommends adopting this policy.
Bylaws Review
The governance committee discussed planning to do a full Bylaw review in the future, but need to amend the sections concerning (Article VIII – Order of Business) to comply with the Consent Agenda. The Committee recommends adopting this change.
Board Goals Session Preparation
The committee discussed a Doodle Poll to be sent in the next couple of weeks to schedule the final meeting for the strategic plan.
Board Officer Election Process
The committee discussed the Article IV of the Bylaws which states that each term of office for the Board’s Officers shall be for one year, and elections will happen at the annual meeting. Article VI of the Bylaws says an ad hoc nominating committee will consist of three Trustees appointed by the President at least 30 days in advance of the Annual Meeting each year. The Committee shall recommend a slate of officers to the Board. To comply with this timeline, an action item will be placed on the April regular board meeting agenda to appoint a nominating committee. Trustee Yamamoto and Trustee Butman volunteer to be on this committee and recommend meeting at the Governance Committee meeting for May 5 at 5:30 pm. The vote for Officers will take place at the annual meeting in May.
Adjournment
The Governance Committee adjourned the meeting at 6:15 pm.
Consent Agenda Recommendation (Governance Committee)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Trustees, Oak Park Public Library
FROM: Governance Committee
DATE: March 25, 2026
RE: Recommendation for Consent Agenda and Bylaw Alignment (Article VIII)
I. Executive Summary
The Governance Committee has reviewed the current Library Board meeting structure to identify opportunities for greater operational efficiency. The Committee recommends adopting a Consent Agenda and a corresponding amendment to Article VIII of the Bylaws. These updates are presented tonight for Board discussion and formal approval to ensure our governance practices remain streamlined and mission-focused.
II. Implementing a Consent Agenda
A Consent Agenda groups routine, procedural, and non-controversial items into a single motion for approval. This practice allows the Board to dedicate the majority of its time to substantive discussion and strategic oversight.
The “Rule of One” Procedural Safeguard To maintain total transparency and Trustee oversight, the Committee recommends the “Rule of One”:
- Before the Consent Agenda is voted upon, the Board President will ask if any Trustee wishes to remove an item for separate consideration.
- If one Trustee requests the removal of an item, it is immediately moved to the regular agenda for separate discussion and a separate vote.
- No second or motion is required to remove an item from the Consent Agenda.
III. Scope of the Consent Agenda
To maintain consistency with the Required Reports Policy, the following items are recommended for inclusion in the monthly Consent Agenda:
- Meeting Minutes
- Library Core Use Statistics
- Routine Personnel Reports
- Non-Substantive Policy Review
- External Partner Written Reports (IGov, CoG, PlanIt Green, Collaboration for Early Childhood, Friends of the OPPL, and Out with Purpose; Liaisons must submit these in writing prior to the board packet deadline)
IV. Proposed Order of Business (Article VIII Amendment)
To accommodate this structure while remaining aligned with current Bylaw requirements, the Committee proposes amending Article VIII to the following flow:
- Roll Call
- Consent Agenda (Minutes, Statistics, Personnel, and Partner Reports)
- Trustee Comments and Board Calendar
- Visitor Comments
- Financial Reports
- Unfinished Business
- New Business
- Executive Director’s Report
- Adjournment
V. Recommendation
The Governance Committee moves that the Board of Trustees discuss and approve the proposed amendments to Article VIII of the Bylaws. This transition aligns the Oak Park Public Library with governance best practices and prioritizes the Board’s leadership role in serving our community.
Leaves of Absence Policy Review
Type of Review
Compliance update and strategic benefit expansion.
Date of Last Review
March 22, 2022
Context
The library’s Leaves of Absence Policy has been revised to ensure full compliance with new Illinois state mandates effective January 1, 2026, and to introduce a significant new benefit designed to support long-term staff sustainability.
The primary drivers for this revision include:
- Legal Compliance: Updates to align with the Illinois Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act and the expended Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act.
- Strategic Enhancement: The introduction of Sabbatical Leave, a concept developed by the the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and HR to encourage rest and rejuvenation for long-tenured staff.
While the Sabbatical Leave policy may be approved now, the initial rollout is planned for later in 2026, with sabbatical time off starting in 2027 to allow for proper budget and operational planning.
Key Changes
The revised policy establishes new protections for parents of newborns in intensive care, broadens access to blood and organ donation leave, and codifies the new sabbatical benefit:
Staff Committee
Alexandra Skinner, Director of Communications, Billy Treece, Director of Finance & HR, Elsworth Carman, Executive Director, Ginger Slade, Staff Learning & Well-Being, Leigh Tarullo, Director of Collections & Technology, Matt Bartodziej, Director of Facilities, Robert Simmons, Director of Social Services & Public Safety, and Suzy Antell, Deputy Director. The Sabbatical Leave policy was also reviewed and discussed with the library’s Well-Being Committee (a cross-section of staff who meet regularly to review and inform various staff well-being initiatives).
Committee Recomendations:
| Recommended Change | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Add Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Leave | Provides 20 days of job-protected, unpaid leave for parents when a child is admitted to a NICU. This ensures compliance with the new Illinois Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act |
| Expand Blood and Organ Donation Leave | Updates definitions to include all regular part-time and full-time staff. This aligns with Illinois law requiring paid organ donation leave for part-time staff as of January 1, 2026 |
| Establish and formalize Sabbatical Leave | Establishes a new benefit of four (4) consecutive weeks of 100% paid leave for all regular staff with at least five (5) years of continuous service. This leave is available once every five years. To manage initial demand during the 2027–2028 rollout, priority will be given to staff with 10+ years of service. Selection will be based on seniority if applications exceed the annual cap. Requires a “Continuity Plan” to be submitted 60 days before a sabbatical to ensure essential duties are covered and service levels remain consistent. |
Recommendation:
Approve the updated Leaves of Absence Policy in full to ensure legal compliance and support the library’s commitment to staff well-being and service excellence.
- Leaves of Absence Policy: Markup Version (PDF)
- Leaves of Absence Policy: Clean Version (PDF)
- Leaves of Absence Policy: Current Version
Financial Report Summary As of March 2026 (25% of the year complete)
Prepared by Linda Barnett – April 9, 2026
OPERATING CASH
Byline Checking $426,083
*Outstanding payments $(66,427)
Byline Analysis $447,622
Byline Public Fund MM $593,227
Hinsdale – Wintrust MM $219,421
Illinois Funds Invest $4,251,483
Ending operating cash available: $5,871,409
Byline Public Fund AMH (Restricted State Capital Grant): $524
Art Fund: $3,228
OVERALL SUMMARY
Oak Park Public Library is 25% into the fiscal year. The year-to-date (YTD) financial statement through March 2026 shows a surplus of $3,731,717, with $6,825,302 in Property Taxes revenue, mostly prior-year tax receipts paid in 2026. The first installment for the 2025 tax year (due in 2026) was delayed until April 1, and as of this report date, payments are beginning to be received.
March YTD revenue totaled $6,932,174, or 55% of the 2026 budget. This amount is 30% over the YTD budget for this fiscal year.
March YTD operating expenditures totaled 3,168,639, or 25% of the 2026 budget. This amount
aligns with the YTD budget for the fiscal year.
REVENUE
As of March 2026, the library has recorded $6,825,302 in property tax revenue, or 57% of the budget, for the fiscal year. This figure represents mainly 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. The library will monitor available cash and take appropriate action to ensure continued operations.
Corporate Property Tax is at 23% of the annual budget, which is 2% below the YTD budget. Illinois disburses these payments to local taxing bodies eight times per year, and the next scheduled payment will be in April in the amount of $17,501. Parking lot revenue of $8,212, or 26%, of the YTD budget. The revenue helps pay partial costs for servicing and maintaining the parking garage and gates.
Interest Income at 14%, totaling $31,589. 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.
Miscellaneous Income of $5,087 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.
TOTAL REVENUE YTD: $6,932,174
EXPENDITURES
Total disbursements: $960,090
The total People expenditure is at 25%, which aligns with the YTD budget. Workers’ Compensation Insurance payment for 2026 at 97% is due in January for the full year.
Support Services is expended at 40% of the YTD budget, which is 15% over budget. The over-expenditure is mainly due to various, Administration Support Services costs: (1) Staff Appreciation/Engagement is at 43% of the YTD budget, which is due to the allocation of events and is not expected to exceed the annual budget; (2) Audit Fees are at 44% of the budget, which is due to work performed through March 2026 for the FY25 audit; (3) Insurance (property, liability, auto, etc.), which is charged 100% in the first month of the year and is at 89% of the budget line; and (4) Supplies is at 28% of the YTD budget and is typically under budget at this point in the year. However, printing costs for toner and paper have escalated due to increased usage. The library is implementing a plan to reduce printing costs going forward to ensure it can continue to meet the community’s need for this service sustainably and within budget.\
Public Services is 7% over budget due to: (1) the SWAN second-quarter services (April-June), which were charged to the third month of the year, are at 45% of the budget, and (2) Subscription and Services is at 39% due to the timing of subscription purchases. March’s operating expenditures are at 25%, which aligns with the YTD budget.
Account line/group expenditure levels by percentage:
People:
Compensation: 25%
Talent Development: 27%
Total People: 25%
Support Services:
Marketing: 17%
Store: 17%
Collections: 17%
Administration: 47%
Other Support Services: 21%
Total Support Services: 40%
Equity And Anti-Racism:
Total Equity And Anti-Racism: 17%
Library Materials:
Total Library Materials: 23%
Facilities Management:
Facilities Supplies: 8%
Facilities Services: 22%
Total Facilities Management: 22%
Public Services:
Programming: 17%
Digital Services: 35%
Total Public Services: 32%
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: 25%
TOTAL CAPITAL AND OUTSIDE SUPPORT: 4%
March 2026 Financial Statements & Cash Disbursements Journals (PDF)
RESOLUTION ON DISBURSEMENTS, MARCH 2026
RESOLVED THAT DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026 IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $960,090 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.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director’s Report, April 2026 (PDF)
Prepared by Elsworth Carman for the April 22, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Update on Strategic Facilities Plan
We are currently in the information-gathering phase of our Strategic Facilities Plan, prioritizing a “listening first” approach with our staff, the Board, and our community. This ensures our future roadmap is built on a solid foundation of real-world needs.
Following the presentation to the Finance Committee on February 17, Amy Schmieding and Magda Hebal from Woolpert have been meeting weekly with Alexandra Skinner, Billy Treece, Matt Bartodziej, and me, to keep the project on schedule and allow for real-time collaboration.
To understand how our building functions day-to-day, the Woolpert team has engaged with our internal stakeholders through 1) in-person meetings with each library department to discuss current space needs, service aspirations, and feedback on the physical building; and 2) surveys of both staff and the Library Board, covering similar prompts. These activities have ensured that everyone has had a formal opportunity to share what they need from our physical space to better serve the community and support staff in the years to come.
As we head into May, our focus shifts to public input. We have drafted a community survey that will run from early May through mid-June. To ensure broad reach, we are promoting the survey through OPFYI and all seven of our monthly e-newsletters. We are also currently discussing paper survey options to ensure technology isn’t a barrier for anyone who wants to participate.
Additionally, we are planning the following face-to-face engagement opportunities:
- A Day in Our Village: Amy and Magda will be stationed in the library lobby during this event to
chat with residents and gather feedback in person. - Focus Groups: We are in the early stages of planning community focus groups and will share
more details as those conversations take shape.
Transparency and intentionality are top priorities during this process. We are doing the necessary work now to establish a clear, long-term vision for our facilities, and community input is critical.
It is also important to note that we are not seeking additional funding at this point. By investing in a strategic facilities plan now, we ensure that every future improvement to the building is intentional, fiscally responsible, and reflects what our community needs.
Lastly, we are taking intentional care as we plan our public-facing communications to ensure all project messaging is clear, accessible, and inclusive. It is a priority for us that every resident understands the scope of this work and feels invited to participate. Communication will include information about our choice to work with Woolpert (as the successors to the building’s original architects, Woolpert will provide continuity and bring both institutional knowledge and familiarity with Oak Park) and how interested parties can learn more about the planning process.
Strategic Priorities Report (March 2026)
Engagement in March 2026
- We focus on inclusive engagement and service to diverse community groups.
- We lead the community in impactful civic engagement.
- We attract and retain a library staff that reflects the diversity of our community.
Work highlights
Showcasing local student artists (Public Services & Programs)
In March, Manager of Patron Services Martyn Churchouse collaborated with the art educators from District 97 to host the Youth Art Month display in the Main Library Lobby Community Space. This national initiative highlights the importance of visual arts education for children and celebrates their creativity. All D97 elementary schools participate by selecting two students from each grade (K-5) to represent their school.
Sharing the joy of music (Public Services & Programs)
To celebrate spring break, the Children’s Services Team organized a lively music program on March 30, featuring the beloved local musician, Little Miss Ann. Over 125 attendees of all ages enjoyed an hour packed with singing, dancing, a conga line, and parachute play.
A timely civic learning program (Public Services & Programs)
On March 5, we partnered with the League of Women Voters to host a program entitled “Project 2025 and Our Democracy” in the Main Library Veterans Room. The presenter, attorney Jack Bentley, made the content accessible and delivered a program that was interactive, informative, and well-paced. At the end of the program, various local civic organizations made announcements about upcoming meetings/conversation groups available in the area. The audience of approximately 40 community members was very engaged and enjoyed the program. In a post-program survey, participants praised the program as informative, insightful, and timely, with 100% of respondents indicating that they learned something new.
Supporting civic engagement (Communications & Development)
Each month, the library receives a Google report that includes our top-performing and top-growing library webpages. Leading up to Election Day on March 17, the library’s Voting & Elections page—worked on by Civic Literacy Librarian Simon Czerwinkskyj and Content Strategist Kristen Romanowski—consistently appeared in this report. This was our top-growing webpage in March and the third-highest-performing page, with 2,480 clicks. (For comparison, the homepage gets 9,060 clicks and is the top-performing page.) Among the top three queries that brought people to the library’s website in March was “oak park voting” — behind only “oak park library” and “oppl.” The information included on this webpage about elections and voter registration is available from multiple other sources online—the fact that so many community members visited oppl.org to access information they could find elsewhere highlights the library’s reputation as a trusted community resource.
Learning in March 2026
- We build capacity for literacy and education.
- We empower community members with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to reach their full potential.
Work Highlights
An engaging environmental program (Public Services & Programs)
On March 11, approximately 50 community members attended “Planting in the Parkway: A Native Garden Design Workshop” at the Main Library. The Village’s Sustainability Coordinator presented on the Climate Ready Oak Park Plan and green infrastructure goals, as well as ideas for starting native plantings in parkways. Participants created their designs using lists and graph paper, while local experts from West Cook Wild Ones, Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District answered questions. One lucky participant (pictured at right, bottom) won a rain barrel in the raffle!
A literary discussion with our older adult patrons (Collections)
Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton recently shared her experience serving on the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction & Nonfiction committee during our monthly Older Adult Coffee Hour program in March. She walked attendees through the selection process, offering insight into how titles are nominated, evaluated, and ultimately chosen for recognition. In addition to explaining the process, Kathy book-talked several winning titles and a few notable contenders that did not make the final list. Participants asked thoughtful questions, shared their own reading experiences, and helped create a lively discussion about the featured titles.
Community Voice
A patron shared the following feedback after attending our “Zines & Chapbooks: A Self-Publishing Workshop” series in March:
“I just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the zine event series hosted at the Makery by [Library Assistant] Michael [Rose], [Creative Technology Specialist] Jericho [Savage], and [Creative Technology Librarian] Amy [Hofmockel]. It was very fun and informative, and [I] would like to see it as an ongoing series or even as a club. It was a wonderful space that encouraged my creativity and curiosity. I liked seeing what everyone else came up with for their zines. It was interesting learning everyone’s creative process.”
On March 2, a patron posted a photo of their visit to the Main Library on their Instagram story and tagged us (@oakparklibrary) with a heartfelt comment:
“I’ve been spending time with my kids at the library, and today, as I was searching for a book for myself, I stopped in my tracks and randomly took this photo. When I was younger, I would go to the library and get lost in stories and art. I needed that escape from parts of my childhood. Today, while walking down the aisles, I unintentionally made my way back to that little girl. And I smiled… knowing she would be so proud of us.”
Stewardship in March 2026
- We invite everyone into library spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring.
- We provide broad, effective, and equitable access to resources.
- We prioritize sustainability.
- We support all library staff to achieve happiness, well-being, and success.
Work Highlights
Defining “well-being” (Finance & HR)
Our Well-Being Committee recently finalized a new framework to support staff’s well-being and success, adapted from the U.S. Surgeon General’s “Five Essentials” model. This work grew directly from the committee’s feedback to ensure our wellbeing framework reflects our specific library culture and our commitment to equity. We have translated the core pillars — Protection from Harm, Connection and Community, Work-Life Harmony, Mattering at Work, and Opportunity for Growth — into practical “Does” and “Does Not” guidelines that clarify what our daily operations should (and should not) look like. This framework is a key step in our strategy to support and retain our talented staff, and it will be rolled out librarywide during National Library Week in April.
Maintaining safe & well-functioning library buildings (Facilities)
In March, the Oak Park Fire Department (OPFD) completed their annual Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Compliance Walkthrough of the Main Library. FLS compliance is specifically highlighted anytime we have an official inspection or a walkthrough, but is an ongoing priority of the Facilities Team throughout the year. As a result of this continual work, OPFD’s walkthrough found the Main Library to be in substantial compliance, citing zero issues.
Also in March, Boiler 1 received significant repairs to its burner assembly after a failure in February. The repairs were completed by our mechanical contractor, Complete Temperature Systems, after which the burner was tested and received a combustion analysis, verifying proper, safe, and efficient operation. This repair highlights the need for proper design in heating capacity and system redundancy, as well as proper care and maintenance, since we needed to rely on one boiler for heat in the building while the failed boiler awaited repairs.
Grantseeking to support a digitization project (Collections)
Special Collections finalized and submitted an application to the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board’s Historical Records Grants Program in March. The grant proposes a collaboration between Special Collections and the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, focused on the digitization of archival holdings related to Grace Hall Hemingway — the mother of author Ernest Hemingway and an influential local cultural figure in her own right. These materials, currently housed within the library’s archives, include correspondence, photographs, musical compositions, and personal documents that illuminate Grace Hall Hemingway’s life, artistic contributions, and role within her family and community. Applications for this grant program are currently being reviewed, with final decisions anticipated in May and awards announced in June.
Anti-racism & Equity in March 2026
- We create and implement library policies that promote equitable outcomes for our staff and the public.
- We prioritize relationship-building and meaningful collaboration in our efforts to advance anti-racism.
Work Highlights
Inviting patrons behind the scenes of an Idea Box display (Communications & Development)
On March 12, we hosted a Q&A panel with the creative team behind the installation Maintaining Wonder: Deangelo’s World, which was on display from January 29 through March 20 in the Main Library Idea Box. Moderated by Cam’Ron Hardy, freelance reporter of the Pioneer Press, the conversation offered a behind-thescenes look at how the installation came to life, from concept to completion. The team of panelists included: Roy Kinsey (Curator, Author, Artist, Librarian—Rapbrary), Alexandria Jones (Set Dressing—Fad2Fresh), Jermaine Thomas II (Photographer & Lighting), Rasheed Owens (Curator & Producer), and John Caleb Pendleton (Floral Design—Planks & Pistils). They shared what inspired them most and explored the many creative details that shaped the experience — from vintage artwork to thoughtfully designed lighting. Together, they brought Deangelo & the Dandelion to life in a truly immersive way, through an installation that centered Black imagination, freedom of expression, and the power of story as resistance.
Exploring decodable books (public services & Programs)
Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris and Youth & Family Outreach Specialist Jenny Jackson partnered with OPRF High School freshman Sophie Galeener for the program “Exploring Decodables and Literacy,” which was part of Sophie’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project. Sophie created decodable books for one of our Reading Discovery Kits and organized a program with librarians. The children enjoyed making word wands, participating in a special scavenger hunt in the Main Library children’s area, and reading in the cozy book nook. Sophie chose to share Aaron Slater, Illustrator for storytime, explaining that Aaron has dyslexia, just like she does. This program was meaningful for several reasons, including the opportunity for Jenny to reconnect with Sophie, whom she has known since Sophie was in preschool and attending Friday storytimes at the Dole Branch. Jenny and Shelley were inspired by Sophie’s passion and thoughtfulness in discussing the importance of decodable books, particularly for neurodiverse readers.
Library Core Use Statistics
View the library’s core use statistics dashboard
Additions & Separations Report (March 2026)
Additions
No additions in March 2026.
Separations
No separations in March 2026.
Staff Changes Report (March 2026)
| Name | Employment Status | Department | Job Title | Change | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggersdorf, Katie | Full-Time | Collections Services | Materials Handling Supervisor (Grade 4) | Promotion | 03/24/2026 | Previous title: Materials Handling Supervisor (Grade 3) |