STREATOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Board Meeting

November 18, 2025

 

President David Reed called the November meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.

 

Present were library trustees Sandy Austin, Marc Cheffer, Jane Farero, Darcy Mollo, David Reed, Jack Schuler, Ellen Vogel and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Melissa Badger.

 

Absent was board member Spencer Lawrence.

 

GUEST Staff member Charlotte Badger introduced herself to the board and gave a review of her position at the library. Charlotte described a variety of extra activities she participates in which are offered by the library.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT

 

The minutes of the October meeting were presented by board member Darcy Mollo. Motion by Ellen Vogel to accept the minutes with a name change correction. Seconded by Marc Cheffer. Motion passed by voice vote.

 

FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

The financial report ending October 30, 2025 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was presented. Motion by Jack Schuler to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Darcy Mollo. Motion passed by voice vote.No bills were presented for payment.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

The library received notice that the Andrew Carnegie Foundation has awarded the library a gift of $10,000 in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Deceleration of Independence. The Illinois Arts Council awarded the library a grant of $9,000 for Creative Projects 2026. These funds will be used by Nadier Petit-Dieu to establish an Art Program at the library.

 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

 

The library has presented outreach programs to over 215 students in 3 schools. The concrete work for the new outdoor sign has been completed.

Streator Unlimited has donated $1,000 to the library for hosting the Dignity in Pay program.

Gene and Diane Anderson donated $4,000 to the library The Friends of the Library passed out 1090 books to children at the Downtown Trick or Treat.

The Clyde Tombaugh and child silhouettes have been installed on the south side of the library.

Over 265 people attended the Haunted House created at the library.

The police were called over a disturbance created by two individuals.

The two people were given “No Trespass” orders to the library.

The annual elevator inspection has been scheduled.

The library parking lot has been resealed and parking spaces have been remarked.

There is a new Trustee training program available.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

No report was presented.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Building & Grounds/ The bid from Proud Electric needs to be reviewed.

 

Finance/ No report

 

Policy/ No report

Will look at a policy related to hoodies once an individual enters the library

 

Fundraising/ Will be contacting merchants about the possibility of donating a raffle item

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

The concrete base for the sign is in place. Work will continue as soon as the sign is available

The stain glass windows will be advertised in a variety of ways including information on the library’s Facebook page.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Jack Schuler to accept the bid of $23,000 from Proud Electric for the replacement and upgrade of the lights below the dome. Seconded by Marc Cheffer. Motion passed by voice vote. Motion by Darcy Mollo to accept the bid of $9,000 from Proud Electric to repair the plaster damage to the area below the dome. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed by voice vote.

 

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jane Wreith Farero

Board Secretary.