Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees for February 17, 2026

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

The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees managed a concise agenda during its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. In addition to reviewing early operational issues at the newly opened Wilhelm Cafe and advancing new personnel policies, the Board reviewed successful winter programming statistics and technological upgrades. Treasurer Dr. Cari Didion was absent from the proceedings.

Early Childhood Fair a Success: Youth Services Manager Alissa Raschke-Janchenko reported that the library’s second annual Early Childhood Fair was highly successful. Despite cold weather, the event drew over 100 attendees and featured representation from a dozen local organizations. The department also reported nearly 80 completions for the Winter Reading 2026 program.

New Technology in The Studio: Studio Manager John Morgan announced that the library’s maker space has received its second Bambu H2C 3D Printer, officially completing the department’s planned 3D printing upgrade. The Studio also successfully installed and launched its new xTool F1 Ultra Laser Engraver. Despite the new technology, Morgan noted that the most popular service of the month was button making, which drew 33 patrons.

New Marketing Software Launch: Marketing Coordinator Nicole Wright reported that her department is actively training on the new LibConnectPro software. The library plans to send out its first electronic newsletter via the new platform on March 6, allowing the marketing team to transition away from Mailchimp. Wright is also working to implement automated “User Journeys” to send patrons messages for birthdays and library card anniversaries.

“Go Green” Receipt Initiative: Patron & Technical Services Manager Denise Towne reported her department is working alongside the IT department to add an email receipt feature to the library’s new self-checkout machines. The feature is part of a broader “Go Green” initiative planned for launch in March or April to reduce paper waste.

Local Author Collection Relocated: The Patron & Technical Services department has officially relocated the Local Author collection to the library’s staircase display. The prominent new location is designed to encourage local authors to donate their books to the collection. The library has received one new donation since the move.

High School Internships: Executive Director Michelle Krooswyk reported that the library’s Joliet Junior College intern, Eddie Barker, started in January and will work across most library departments through April. However, a planned College of DuPage intern was unable to start due to personal reasons. The library is currently accepting applications for the Will County Center for Economic Development high school internship program through the end of February.