834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301 | Second Floor Scoville Room
Wednesday, March 25, 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)
- Monday, February 9, 2026 Special Board Meeting
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
- Thursday, February 26, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting (Strategic Planning Session)
- Monday, March 9, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting
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, 6:45 pm)
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 5 pm: Governance Committee Meeting
- Friday, April 17, 2026, 6 pm: LACONI Trustee Banquet, Nineteenth Century Club
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:30 pm: Regular Library Board Meeting
- Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11am–4 pm: Day in Our Village, Scoville Park
5. New Business (7:00 pm)
- Web Compliance Update (Discussion)
- Consent Agenda Recommendation (Governance Committee) (Action)
- Exhibiting Art in the Library Policy Review (Action)
- Library Opening an Hour Early for Day in Our Village Sunday, June 7, 2026 (Action)
6. Committee Reports (Discussion, 7:40 pm)
- Governance Committee
- Advocacy Committee
- Finance Committee
7. Financial Reports (7:55 pm)
- February 2026 Financial Reports (Discussion)
- February 2026 Resolutions on Disbursements (Action)
8. Executive Directors Report (Discussion, 8:05 pm)
9. Staff Reports (Discussion, 8:10 pm)
10. 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
11. 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)) (Action, 8:50 pm)
12. Open Session: Proposed adjustment to the Executive Director’s compensation (Action)
13. Adjournment
Minutes for February 9, 2026 Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees Special Meeting
Call to Order and Roll Call
President Bloom called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. Secretary Yamamoto took roll.
Present: Colin Bird-Martinez, Annie Wilkinson, Susanne Fairfax, Megan Butman, Kristina Rogers, Mika Yamamoto, Virginia Bloom
Also attending: Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Leah Mayer (Facilitator, Critical Response Process)
Public commentators: none
Public Comments
There were no public comments received in person or in writing for this meeting.
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))
Bloom motioned to enter a closed session for the purpose of the only agenda item for this meeting which is the Executive Director evaluation process.
Moved by Bird-Martinez. Seconded by Fairfax. Approved by all present.
Motion to approve or accept items discussed in closed session
Bloom motioned to approve or accept items discussed in closed session.
Moved by Bird-Martinez. Seconded by Fairfax. Approved by all present.
Adjournment
Bloom adjourned the meeting at 9 pm.
Minutes for February 17, 2026 Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees Finance Committee Meeting
Call to Order and Roll Call
The Governance Committee called the meeting to order at 6 pm.
Present: Megan Butman (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Colin Bird-Martinez (Board Trustee, Finance Chair), Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources)
Public commentators: none
Public Comments
No public comments were received in person or in writing for this meeting.
Facilities Master Plan Presentation (Woolpert)
Woolpert Inc, gave a presentation on the Facilities Master Plan. Woolpert has designed the original building of the Oak Park Public Library, along with working previously on buildings at: St. Charles Library, Ridgeland Commons, Lisle Library and more. The Facilities Master Plan will include a: Visioning Phase, Programming Phase, Concept Master Plan Phase and a Concept Master Plan Phase.
The Visioning Phase involves collaboration among community members, staff, and architects to establish a shared understanding of the library’s future direction. Engagement methods during this phase include surveys, community sessions, and focus groups. The Programming Phase focuses on defining the types of programs the library will offer and assessing space needs based on the service model and future vision. During the Concept Master Plan Phase, conceptual ideas for the library’s design will be explored, including preliminary layouts and potential spatial reconfigurations. The Cost Estimate Phase will involve developing projections and evaluating feasibility along with funding strategies.
The timeline will begin with staff and the Finance Committee in February 2026, with the process anticipated to continue through Fall 2026. The Committee also discussed community messaging, including what information will be shared with the public, and plans to distribute a survey via the Village of Oak Park OPFYI one-page mailer in March.
January 2026 Financial Statement of Revenue & Expenditure
The Finance Committee reviewed the January 2026 Statement of Revenue and Expenditure, focusing on key areas including revenue, reserves and interest, and expenses. It was reported that $4.5 million in revenue has been received, representing approximately 80% of the total amount owed. The Committee also discussed the potential reallocation of a portion of current-year revenue to the previous fiscal year.For Reserves and Interest, interest income was reported to be lower due to the use of reserve funds. Expenses are currently at 9.49%, with certain costs front-loaded at the start of the year, including insurance and software.
Fund Balance Policy
The Finance Committee reviewed the fund balance policy, including discussion of assigned and unassigned funds. The target reserve level is 50%, and when reserves exceed 75%, any excess is required to be assigned to capital. Historical reserve levels were noted to range between 40–48%, with the current figure at 42%. The Board is required to restore reserves to 50% within three years or less if they fall below the policy threshold. The Committee also discussed the potential establishment of a Special Reserve Fund to serve as a funding mechanism for the Facilities Master Plan, likely as a dedicated capital planning reserve.
Adjournment
The Finance Committee adjourned the meeting at 7:24 pm.
Minutes for February 24, 2026 Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Call to Order and Roll Call
President Bloom called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Secretary Yamamoto took roll.
Present: Colin Bird-Martinez, Megan Butman, Susanne Fairfax, Mika Yamamoto, Annie Wilkinson, Virginia Bloom, Kristina Rogers
Also attending: Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Suzy Antell (Deputy Director), Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources), Leigh Tarullo (Director of Collections & Technology), Alexandra Skinner (Director of Communications), James Rachlin, Meristem Advisors LLC
Public Commentators: Kina Collins
Approval of Minutes
Monday, January 12, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting
Motion to approve the January 12, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting minutes.
Moved by Butman. Seconded by Bird-Martinez. Approved by all present.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Special Board Meeting
Motion to approve the January 21, 2025 Special Board Meeting minutes.
Moved by Fairfax. Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
Motion to approve the January 27, 2026 Regular Board Meeting minutes.
Moved by Wilkinson. Seconded by Butman. Approved by all present.
Monday, February 2, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting
Motion to approve the February 2, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting minutes.
Moved by Bloom. Seconded by Yamamoto. Approved by all present.
Public Comments
Kina Collins provided public comment, announcing her candidacy for Congress in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. She discussed early voting and the upcoming election, noting that it will be the first time in 30 years that the district will have a new representative. She thanked the Library Board for its proactive engagement during the election cycle, including efforts to connect with community members. She also expressed appreciation for the Board’s support and advocacy, particularly in opposing book bans and supporting immigrant communities. Collins encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming election and to view the President’s State of the Union address, which was taking place that evening.
Trustee Comments and Calendar
The Board reviewed upcoming meeting dates, including the Governance Committee Strategic Planning session on February 26, the Governance Committee meeting on March 9, and the regular Library Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 25.
New Business
Dole Library Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)
Carman discussed the Dole Library Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), noting that conversations began in January with Jan Arnold, Executive Director of the Park District of Oak Park, regarding use of the Dole meeting room for after-school activities. The need for additional after-school space for Whittier Elementary School was highlighted. The IGA outlines designated after-school hours, which coincide with peak usage times for the space, as well as exceptions such as election days and occasions when the Library requires priority use. The agreement spans 20 months. Carman also shared that staff were consulted, with feedback reflecting overall support alongside questions about logistical considerations.
Motion to accept the Dole Library Intergovernmental Agreement.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Bird-Martinez. Approved by all present.
Fund Balance Policy Revision
Treece provided an overview of the Fund Balance Policy. James Rachlin of Meristem Advisors LLC shared his experience working with other libraries on similar policies and described revisions made to improve the document’s clarity and readability. He also provided a breakdown of fund balance components, noting the importance of maintaining flexibility to address cash needs, including capital expenses.
Motion to approve the Fund Balance Policy with proposed revisions.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Butman. Approved by all present.
Executive Directors Report
Carman reviewed his report, highlighting the removal of the indoor and outdoor lockers and the relocation of the vending machines, along with other changes to the lobby space. He noted the installation of a new automated materials handling outdoor book return, which has seen high usage. Carman also provided an update on the hiring timeline for the Director of Equity and Anti-Racism position, including upcoming interviews. Additionally, he shared progress on the master facilities plan, beginning with a departmental meeting with the architects to review the planning process.
Staff Reports
Strategic Priorities Report
Carman reviewed key highlights from the report, including the promotion and expansion of home delivery services. He highlighted the collaborative intergenerational program Winter Sowing for Seeds, which engaged a diverse audience, and noted improvements to the Library’s IT infrastructure. Carman also reported on the success of the Rapbrary programs, emphasizing strong community support and participation from both local and neighboring areas.
Library Core Use Statistics (2023-2025)
The Board reviewed the Library Core Use Statistics report covering the years 2023 through 2025.
Additions & Separations Report
The board reviewed the Additions & Separations Report for January 2026.
Staff Changes Report
The Board reviewed the Staff Changes Report for January 2026, noting a title change for Claire Ong from Health & Wellness Specialist to Health & Wellness Librarian.
Financial Reports
January 2026 Financial Reports
The Board reviewed the January 2026 Financial Reports. Treece highlighted key elements, noting approximately $2 million in operating cash available at the end of January and average monthly expenses of about $1 million. He also reported that 92% of the expected second installment of tax revenue had been received, with payments from the Cook County Treasurer continuing to be processed.
January 2026 Resolutions on Disbursements
Motion to approve the January 2026 Resolutions on Disbursements
Moved by Bird-Martinez. Seconded by Rogers. Approved by all present.
Committee Reports
Finance Committee
Bird-Martinez provided a summary of the recent committee meeting, highlighting discussions on the master facilities plan, the fund balance policy, and the financial report. The timeline for the facilities master plan was also reviewed, including a presentation from Woolpert Architects outlining the planning process and phases, such as visioning, programming, and the concept phase, with staff and community engagement incorporated throughout.
Governance Committee
Butman provided a summary of the recent committee meeting, highlighting James Rachlin’s presentation on the fund balance policy, discussions on board trustee training, and the upcoming strategic planning meeting scheduled later in the week.
Advocacy Committee
The committee has not met since the last update; however, Wilkinson indicated plans to convene within 30 to 60 days after the hiring of the Director of Equity & Anti-Racism, aiming to meet following the strategic planning session. Copies of the book Belonging Without Othering were provided for the Board, with members asked to read Chapters 1 and 2 prior to the next meeting. Board members are encouraged to share a summary of the chapters, engage with the content, and consider how the insights can inform their support of the Library.
Additional Reports
Intergovernmental Committee (IGov)
Rogers reported that the webpage is nearing completion and highlighted a presentation by Mary Reynolds from the Collaboration of Early Childhood.
Council of Governments (CoG)
Bloom reported on the February 11 meeting, highlighting a collaborative session among boards focused on addressing questions and understanding the balance between their responsibilities as elected officials and the limitations of their roles. She noted efforts to facilitate discussions both among board members and within the community, and the meeting also included a discussion on police responses to ICE-related activities.
PlanIt Green
Carman reported on notes shared by Matt Bartodziej, Director of Facilities, who attended the meeting held earlier in the month. The discussion highlighted the Land Generator initiative, provided an update from the Village of Oak Park on the One Stop Energy Residential Navigator program, and included the Park District’s plans for thermal improvements.
Friends of the Oak Park Public Library
Did not meet.
Out with Purpose
Fairfax reported that the official name of Out with Purpose has been confirmed and is listed on their website.
Collaboration for Early Childhood
Did not meet.
Adjournment
Bloom adjourned the meeting at 8:59 pm.
Minutes for February 26, 2026 Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees Governance Committee Meeting (Strategic Planning Session)
Call to Order and Roll Call
The Governance Committee called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm.
Present: Megan Butman (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Mika Yamamoto (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Susanne Fairfax (Library Board Vice President), Virginia Bloom (Library Board President), Annie Wilkinson (Library Board Trustee)
Absent: Colin Bird-Martinez (Library Board Trustee), Kristina Rogers (Library Board Trustee)
Also attending: Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Suzy Antell (Deputy Director), Alexandra Skinner (Director of Communications), Leigh Tarullo (Director of Collections & Technology), Mallory Edgar, Fifth Star Collective
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.
Review of Board of Trustees Strategic Planning Meeting Agenda
Mallory reviewed the agenda for this meeting, summarizing the work done in September at the Board Retreat and the goals for this meeting. This included reviewing SOAR exercise: Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results, and Bylaws of the Board of Trustees of Oak Park Public Library, Illinois Public Library Standards: Governance & Administration, and the OPPL Board 2026 Strategic Goal Brainstorming Worksheet.
Board Strategic Goals: Paired Discussion
Small groups formed to discuss goals aligned with the Board’s strategic plan for Learning, Engagement, Stewardship, and Anti-Racism.
Board Strategic Goals: Large Group Discussion
Mallory led discussion of ideas brainstormed in the discussion of the 2026 Board Strategic Goals, including Goal Prioritization & Refinement.
Summary and Next Steps
An agreement was reached for another Governance Committee meeting to address Action Planning.
Adjournment
The Governance Committee adjourned the meeting at 6:06 pm.
Monday, March 9, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting
Call to Order and Roll Call
The Governance Committee called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm.
Present: Megan Butman (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Mika Yamamoto (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Susanne Fairfax (Library Board Vice President),
Also attending: Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Alexandra Skinner (Director of Communications), Leigh Tarullo (Director of Collections & Technology), Ashley Boyer (Manager of Digital Engagement)
Public commentators: none
Public Comments
No public comments were received in person or in writing for this meeting.
Web Compliance/Agenda/Meeting Recordings
Ashley Boyer provided an overview of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), highlighting key points through a slide presentation: Digital Accessibility Presentation.
The board faces a challenge: it needs to move away from PDFs, which are notoriously difficult to adapt for WCAG compliance. To address this, the committee recommends that Board information packets should be much shorter, and that financial documents should be distributed in alternative formats and made accessible to the public as soon as they are requested. Here are two drafts of WCAG-compliant board information Draft: Board Meeting Materials & Minutes table and Draft: January 27 board meeting materials.
Another significant topic was the management of recorded Board meetings. Ensuring accessibility requires that all recordings posted online be captioned; unfortunately, automated captioning tools often fall short in accuracy, and professional services are prohibitively expensive. After weighing these concerns, the Committee recommends stopping the posting of recordings. However, the possibility of continuing live streams with automated captions was discussed. Ashley will explore if this complies with WCAG. Similar to financial documents, recordings could be made available to the public upon request without a formal FOIA process. Ashley and Alex also gave examples of other library boards that have stopped posting recorded meetings.
Policy Review Procedure Review
There were minor changes in the review of the policy procedure. The committee recommends accepting these changes.
Exhibiting Art in the Library Policy Review
There were minor changes in the review of the Exhibiting Art in the Library policy, including eliminating redundancy in the policy. The committee recommends accepting these changes.
Consent Agenda Discussion
Elsworth made several suggestions for items to put on a consent agenda, including approving minutes, non-substantive policy reviews, core statistics, non-library reporting minutes (Council of Governments, Intergovernmental Committee, etc.) and personnel. The full recommendation from Elsworth is attached to the meeting minutes. “The Rule of One” in the consent agenda allows any Trustee to remove anything from the consent agenda at any meeting for any purpose. The committee recommends accepting this change.
ED Evaluation Plan for Fiscal Year 2027
The governance committee recommends doing the same type of Executive Director evaluation for February 2027.
Strategic Planning Session Follow-Up
Mallory Edgar has suggestions for the Logic Model for the board to review. There will be a follow-up meeting for the full board to review the suggestions. Elsworth will look for a time when all trustees are available.
Bylaws of the Library Board Review Plan
The committee established a timeline for reviewing the bylaws. Elsworth will plan to have edits ready to discuss at the next governance committee meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 5 pm.
Adjournment
The Governance Committee adjourned the meeting at 6:55 pm.
New Business
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.
Exhibiting Art in the Library Policy Review
Type of Review
Routine review.
Date of Last Review
March 22, 2022
Context
This policy governs the use of library spaces for public art exhibitions, prioritizing local creators and works that align with our core commitments to equity and anti-racism. It provides a framework for a staff-led selection process while defining the library’s boundaries regarding art sales and physical liability.
Staff Committee
Leigh Tarullo, Director of Collections and Technology; Joel Javier, Library Specialist; Kathleen Spale, Manager and Curator of Special Collections and Elsworth Carman, Executive Director
Committee Recomendations:
| Recommendation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Replace “A diverse committee of library staff reviews all submissions from artists and will contact those who are selected for a month-long exhibition of their work” with “Submissions are reviewed by a cross-departmental committee representing diverse employment classifications and organizational levels. The library will contact selected artist to coordinate a one-month exhibition of their work.” | Clarifying the composition of the staff committee and overall process makes the policy easier to understand and more precise. |
| Delete “Artwork that aligns with the community aspirations of literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, empathy, health, safety, and affordability.” | This point feels redundant after the earlier statement “Access to opportunities and spaces is guided by our commitment to equity and anti-racism.” |
Action required:
Review and adopt the staff recommendations or direct staff to revisit and revise the policy.
Exhibiting Art in the Library Policy
Markup Version
Library Board approved as Exhibit Space June 17, 2003. Revised March 22, 2022. Revised March 25, 2026.
The Oak Park Public Library welcomes local artists to exhibit their work and engage with the community. Access to opportunities and spaces are is guided by our commitment to equity and anti-racism. We invite artists of all backgrounds and mediums to submit a proposal to exhibit their work in a library space designed to showcase wall-mounted paintings, photographs, and two-dimensional art.
A diverse committee of library staff reviews all submissions from artists and will contact those who are selected for a month-long exhibition of their work. [Submissions are reviewed by a cross-departmental committee representing diverse employment classifications and organizational levels. The library will contact selected artists to coordinate a one-month exhibition of their work.] The selection process is guided by multiple factors:
- The library’s commitment to equity and anti-racism;
- Prioritization of local and Oak Park-affiliated artists
Artwork that aligns with the community aspirations of literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, empathy, health, safety, and affordability.
Any sale of art from display at Oak Park Public Library must be organized by the artist, and will not be handled by Oak Park Public Library.
By exhibiting art in the Oak Park Public Library, artists understand that exhibiting in public spaces does have risk of loss or damage, and the library is not responsible for the safety of art work while exhibited in the gallery or other library spaces.
Exhibiting Art in the Library Policy
Clean Version
Library Board approved as Exhibit Space June 17, 2003. Revised March 25, 2026.
The Oak Park Public Library welcomes local artists to exhibit their work and engage with the community. Access to opportunities and is guided by our commitment to equity and anti-racism. We invite artists of all backgrounds and mediums to submit a proposal to exhibit their work in a library space designed to showcase wall-mounted paintings, photographs, and two-dimensional art.
Submissions are reviewed by a cross-departmental committee representing diverse employment classifications and organizational levels. The library will contact selected artists to coordinate a one-month exhibition of their work. The selection process is guided by multiple factors:
- The library’s commitment to equity and anti-racism;
- Prioritization of local and Oak Park-affiliated artists
Any sale of art from display at Oak Park Public Library must be organized by the artist, and will not be handled by Oak Park Public Library.
By exhibiting art in the Oak Park Public Library, artists understand that exhibiting in public spaces does have risk of loss or damage, and the library is not responsible for the safety of art work while exhibited in the gallery or other library spaces.
Financial Report Summary As of February 2026 (17% of the year complete)
Prepared by Linda Barnett – March 9, 2026
OPERATING CASH
Byline Checking: $512,751
*Outstanding payments: $(130,623)
Byline Analysis: $553,200
Byline Public Fund MM: $591,619
Hinsdale – Wintrust MM: $218,696
Illinois Funds Invest: $3,349,380
Ending operating cash available: $5,095,023
Byline Public Fund AMH (Restricted State Capital Grant): $615
Art Fund: $3,218
OVERALL SUMMARY
Oak Park Public Library is 17% into the fiscal year. The year-to-date (YTD) financial statement through February 2026 shows a deficit of $1,112,689, with $1,007,502 of the second installmentof tax receipts (due in 2025) paid in January 2026. So far in 2026, the library has received over 90% of the budgeted second installment property taxes due in 2025. The first installment for the 2025 tax year (due in 2026) will be delayed by at least one month, as the due date was moved from March 1 to April 1. Additionally, Cook County stated, “First-Installment 2025 collections will be distributed by the Treasurer’s Office to more than 2,000 local government agencies within 30
days of receipt.” February YTD revenue totaled $1,065,958, or 9% of the 2026 budget. This amount is 8% under the YTD budget for this fiscal year. February YTD operating expenditures totaled 2,163,147, or 17% of the 2026 budget. This amount aligns with the YTD budget for the fiscal year.
REVENUE
As of February 28, 2026, the library has recorded $1,007,502 in property tax revenue, or 8% of the budget, for the fiscal year. This figure represents mainly the second installment of tax receipts (due in 2025). The library is aware that the first installment for tax year 2025 (due in 2026) will be delayed by at least 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 17% of the annual budget, which aligns with the YTD budget. Illinois disburses these payments to local taxing bodies eight times per year, and the next scheduled payment will be in March. Parking lot revenue of $5,463.59, or 18%, of the YTD budget. The revenue helps pay some of the costs for servicing and maintaining the parking garage and gates. Interest Income at 4%, totaling $8,039. Because the library had not received its usual second installment of property tax distributions for more than 5 months, 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.
TOTAL REVENUE YTD: $1,065,958
EXPENDITURES
Total disbursements: $1,114,150
The total People expenditure is at 17%, which aligns with the YTD budget. Workers’ Compensation Insurance payment for 2026 at 97% is due in January for the full year. Tuition Reimbursement payments, at 23%, align with school semester/trimester calendars.
Support Services is expended at 33% of the YTD budget, which is 16% over budget. The over-expenditure is mainly due to various, Administration Support Services costs: (1) Staff Appreciation/Engagement is 24% over the YTD budget, which is due to the allocation of events and is not expected to exceed the annual budget; and (2) Audit Fees are at 27% of the budget, which is due to work performed through January 2026 for the FY25 audit; and (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. Public Services is 5% over budget due to: (1) the SWAN first-quarter services (January-March), which were charged to the first month of the year, are at 22% of the budget, and (2) Subscription and Services is at 28% due to the timing of subscription purchases. February’s operating expenditures are at 17%, which aligns with the YTD budget.
Account line/group expenditure levels by percentage:
People:
Compensation: 17%
Talent Development: 17%
Total People: 17%
Support Services:
Marketing: 10%
Store: 16%
Collections: 13%
Administration: 40%
Other Support Services: 15%
Total Support Services: 33%
Equity And Anti-Racism:
Total Equity And Anti-Racism: 16%
Library Materials:
Total Library Materials: 14%
Facilities Management:
Facilities Supplies: 6%
Facilities Services: 17%
Total Facilities Management: 16%
Public Services:
Programming: 13%
Digital Services: 24%
Total Public Services: 22%
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: 17%
TOTAL CAPITAL AND OUTSIDE SUPPORT: 2%
Additional financial reports available upon request.
RESOLUTION ON DISBURSEMENTS, FEBRUARY 2026
RESOLVED THAT DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026 IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,114,150 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
Prepared by Elsworth Carman for the March 25, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Facilities Updates in the Main Library Lobby & Entrance Area
A significant part of our administrative work involves keeping the library in compliance with state and federal requirements. This month’s report outlines the completion of our annual state filings—which secure our funding and resource-sharing privileges—along with an update on how we are preparing for upcoming ADA digital accessibility mandates.
Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR)
Statutory Requirement: The IPLAR is a mandatory filing required by the Illinois State Library under 75 ILCS 5/4-10 (for municipal libraries) or 75 ILCS 16/30-65 (for districts). It provides the state with official documentation of our Operating Receipts and Expenditures, Collection Statistics, and Service Area Population.
Funding & Status: Successful submission is a prerequisite for the Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Grant. Filing this report maintains our status as a “Library in Good Standing,” ensuring continued access to state funding and interlibrary resource sharing.
- Status: The report for fiscal year 2025 has been successfully submitted via the LibPAS portal.
2026 Annual Library Certification
Statutory Requirement: In accordance with 23 Ill. Adm. Code 3030.200, all member libraries must annually certify compliance with Illinois Library System requirements. This confirms the library meets legal standards for governance, service, and resource sharing.
Timeline: Completion of the ILLINET Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Statistical Survey is a prerequisite for this certification.
- Deadline: The certification must be completed via the L2 portal by March 31, 2026.
- Status: The ILLINET Survey is complete, and the 2026 Annual Library Certification was submitted on March 6, 2026.
ADA Digital Accessibility Mandate
Federal Requirement: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has finalized a rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Public libraries must now ensure all digital content meets the WCAG 2.1, Level AA technical standard. Scope & Deadlines: This mandate covers the library’s website, mobile apps, and digital documents (PDFs), including content hosted by third-party vendors.
- Populations 50,000+: April 24, 2026.
- Populations under 50,000: April 26, 2027.
- Operational Impact: We are currently auditing our digital platforms and reviewing vendor contracts to ensure compliance by our statutory deadline. Ashley Boyer, Manager of Digital Engagement, presented on this topic at the March Governance Committee meeting.
Strategic Priorities Report (February 2026)
View the library’s logic model
Engagement in February 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
Bringing puzzle enthusiasts together (Public Services & Programs)
Our Puzzle Swap event continues to grow each time it is offered. On February 7, we hosted our fifth swap, bringing together over 120 community members to connect through their shared love of puzzling. The Main Library Lobby Community Space was full of positive energy, and it was especially rewarding to see families who did not have puzzles of their own get so excited to take some home.
Encouraging kindness & connection among local teens (Public Services & Programs)
During the month of February, the Middle & High School (MHS) Services Team organized activities centered around kindness and community, including pop-up bracelet and card making for Valentine’s Day (pictured at right) and engagement at OPRF High School’s Wellness Day on February 5. At the Wellness Day, which was kindness-themed, MHS Services staff encouraged students to share something kind about themselves or a friend. Many students noted that they had never reflected on this before, and the activity was met with enthusiasm and thoughtful engagement.
Supporting a local museum exhibition (Collections)
Special Collections recently received a request from the Elmhurst History Museum for materials to be considered for an upcoming exhibition, which aims to recognize and interpret the creative and professional achievements of women connected to Chicago’s history. Among the requested items is a print by Marion Mahony Griffin from the Wasmuth Portfolio. This work is significant for highlighting Mahony Griffin’s contributions to architectural rendering and design in the early twentieth century. Director of Collections & Technology Leigh Tarullo and Manager & Curator of Special Collections Kathleen Spale visited the museum to meet with the Curator and learn more about how our materials might contribute to the project.
A new community partner (Social Services & Public Safety)
Director of Social Services & Public Safety Rob Simmons is excited about a new partnership for the library with non-profit organization Cara Collective. Cara helps people find temporary and permanent job opportunities, with approximately 50 employment partners in the Chicagoland area. Cara also offers supportive services, including record expungement, financial coaching, and mental health support.
Community Voice
We recently received a heartwarming phone call from an 88-year-old Home Delivery patron: She shared that most of her friends are now gone and that she really appreciated the homemade Valentine she received with her recent Home Delivery from the library. (These cards were made at our Craft Corner program on February 5 and distributed in Home Delivery bags the following week.)
Learning in February 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
Helping homeowners understand their taxes (Public Services & Programs)
At our “Your Tax Bill Explained” program on February 5, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi provided valuable insights on how homeowners can navigate their property tax bills, sharing resources for applying for exemptions and re-assessments. The presentation was both informative and resource-rich, empowering homeowners to advocate for themselves regarding their property assessments and taxes. Several attendees connected with Assessor staff for assistance with specific questions about their property taxes, and one couple connected with the Assessor’s office to help them out with an issue they have with the valuation of their home.
A timely conversation about AI (Public Services & Programs)
On February 21, Creative Technology Specialist Kay Slater and Health & Wellness Librarian Claire Ong led a program titled “Conversations about AI: Data Centers” in the Main Library Veterans Room. The event included an approachable balance of presentation and small group discussion-based activities, highlighting recently-built or proposed data centers in Illinois, their impact on the electrical grid and water consumption, and other community impacts. The 24 attendees were highly engaged and brought very critical questions to the group, which many of their fellow attendees were able to respond to based on their own experiences and advocacy activities.
Sharing early learning resources (Public Services & Programs)
On February 28, Youth & Family Outreach Librarian Sarah Yale and Youth & Family Outreach Specialist Jenny Jackson hosted a booth at the Collaboration for Early Childhood’s Annual Symposium. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local educators and caregivers and share information about early childhood resources available through the library. We were also pleased to see some of our library’s services and resources highlighted during presentations by local teachers at the Symposium, helping to further promote what the library has to offer for early learning support.
Sharing expertise with library peers (Communications & Development)
On February 11, Graphic Designer Gabriela Denton presented a webinar through RAILS titled “Getting the Most Out of Canva Pro.” More than 350 library staff from across Illinois registered to learn how to grow their library marketing with the popular design tool, Canva. Gabriela received a lot of positive feedback from her webinar, with one library reaching out directly about more training in the future.
Stewardship in February 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
Maintaining library spaces (Finance & HR)
In February, repairs were made to the stairway that connects the Main Library parking garage to the first floor vestibule. After 20+ years of settling and traffic, one of the concrete stairs had cracked and separated from the main floor landing, creating concerns related to safety and further deterioration. We connected with a contractor, and, on a day the library was closed to the public, they fully removed the broken concrete stair, inspected for further damage, adequately braced the stair and tied it back into the main foundation, and poured the new stair. Once the concrete fully cures, we will work with a contractor to refinish the stairway.
An upgrade to our circulating technology (Collections)
The Collections Team recently took advantage of an offer from T-Mobile to upgrade all of the library’s Franklin T9 hotspots to the newer T10 models at no cost. This upgrade allows us to continue supporting community access to reliable internet while making use of an opportunity that improved the devices available in our collection. The project was completed in February, with staff from the Bibliographic and Collections Teams working together on the transition.
Caring for a well-loved fiction collection (Collections)
In February, Collection Management Librarian Dontaná McPherson-Joseph and Supervising Librarian of Materials Handling Maya Conde-Kalmijn brainstormed ideas to ease the chronic overcrowding of our romance fiction section. This is a high-use collection, and regular maintenance was unable to both provide a browsing experience and prevent spacing issues that could damage materials. In collaboration with the Facilities Team, they determined that adding an extra row of shelves at the top of the range (pictured above) would give the collection room to expand, supporting the needs of both readers and shelvers.
Improving website accessibility (Communications & Development)
Since 2024, the library’s Communications and Web Teams have worked to make oppl.org more accessible and meet new ADA Title II requirements, which include complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 by April 2026. This work has included a variety of activities, including weekly automated testing that identifies code-level violations of WCAG guidelines on oppl.org webpages. The website’s overall health score improved from 80/100 in February 2025 to 95 in February 2026. During the week of February 9, Manager of Digital Engagement Ashley Boyer increased the scan from 150 pages to 200, and we still saw an improvement in our score, going from 93 to 95 in a single week.
Anti-Racism & Equity in February 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
Celebrating black history month (Public Services & Programs)
The Middle & High School (MHS) Services Team offered a number of activities and programs in recognition of Black History Month in February. A trivia and coloring contest (with coloring pages featuring notable Black historical figures and their achievements) provided patrons and staff with an opportunity to engage with important content and learn something new while having fun and being creative. To wrap up the month, MHS Services hosted a celebration (pictured at right) that included a soul food dinner, trivia, and music.
Supporting important cultural programming (Public Services & Programs)
On February 22, Children’s Services hosted two cultural programs with local community partners. David Schwartz from Temple Har Zion led a Purim Storytime, engaging families with stories, songs, crafts, and traditional snacks (hamantaschen). He also gave away Purim-themed children’s books to encourage literacy at home. Aisha Ahmed led a Ramadan Celebration, sharing stories and crafts that focused on community connection during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. Both events provided an open opportunity for intergenerational audiences to share meaningful festivities and learn about different traditions. Library staff supported the presenters by promoting events, supplying materials, and showcasing relevant books. Participants, presenters, and library partners all expressed gratitude for both programs.
A special film screening (Communications & Development)
In partnership with the Village of Oak Park, Oak Park Township, and the OPRF Community Foundation, we hosted a community screening of Rapbrarian: Reading Came First on February 11 in the Main Library Veterans Room. The documentary follows the Chicago-based rapper, librarian, and cultural influencer Roy Kinsey and highlights the creation of the Rapbrary — a living archive rooted in the belief that hip-hop is literature and that libraries can serve as powerful cultural sanctuaries. The documentary explores themes of literacy, hip-hop, censorship, and the importance of preserving culture through community-centered work. The film resonated well with the intergenerational audience of more than 120 attendees. Throughout the screening, there were cheers, moments of reflection, and, by the very end, even tears. The event was a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate hip-hop as a literary and cultural force, and reflect on the role libraries can play in preserving and uplifting stories that matter.
Additions & Separations Report (February 2026)
Additions
No additions in February 2026.
Seperations
No additions in February 2026.
Staff Changes Report (February 2026)
Changes
No staff changes in February 2026.