Bryan-Bennett Library
Board Meeting Minutes
October 21, 2025
I/II. Call to Order / Roll Call
President Gary Hahn called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM. Trustees present were Erica Nix, Mark Decker, Lynn Larimer, Kasey Angeloni, Brenda Conrad, Marilyn Lewis, and Gayla Wilkerson. Trustee Jennifer Dice was absent. Director Jodi Trinkle, Assistant Director Shanan Reed, and Friends of the Library President Laura Crain were also in attendance.
III. Public Comment
None.
IV. Secretary’s Report
a. A motion to accept the minutes from the September 16, 2025 Board Meeting was made by Trustee Mark Decker, seconded by Trustee Gayla Wilkerson.
The minutes were approved as presented by all members present, with Marilyn Lewis abstaining due to absence at the previous meeting.
Motion carried.
V. Treasurer’s Report
a. Bills for October 2025, totaling $17,749.26, were reviewed. A motion to approve the bills for payment was made by Trustee Decker and seconded by Trustee Conrad. The motion passed unanimously.
b. The Financial Report for October 2025 was distributed and reviewed. Spending is at 39% of the budget at 42% of the fiscal year, indicating the budget is on track.
c. The overage in the Professional Meetings budget line is being covered by per capita grant funds.
d. Bryan-Bennett Library will discontinue using Cengage for purchasing large print books.
VI. Friends of the Library Update
Friends President Laura Crain provided an update stating numerous items have been collected for the upcoming silent auction, including classics and other literary-themed items. Bid sheets (created by Trustee Kasey Angeloni) are being prepared; roughly three tables of items have been collected. Although dates are not set in stone, when decided, advertising will be done through the Bryan-Bennett Facebook page, the new library website, the Saturday Shopper, and the local newspaper. If successful, the auction may become an annual event.
Crain is also working on a new list of books to donate to the prison and praised the Friends volunteers for their extensive shelf organization and cleaning efforts. Additionally, there was discussion about having a Friends table at next year’s Little Egypt Parade.
VII. Committee Reports
a. Finance Committee: Treasurer Wilkerson reported that Iuka State Bank submitted the best bid with 4.05% interest, so the CD will remain there.
b. Policy Committee: No new updates or policies were presented. Trustee Larimer inquired whether further meetings required approval.
c. Personnel Committee: No updates.
d. Building & Grounds:
A walkthrough of all library rooms was conducted. Several side rooms require new flooring; both bathrooms need tile replacement. A recommendation to install a row of tile from the east door to the west door to ease cleanup from foot traffic was made.
Repainting and obtaining quotes for paint and new carpet were discussed, including carpet squares.
Preliminary recommendations and pricing are forthcoming.
Southern Illinois Tile and Carpet Supply will be contacted for quotes.
VIII. Old Business
a. See Building & Grounds report (Section VII.d).
IX. New Business
a. City Hall met with Director Trinkle and President Hahn regarding Tax Levy and budget cuts.
The City lost State funds from a tax levy, resulting in library cuts to IMRF, medical, social security, and PPRT, totaling $28,180, effective May 2026. This will be reviewed annually.
The library will continue to receive $50,000 plus Building & Grounds funds.
b. Library Standards were reviewed.
X. Director’s Report
Highlights included:
Director, Assistant Director, and Programs Coordinator completed a 2-day online Youth Mental Health First Aid training and are now certified. All training was completed onsite during work hours. All three attended an in-person Directors Meeting in Fairfield.
Library Escape Rooms and the ongoing Library Crawl have increased patron engagement.
Library Crawl count: 40 visitors from around Southern Illinois and 20 local patrons.
Still awaiting a quote on flooring. One Stop Flooring’s quote will determine whether bids must be opened.
(See attached detailed Director’s Report for additional information.)
XI. Board Member Reports
None.
XII. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Wilkerson, seconded by Trustee Decker.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Shanan Reed
Assistant Director, Bryan-Bennett Library