Pending Library Board approval at the July 22, 2026 regular meeting
Minutes Prepared By: Camayia Dantzler, Communications Specialist
Call to order and Roll Call
President Bloom called the meeting to order at 5:42 pm. Secretary Yamamoto took roll.
Present: Virginia Bloom, Kristina Rogers, Susanne Fairfax, Megan Butman, Annie Wilkinson, Mika Yamamoto, Colin Bird-Martinez*, Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Mallory Edgar (Fifth Star Collective)
*Colin Bird-Martinez was absent at the time of roll call and arrived later during the meeting.
Public Comments
There were no public comments submitted in person or in writing for this meeting.
Board Strategic Plan Goal Setting
Agenda Overview
Mallory gave a brief overview of the agenda for this meeting, noting that the board will revisit their established goals.
Brief Review: February 2026 Strategic Planning Meeting
Mallory gave a recap of the strategic planning session meeting held back in February, where they brainstormed their board strategic goals.
Board Strategic Goals
Review & Prioritization of Draft Goals
Mallory presented a draft Board Goals document for Board members to review and prioritize. The draft included goals such as establishing an annual performance review process for the Executive Director, reviewing and updating library policies, and fostering intentional relationship-building between the Board and library staff.
The Board also considered how each goal aligns with the Library’s strategic priorities of Engagement, Learning, Stewardship, and Anti-Racism & Equity. Each goal is then assigned to a SMARTIE criteria, which stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-Bound
- Inclusive
- Equitable
Board members discussed several proposed goals, including the onboarding process for future Board members, clarifying Board roles and responsibilities, exploring the Belonging and Othering framework, and establishing an ongoing policy review process with a target of reviewing an average of three policies per month. The Board also amended the timeline for clarifying Board roles, responsibilities, processes, and key governance documents, extending the target completion date to January 2027.
Finalization of Goal Language
Mallory finalized the goal language where the final goals is as follows:
- By February 2027, complete the annual review process for the Library’s Executive Director.
- By July 2027, review (and update, as needed) at least 35% (27 of 75) of existing library policies.
- By January 2027, clarify the board of trustees roles, responsibilities, and processes by developing or updating key governance documents (bylaws, descriptions for finance and governance committees).
- By July 2027, develop orientation/onboarding process and trustee handbook to be used with new members of the Board of Trustees.
- By July 2026, Adopt the Belonging without Othering Framework as the overarching framework for the Oak Park Public Library’s strategic plan for 2027 and beyond.
- Ongoing throughout the year, implementing a plan for thoughtful intentional relationship building and maintenance between the Board of Trustees and Oak Park Public Library Staff.
Bloom entertained a motion to approve the goals.
Wilkinson moved. Fairfax seconded. Approved by all present.
Plan for progress monitoring/project management
Mallory presented a goal-tracking document that outlines organizational goals, key processes, deadlines, staff support, collaborators, and partner involvement. The document provides a clear visual framework for monitoring progress and accountability. Each goal includes specific action items for Board members to review and complete. In addition, every goal is assigned to a designated committee, with a point person identified to coordinate and oversee implementation.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:13 pm.