New Lenox Library Advances New Personnel Policies, Including Neonatal Leave

New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | February 17, 2026

Article Summary:
The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees advanced several internal policy updates, hearing the first reading of a new Neonatal Policy to support staff. The Board also approved a schedule change, moving the annual Fall Staff Development Day closure to September 11, 2026.

Library Policy Updates Key Points:

• Neonatal Policy: The Board heard the first reading of an update to Personnel Policy 203, which will add a specific Neonatal Policy for library employees.

• VESSA Updates: The Board reviewed updates to Personnel Policy 302 regarding Equipment, Email, and Internet Use, updating the language to comply with the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA).

• Staff Development Day: The library’s Fall Staff Development Day closure was officially moved from September 25 to September 11, 2026.

• Checkout Options: The Board gave final approval to an update to General Policy 201, providing patrons with additional options for checking out materials.

The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, moved forward with a slate of administrative and personnel policy updates designed to support staff wellness and ensure compliance with state employment laws.

The Board reviewed the first reading of a proposed update to Personnel Policy 203, which would formally add a “Neonatal Policy” to the library’s employee handbook. While the specifics of the leave structure were not fully detailed during the meeting, the policy aims to provide clear guidelines and support for staff members navigating neonatal care.

In a related administrative update, Executive Director Michelle Krooswyk reported that Assistant Director Shalyn Rodriguez has officially started her leave following the birth of a healthy baby girl, Alma Lynn. Krooswyk assured the Board that the administrative team is keeping operations running smoothly in her absence.

The Board also heard the first reading of an update to Personnel Policy 302, which governs Equipment, Email, and Internet Use. The policy language is being specifically updated to align with the Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), which provides employment protections for victims of domestic, sexual, or gender violence. Because these personnel policies were on their first reading, no formal votes were taken.

Through its consent agenda, the Board did take final action on several other operational items. Trustees unanimously approved moving the library’s Fall Staff Development Day closure. Originally scheduled for September 25, the facility will now be closed to the public on September 11, 2026, for staff training.

The Board also gave final approval to an update of General Policy 201, which establishes additional options for patrons to check out library materials. The consent agenda measures passed on a 5-0 roll call vote following a motion by Vice President Michelle Monbrod and a second by Trustee Dawn Wheat. Treasurer Dr. Cari Didion was absent from the meeting.