Bryan-Bennett Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6:30 pm in the Board Room
I/II. Call to Order / Roll Call
Board President Gary Hahn called the regular monthly board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following trustees were present: Lynn Larimer, Kasey Angeloni, Brenda Conrad, and Gayla Wilkerson. Trustees Jennifer Dice, Erica Nix, Marilyn Lewis, and Mark Decker were absent. Also in attendance were Library Director Jodi Trinkle, Assistant Library Director Shanan Reed, and Friends of Bryan-Bennett Library President Laura Crain.
III. Public Comment
None.
IV. Secretary’s Report
a. The minutes of the February 25, 2026 meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Treasurer Wilkerson, seconded by Trustee Conrad. All present agreed.
b. A motion to approve the Finance Committee minutes for the meeting on March 3, 2026 was made by Treasurer Wilkerson, seconded by Vice President Kasey Angeloni.
c. A motion to approve the minutes for the Finance Committee meeting held on March 10, 2026 was made by Treasurer Wilkerson, seconded by Vice President Kasey Angeloni.
V. Treasurer’s Report
a. The March 2026 bills, totaling $16,487.47, were examined and approved. Approval was moved by Treasurer Gayla Wilkerson and seconded by Trustee Lynn Larimer. All present trustees voted “yes” on roll call.
b. The Financial Report for March 2026 was reviewed and found to be on track. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the fiscal year has elapsed, with sixty-six percent (66%) of the budget expended.
c. The Memorial Funds and Donations Report for March 2026 was reviewed. Director Trinkle purchased a charging station and outlets for community use using the Doolen Memorial Fund, reducing that fund from $505.00 to $347.12. Director Trinkle is exploring the purchase of a library laptop using the Tom Champion and Patty Squibb donations totaling $550. The Friends of Bryan-Bennett Library donated $800.00 toward library programming, supporting Mad Science, Water Day, and Summer Reading. The total donation balance as of March 7, 2026 is $3,616.50.
VI. Friends of the Library Update
The update was presented by Friends of Bryan-Bennett Library President Laura Crain. She reported that the organization donated $800.00 toward summer programming. Ten barrels of donated books were received, and workdays to sort them are scheduled for March 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Crain expressed appreciation for the volunteers. National Library Week is April 19–25, and the Friends have plans to recognize library staff. She also reported steady foot traffic and sales during the bookstore’s current schedule of being open the second, third, and fourth weekends of each month.
VII. Committee Reports
a. Finance – Gayla Wilkerson reported that the committee met twice to adjust the budget. The budget has been balanced without reducing services or staff. A potential increase in electricity costs from City Hall may require future adjustment.
b. Policy – None.
c. Personnel – No report; all committee members were absent.
d. Building and Grounds – Workdays are scheduled for March 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. for weeding and transplanting, and April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. to prepare potted plants around the library property. President Gary Hahn will contact Travis Sander regarding sealing the parking lot.
VIII. Old Business
a. Finalization of the FY27 Budget
A motion was made by Gayla Wilkerson and seconded by Kasey Angeloni to issue a $6,000 stipend to Jodi Trinkle for insurance. All members in attendance voted “yes” to approve the stipend. The Board is awaiting City Hall’s preference on whether the stipend will be distributed as a lump sum or in monthly payments. Further discussion has been tabled until next month.
b. The FY27 budget, as modified by the City, was brought forward for approval by Gayla Wilkerson, seconded by Kasey Angeloni. All members in attendance voted “yes” to approve.
IX. New Business
a. The maturing CD in the amount of $134,166.90, currently held at Iuka State Bank, will remain in place unless Treasurer Wilkerson identifies a more favorable interest rate. A motion to approve was made by Brenda Conrad and seconded by Gary Hahn.
b. Director Trinkle updated the Board on the Illinois Library Standards and where Bryan-Bennett currently fits within those benchmarks (see attached list).
X. Director’s Report
(See attached.)
XI. Board Members’ Reports
Board members discussed the possibility of entering a float in the Little Egypt Parade to increase community engagement, with the theme “Come to the library… it’s not just books.” Additional details will be shared as plans develop. Kasey Angeloni noted that the Friends of Bryan-Bennett Library will assist with the project.
XII. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Lynn Larimer and seconded by Brenda Conrad. All agreed. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Shanan Reed
Assistant Library Director
Bryan-Bennett Library