Bethalto Public Library District

Board Meeting

January 8, 2026

 The meeting was called to order by Kristy Walker.

Present:               Stephanie Allshouse, Pamela Collman, Elizabeth Newton, Kristy Walker

Absent:                Andrea Kramer, Patricia Stemmley

Also present:     Mary Brewster – Library Director, Paula Tretter – Assistant Director

Motion 1:    It was moved by Allshouse and seconded by Newton that the minutes of the meeting of December 11, 2025 be approved as written.

•     Ayes:      Allshouse, Newton, Walker
•     Nays:      none
•     Abstain: Collman
•     Absent:  Kramer, Stemmley

Motion 2:    It was moved by Collman and seconded by Walker that bills in the amount of $36,679.69 be paid.

•     Ayes:      Allshouse, Collman, Newton, Walker
•     Nays:      none
•     Absent:  Kramer, Stemmley

REPORTS

     The Financial report was presented by Pam Collman, Treasurer.  

     The Librarian’s report was presented by Mary Brewster, Director. (See File)

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMITTEES

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

     Review of quote for waterproofing the basement of the library building.

     Discussion of the Programming Policy, advising more changes. Will return for a third reading.

     Discussion of Illinois Public Library Standards regarding Access.

Motion 3:    It was moved by Collman and seconded by Newton to accept the Woods Basement Systems quote to perform waterproofing of the library building’s basement.

•     Ayes:      Allshouse, Collman, Newton, Walker
•     Nays:      none
•     Absent:  Kramer, Stemmley

Motion 5:    It was moved by Walker to adjourn the meeting at 7:50pm.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT – for January 8, 2026 Board Meeting

Director’s Report

1. The Annual Report of Receipts and Disbursements for FY25 as it appeared in The Telegraph on December 27, 2025, is included in the packet.
2. The Clerk 2s have taken over displays in the library and are really keeping up with new things each month.
3. The spring Used Book Sale will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
4. I have begun weeding collections, with adult fiction happening in January.

Programming Report (for December 2025)

From Mary:

Book Clubs

The Original Book Club (Tuesday night) – 7 attendees

Just Another Book Club (Wednesday morning) – 11 attendees

Year Long Reading Challenge

Ages 0-15 | no new registrations, 84 total registered, 22 books read in December 2025,           344 total books read in 2025

Ages 16+ | 2 new registrations, 97 total registered, 78 books read in December 2025,           1,045 total books read in 2025

From Amy:

These will be handed out at the board meeting.