Earlville Library District Board Meeting Minutes
6:00 PM Tuesday, October 21, 2025
On October 21, 2025, 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, Mary Bender, Stephanie Eller, Skip Nanzer, and Janice Wolff. Also present was Director Paige Frechmann. Kathy Eager and Ben Hoffman were absent.
Review of agenda: No additions or changes were made to the agenda.
Public participation: No public participation occurred.
Review of minutes from previous meeting: The revised copy of August’s minutes was shared with the board. Janice Wolff motioned to accept the revised August minutes, Skip Nanzer seconded the motion, and the motion carried with a unanimous voice vote. Skip Nanzer motioned to accept the September minutes, Ann Hecathorn seconded the motion, and that motion also carried with a unanimous voice vote.
Financial report: The board discussed the library’s air conditioning unit and the concern that its replacement may be more imminent than previously thought, especially as the unit’s age is unknown. Ann Hecathorn moved to accept the financial report; Mary Bender seconded the motion. The motion carried with a unanimous roll-call vote.
Library director’s report: Paige clarified that the last column on the circulation statistics report should be labeled September instead of October, but the numbers accurately reflect September’s statistics. Paige also informed the board that Baker & Taylor, from whom the library purchases many materials including the e-book app Boundless, is going out of business. RAILS is working on a plan for the app, and the library is moving toward Amazon for purchases, as their prices have become more competitive to fill the void that Baker & Taylor will be leaving. The library’s craft offerings to kids have been well-received and utilized, and Paige will be surveying the current Dungeons and Dragons players to see if it might be an option to charge groups a small fee for the use of the library’s space moving forward. Paige is in contact with LaSalle County to receive clarification on how often staff may need to be trained in administering opioid antagonists. Surf resolved internet problems and left the library with some upgraded equipment. Upon a surprise visit from the elevator company, it was discovered that the possible problem with the elevator phone is that it is not functioning due to not being electrically connected, and it is possible that this problem pre-dates the discovery of trying to connect it to Surf’s internet system. The library’s downstairs emergency lights, upon inspection by CINTAS, may need to be replaced the next time they are inspected.
New business: Ann Hecathorn motioned to continue the current procedure of keeping the closed session meeting minutes closed and destroying the recordings; Mary Bender seconded the motion, which was passed by a unanimous voice vote. Paige received a quote for replacing the library’s windows, and the board decided that more quotes should be gathered from other options before moving forward with a decision. The board agreed with the assessment that the carpets should be professionally cleaned, and Paige will reach out to Stanley Steemer to get a quote for that work. The audit and Annual Financial Report were reviewed – Skip Nanzer motioned to approve both items, Janice Wolff seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll-call vote. The board and Paige continued discussion on the next set of items relative to the Per Capita Grant, which included financials, bylaws, governance, and information services.
Unfinished business: Jeanette’s daughter Fen finished landscaping and weeding, and Paige will continue to pursue discussions with the school’s FFA for the future. Paige received a quote from US Waterproofing who recommended a new drainage pipe and sump pump to combat the water seepage in the lower level. After discussion, Paige will reach out to other options to get additional quotes for comparison. The new printer is ready to be installed while still utilizing the remaining ink on the old printer.
Items for the next agenda:
- Updates on window quotes
- Updates on carpet cleaning quotes
- Updates on basement water mitigation quotes
- Updates on whether an additional elevator inspection needs to occur
Motion to adjourn was made by Janice Wolff; Ann Hecathorn seconded the motion. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Next meeting date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Earlville Library District.