June 11, 2026 - Board Minutes
Bethalto Public Library District
Board Meeting
June 11, 2026
The meeting was called to order by Andrea Kramer.
Present: Stephanie Allshouse, Andrea Kramer, Elijah Pettit, Patricia Stemmley, Kristy Walker
Absent: Pamela Collman, Ryan Tite
Also present: Mary Brewster – Library Director, Paula Tretter – Assistant Director
Motion 1: It was moved by Walker and seconded by Stemmley that the minutes of the meeting of May 14, 2026 be approved as written.
Ayes: Allshouse, Kramer, Pettit, Stemmley, Walker
Nays: none
Absent: Collman, Tite
Motion 2: It was moved by Allshouse and seconded by Kramer that bills in the amount of $58,296.89 be paid.
Ayes: Allshouse, Kramer, Pettit, Stemmley, Walker
Nays: none
Absent: Collman, Tite
REPORTS
The Financial report was presented by Mary Brewster, Director.
The Librarian’s report was presented by Mary Brewster, Director. (See Below)
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMITTEES
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Discussed quote of $1,000 for repair of leak in Little House roof by James Shonfelt. Board agreed to proceed.
Motion 3: It was moved by Kramer and seconded by Walker to approve Ordinance No. 2026-1 setting the time and place for the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees for FY27.
Ayes: Allshouse, Kramer, Pettit, Stemmley, Walker
Nays: none
Absent: Collman, Tite
Motion 4: It was moved by Kramer and seconded by Stemmley to approve Ordinance No. 2026-2 to levy and assess a tax of .02% for building and maintenance purposes for FY27.
Ayes: Allshouse, Kramer, Pettit, Stemmley, Walker
Nays: none
Absent: Collman, Tite
Motion 5: It was moved by Walker and seconded by Kramer to approve proposal for accounting services by Franklin & Vaughn, LLC.
Ayes: Allshouse, Kramer, Pettit, Stemmley, Walker
Nays: none
Absent: Collman, Tite
Motion 6: It was moved by Kramer to adjourn the meeting at 8:36pm.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT – for June 11, 2026 Board Meeting
Communications (see enclosed pages)
§ Illinois Department of Labor notice email regarding requirement of 90% Illinois laborers on all public works projects that receive state funds during a period of excessive unemployment.
§ Received $300.00 gift from patrons in honor of Joe and Margaret Brewster, especially for Joe’s AARP Tax Preparation volunteer service.
Director’s Report
1. Summer Reading had an excellent kick-off event with Cowboy Critters on May 29th! We think a minimum of 200 people attended over the two hours of the event. The seven animals, flower planting craft, yard games, and hot dogs and cotton candy were enjoyed by all.
§ In the Plant a Seed, READ challenge there are 206 registrations.
§ 117 ages 0-12
§ 89 ages 13+
§ 164 of these patrons are already logging their reading.
§ As of June 8th, 1,511 days with reading have been logged.
2. In May we held a Star Wars Goodies Basket drawing after May the 4th. The young boy who won it comes to most of our programs and events. He was all smiles when he came in to pick up his goodies.
3. In June we have three goodies baskets kids could win by attending any of our summer programs. Each event earns them a drawing entry. Ages 0-12 can win either a Shark or Unicorn themed basket. Ages 13-18 have a chance for some Needoh with a dog plushie.
4. Idea to repair the raised concrete at the Library’s back entrance ramp – sanding down the higher concrete to provide a smooth transition. I saw this on many sidewalks while vacationing in California.
5. When is a good time to arrange a demonstration of the ScanEZ system by TBS? Joe Welps will travel to our library and set up the system to show board members and staff. A full demo can take an hour. His schedule is open for July 9th if you would like to do this before a board meeting. He is also currently available June 16th-18th, and many later dates. (This is the scanning/printing equipment solution our staff members saw while attending the Reaching Forward South conference.)
6. Library collaboration event next March – Maryville Community Library will be coordinating a “Drop Your Drawers at the Library” Underwear Collection Drive event to benefit the Called Foster and Crisis Closet in Collinsville, IL. Maryville Library will be providing information, a logo, signage, and program ideas.
Programming Report (for May 2026)
Preschool Storytimes
May 5- 10 am: 1 child, 1 adult; 1 pm: 12 children, 8 adults
May 12- 10 am- 0 attendees; 1 pm- 12 children, 8 adults
May 19- 10 am- 1 child, 1 adult; 1 pm- 14 children, 9 adults
May 26- 10 am- 4 children, 2 adults; 1 pm- 16 children, 8 adults
Baby/Toddler Playtimes
Baby/Toddler Playtime- I had no attendance for this program in all of May, but I am hopeful that summer will bring in more babies!
Family Fun Thursdays
May 7- Lego Stamp Art- 5 attendees
May 14- Lego Scavenger Hunt- 10 attendees
May 21- Kids in the Kitchen- Lego Rice Krispie Treats- 8 attendees
May 28- The Lego Movie- 4 attendees
Other Events
- May the 4th be With You- Star Wars Activities- 10 attendees
- Read with Finley- 2 children, 2 adults. Finley is a Golden Retriever.
- Read with Maui- Cancelled
- Adult Bunco- 12 attendees
- Adult Bingo- 13 attendees
- Drop in Art Day- Beaded Plants- 16 attendees
- Knit and Crochet Along- May 20th- 5 attendees; May 27th- 8 attendees
- Summer Reading Kickoff Party- 200+ attendees. This was one of the most popular events I’ve had so far! Everyone had a great time, and I would recommend Cowboy Critters to anyone.
Book Clubs
The OG Book Club – 11 attendees
Thrills and Chills Book Club – 7 attendees
Just Another Book Club – 10 attendees
Reading Challenge
May – Get Caught Reading- 65 registrations, 46 active readers, 305 books read
Self-Directed Activities
- Lego Scavenger Hunt- 10 kids showed up on Thursday 5/14 to do the hunt. I left it up for another week, and another 15 kids hunted during that time.
- Star Wars Scavenger Hunt- This got about the same engagement as the Lego one. The kids love a scavenger hunt! 25 kids altogether.
Virtual Event
Illinois Libraries Present: Babel-On with R.F. Kuang – 1 attendee
Outreach
Villa Rose library day – 8 residents checked out books.