2026
STREATOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board Minutes
January 20, 2026
President David Reed called the January meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Sandy Austin, Marc Cheffer, Jane Farero, Spencer Lawrence, Darcy Mollo, David Reed, Jack Schuler, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Melissa Badger.
Board member Ellen Vogel was absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board Secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the December meeting. Motion by Marc Sheffer to accept the minutes with a spelling correction. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed by voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending December 31, 2025 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was presented. Motion by Spencer Lawrence to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Marc Cheffer. Motion passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The elevator has been upgraded and is ready for inspection.
The library has received the final donation from the Gladfelter Estate.
150 people attended the Santa/Grinch program.
The library is receiving a large number of views on their Facebook/Instagram videos.
Justin Proud is to begin work on replacing the lights around the base of the dome next week.
The library is beginning to receive an increase in book shipments from Ingram.
The annual Library Certification has been completed and accepted.
Students with the STEP program have started work at the library.
Director Badger will be attending the Delegates Assembly meeting on January 28th in New Lenox.
The Mini Golf fundraiser has been promoted at the Caffeinate and Connect meeting, in the newspaper, and on social media as well as in-house.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No report was presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ All systems are ready to install the library sign
Finance/ The matured CD at SOCU has been transferred to the SOCU savings account.
Policy/ No report at this time.
Fundraising/ The committee will begin building the golf course for the fundraiser on Wednesday January 28th. Addition help will be appreciated. Tear down will be Sunday,
February 1 after 3 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The outdoor sign is ready to be installed.
The last 4pieces of the stained glass have been sold. The total amount from sale of all the stain glass is $1850.
NEW BUSINESS
The library has chosen Ficek as the provider for the library’s security needs.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
STREATOR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board Minutes
February 17, 2026
President David Reed called the February meeting of the Streator Public Library Board ofTrustees to order at 4:30 p.m.Present were board members Sandy Austin, Marc Cheffer, Jane Farero, Spencer Lawrence, DaveReed, Jack Schuler, Ellen Vogel, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Melissa Badger.Board member Darcy Mollo was absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the January board meeting. Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Spencer Lawrence. Motion passed by voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending January 31, 2026 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen waspresented. Motion by Ellen Vogel to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Marc Cheffer.Motion passed by voice vote.No outstanding bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
President Reed shared correspondence from Diane Schuler of BEST, INC. thankingDirector Badger and the library staff for their help in providing services to individuals lookingfor employment.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The library’s elevator has passed inspection.
Base work on the library sign will begin as soon as weather permits.
Justin Proud is waiting for a smaller lift to become available before beginning the workof replacing the lights below the dome and above the charge desk.
Director Badger has completed the IPLAR report.
The library’s library card drive has begun. The drive is highlighting the Cards for Kids program.
A year long literacy initiative has been launched both in-house and on social media.
The library now has a one-year subscription to Value Line Stock Database.
Grand Ridge School’s visits have been scheduled at the library.
The library is attending Woodland School’s Reading Night on March 3.
The Friends of the Library hosted a Members Meet and Greet at the library.
Director Badger has been notified that the library has been awarded a $10,000 literacygrant from Pizza Hut.
Director Badger will be attending the Illinois Reading Council Conference on March 12-13.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Reed will be giving a program on the Poundstone Flag at the library onFebruary 21, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. President Reed is working to raise awareness of the flag that ison display at the library and to raise funds to place a marker at Poundstone’s grave in the familycemetery located north of Grand Ridge off of Route 23. The cost of the marker will beapproximately $6,000.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building & Grounds/ Work on the lights below the dome will begin as soon as ProudElectric can secure a small lift. The smaller lift will minimize the possibility of any damage tothe library floors.Finance/ No reportPolicy/ No reportFundraising/ The Mini Golf Fundraiser brought in $7,057.52. The library will be hostinga Quarter Auction on March 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Oakley Avenue Klub. Three raffle itemswill be provided by the library. Board members are needed to help at this event.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The mason who will be doing base work for the library sign is in contact with Signs &Design. Work will begin as soon as the weather permits.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was presented.There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
,Jane Wreith FareroBoard Secretary