Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees for March 16, 2026

New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | March 16, 2026

The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees managed a brisk agenda during its regular meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026. Aside from passing updated personnel policies regarding neonatal leave and VESSA protections, the Board received updates on the ongoing staff compensation study and pending summer internships. Trustee Colette Loecke attended the meeting remotely following unanimous Board approval. Secretary Erin Moncek was absent from the proceedings.

Staff Compensation Study Completed: Executive Director Michelle Krooswyk reported that the highly anticipated organizational compensation study has been completed by the external consulting firm HR Source. The findings will be provided to and discussed with the Executive Director to help formulate future salary ranges for the library staff.

Summer Internship Program: The library is preparing for an influx of summer help. Krooswyk reported she is currently in the process of reviewing nearly 60 applications to fill two summer internship positions provided through the Will County Center for Economic Development’s internship program.

Master Building Plan Update: The library’s Master Building Plan continues to evolve. Krooswyk noted she is working through new iterations of the plan based on ongoing input from the library’s Leadership Team. Once a final draft is established, it will be shared with all staff and formally reviewed with the Board of Trustees.

LibConnectPro Implementation: The Information Technology and Marketing departments are actively rolling out the library’s new LibConnectPro software. IT Coordinator Devin Arbuthnot reported his team finished setting up the software for eNews and Friday Staff News distribution. The departments are currently working together to implement automated “eVerify” digital cards and are waiting on necessary GIS data from the county to move forward.

Facilities Upgrades: Facilities Coordinator Nikki Orchard provided the Board with an update on recent building maintenance. Over the past month, the night cleaning company completed carpet cleaning in all open areas, digital keys were replaced for The Studio lockers, and a digital screen was replaced on the HVAC system’s Boiler unit #3. The facility also successfully completed its CAT 1 elevator testing inspection.

“Talking Bouquet” Donation: The Adult and Teen Services department received positive feedback following a “Language of Flowers” workshop held on February 4. The presenter introduced patrons to “floriography,” or Victorian Flower Language, and created a specialized arrangement for the audience representing happiness and friendliness. A grateful patron who received the “talking bouquet” later shared that she planned to give the arrangement to her mother, who was scheduled for surgery the following day.