Library Board Updates Policies to Allow Covered Beverages, Modernize Rules

New Lenox Public Library District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025

Article Summary: The Library Board passed a sweeping consent agenda that updated numerous general and personnel policies. Key changes include allowing patrons to have covered beverages in the library and updating rules regarding public comment, freedom of information, and social media usage.

Policy Update Key Points:

• Patron Policy: Updated to allow patrons to bring covered beverages into the library.

• Social Media: A fully updated Social Media Policy (General Policy 218) was approved based on legal counsel.

• Drug-Free Workplace: Personnel Policy 305 was updated to modernize language regarding a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

• Deleted Policies: Several policies were removed or merged, including the Wireless Network Policy (merged into Electronic Resources) and the Outreach & Librarywide Events personnel policy.

The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees on Monday, November 17, 2025, modernized its operational rulebook, approving a batch of policy updates designed to improve patron experience and administrative efficiency.

One of the most visible changes for visitors is an update to General Policy 201, the Patron Policy, which now permits covered beverages within the library.

The board also approved updates to the Public Comment Policy (GP 105), the Electronic Resources Policy (GP 208), and the Freedom of Information Act Policy (GP 214), the latter of which involves moving content to the library’s website. A new Social Media Policy (GP 218) was adopted following a full update by legal counsel.

In personnel matters, the board updated the Drug Free & Smoke Free Workplace policy (PP 305) and removed a policy regarding Outreach & Librarywide Events (PP 114) to eliminate a staff requirement. Additionally, the Wireless Network Policy (GP 217) was deleted and merged into the Electronic Resources policy.