Earlville Library District Board Meeting Minutes
6:00 PM Tuesday, August 18, 2026
On August 18, 2026, the meeting of the Earlville Library District Board was called to order by President Ann Hecathorn at 6:01 p.m. at the library.
Present for the meeting were board members: Ann Hecathorn, Stephanie Eller, Skip Nanzer, Matt Johnson, and Ben Hoffman. Mary Bender and Janice Wolff were absent. Also present was Director Paige Frechmann.
Review of agenda: No additions or changes were made to the agenda.
Public participation: No public participation occurred.
Review of minutes from previous meeting: Ann Hecathorn motioned to accept the minutes from the July 2026 meeting, Skip Nanzer seconded the motion, and the motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.
Financial report: A question was asked if the item “dues” in the expense report could be clarified, and Paige explained that they are usually fees for ILA/ALA, but she will specify that in the document moving forward. Skip Nanzer motioned to accept the financial report; Matt Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous roll-call vote.
Library director’s report: Paige and Lacie attended the school’s “Back to School night” event with the hope of promoting current offerings for kids as well as highlighting newer events for teens, including junk journaling and D&D. Typically programs for teens are slow to grow. Paige also highlighted an AI education event coming up. The library is able to join the city’s new contract for garbage and recycling, which will save the library money moving forward! Paige attended a delegates’ meeting, and explained that there is talk for a possible single-day conference for small libraries. Lacie had an individual volunteer for some community service time at the library with successful results. The library received a $45 rebate from the time we were without eBook access (between Boundless and Palace Project). The library experienced a power outage from the storms on 8/11, but no water came in the basement! Per Senate Bill 2771, Paige printed and will display materials to provide information for suicide prevention.
New business: Paige shared the updated wording in the Budget and Appropriations Ordinance regarding the special reserve fund and the Snow fund. Ann Hecathorn motioned to approve the budget, Ben Hoffman seconded the motion, and the motion passed with a unanimous roll-call vote.
Unfinished business: Board member contact information was reviewed and updated. The new air conditioning / furnace unit is working great, and this item can be removed from future agendas. Paige shared the quote from Finnell Construction for the installation of a downstairs fan and the repair and sealing of the library’s windows – Matt Johnson motioned to accept the quote to proceed with scheduling the work, Skip Nanzer seconded the motion, and the motion passed with a unanimous roll-call vote. Paige will try to find out more information regarding the $100 fuel surcharge that the elevator company has stated they will start collecting, and board member Ben Hoffman agreed to look over the library’s contract to see what it specifically says regarding this surcharge. There is no new news regarding the Illinois Public Library Standards Checklist.
Items for the next agenda:
- Windows/fan update
- Elevator update
The motion to adjourn was made by Ann Hecathorn, and Matt Johnson seconded the motion. The motion was passed with a unanimous voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Next meeting date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Earlville Library District.