Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees for January 19, 2026

New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026

The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees managed a diverse agenda focused on facility upgrades, community engagement, and technological advancements during its regular meeting on Monday, January 19, 2026. Alongside finalizing the new in-house café and initiating a staff compensation study, the Board approved a temporary closure for a spring event and reviewed record-breaking usage statistics in its digital Studio space. Board Vice President Michelle Monbrod and Secretary Erin Moncek were absent from the proceedings.

Library Closure for MakerDay: The Board unanimously approved a facility closure for the library’s upcoming MakerDay event. The library will be closed to standard operations on Saturday, April 18, 2026, to accommodate the specialized programming.

The Studio Reports Record Usage: Studio Manager John Morgan reported a highly successful month for the library’s maker space. The Studio experienced its best month ever for laser cutter usage, and sublimation proved to be the most popular service with 16 booked appointments. The department also re-introduced virtual programming with a “12 Days of Craftsmas” series that generated over 300 views. Additionally, a free gift-wrapping station was so popular that staff ran out of wrapping paper twice.

IT and Circulation Upgrades: Information Technology Coordinator Devin Arbuthnot reported that new self-checkout machines have been set up and are scheduled to be fully installed for patron use in January. The IT department also set up new OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) devices. Patron & Technical Services Manager Denise Towne reported that her department worked with PrairieCat to create a new student card, and successfully set 10,465 existing library cards to non-expiring status.

Community Hygiene Cabinet Praised: The library received written correspondence from resident Barb Plantz praising a new initiative to provide a cabinet for personal hygiene supplies. Plantz, a volunteer at the New Lenox Food Pantry, noted that the pantry regularly runs out of such supplies. “You will definitely fill a need in this community,” Plantz wrote, adding that she plans to refer pantry clients to the library’s new resource.

Teen Volunteer Initiatives: Adult and Teen Services Manager Monica Waligorski reported massive participation in the annual Volunteen Holiday Cards program. Local teens created 444 holiday cards. Due to the overwhelming response, the library expanded its recipient list to include Horizon, the New Lenox Food Pantry, the American Legion, and the VFW.

Park District Referendum Task Force: During the meeting’s closing comments, Trustee Dr. Edward Tatro mentioned that both he and Trustee Wheat are currently serving on the Park District Task Force regarding their upcoming referendum.

Executive Session on Personnel and Records: The Board entered into a closed executive session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss specific personnel and the review of lawfully closed meeting minutes. The Board returned to open session at 7:46 p.m., where they unanimously approved the release of certain closed session minutes and authorized the destruction of executive session audio recordings that are older than 18 months.