Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date: March 16, 2026
Call to Order:
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call:
Mark Valentine, Michelle Valentine, Ryan King, Cheryl Langley, Shelley Turner and Grace Augustine. Others Present Jenny Jackson. Not present Vickie Rayburn, Kathie Quisenberry, and Sandy Ascherl
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes:
Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve the consent agenda and February meeting minutes. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed
Audience to Visitor:
Marquette Heights Men’s Club President Dale Hamm who presented a donation check of $5,000. The Board of Trustees thanked the Men’s Club for the continued support and donation.
Treasurer's Report:
Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve February 2026 expenditures and Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Librarian's Report:
Library helped get signatures for community water infrastructure grant. Twelve books donated to MHFD Easter Egg Hunt. Letter for Tazewell County to ensure library levy portions are deposited directly into our bank account, awaiting word from county regarding if there is a formula to determine library’s portion of revenue recapture line and how that is figured out and disbursed from County or City funds. Spoke with Nikki Willis, president of Creve Coeur Library District Friends of the Library for details about their group. Shared with the board the Trustee Training Portal.
Communications:
A. Tax Levy Deposit letter to Tazewell County
Unfinished Business:
A. Budget Draft Discussion was continued
New Business:
A. Computer and Internet Policy Review and Approval. Motion was made by Cheryl Langley to approve. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
B. Reference Service Policy Review and Approval. Motion was made by Cheryl Langley to approve. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Next Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026
Motion Cheryl Langley to adjourn at 8:00pm. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date: February 23, 2026
Call to Order:
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:01pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call:
Kathie Quisenberry, Grace Augustine, Mark Valentine, Shelley Turner, Michelle Valentine, Ryan King, Cheryl Langley and Sandy Ascherl. Others present Jenny Jackson. Not present Vickie Rayburn
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes:
Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Audience to Visitor:
No visitors
Treasurer's Report:
Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve January 2026 expenditures and Treasurer’s report. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Librarian's Report:
The State Library may be adding a required minimum amount of training hours for Library Board Trustees as part of the IPLAR Application. Valentine’s for Vets in February treats and valentines made by local patrons delivered to General Wayne Downing Goodwill Home for Veterans. 35 cards made. Summer Reading Craft Supply and Scholastic Book Wish lists have been shared. Summer Program booking and planning underway. Being mindful of the budget and previous program participation and feedback. City is working on sprucing up breakroom. Imagination library update.
Communications:
A. Men's Club Donation
Unfinished Business:
no unfinished business
New Business:
A. Review and Approval of Child and Youth Safety Policy. Motion made by Sandy Ascherl to approve. Seconded by Cheryl Langley. All agreed.
B. Review and Approval of Youth Services Policy. Motion made Sandy Ascherl to approve. Seconded by Cheryl Langley. All agreed.
C. Discussion was held regarding Budget Draft
Next Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026
Motion made Sandy Ascherl to adjourn at 8:03pm. Seconded by Shelley Turner. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date: January 26, 2026
Call to Order:
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call:
Kathie Quisenberry, Grace Augustine, Mark Valentine, Shelley Turner, Vickie Rayburn, Michelle Valentine, and Ryan King. Others present: Jenny Jackson. Not present: Cheryl Langley and Sandy Ascherl
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes:
Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed
Audience to Visitor:
No visitors
Treasurer's Report:
Motion made by Grace Augustine to approve December 2025 expenditures and Treasurer’s report. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed.
Librarian's Report:
Comcast bills for Internet and Phones separately. The billing dates on the 15th and on the 31st. Library director has received and activated new Regions corporate credit card that will expire in 2029. Online bills are being updated as needed. Taking a closer look at our website as we near the 2027 deadline for libraries of our population size. Library director spoke briefly at the City Council meeting regarding website accessibility. Have begun making small changes to website and reviewing accessibility checker. Our library hosted the RSA board meeting in January. Singing Bowls was held on New Year’s Day and had good attendance. Staff is going to transition to Avery Label templates for spine labeling due to cost going up on Book labeling software. YWCA Adult and Family Literacy Program is looking for learners and volunteers. Submitted the 2026 Illinois Per Capita Grant (and Equalization Aid Grant) along with 2024 Expenditure Report Form to Illinois State Library. Received positive feedback. Annual Library Certification completed. Community Survey regarding annual tree lighting put out on Facebook and sent to City Council and FD. Staff attended CPR and AED training on 1/18/26 with FD. Valentine’s for Vets in February. Summer Reading Craft Supply and Scholastic Book wish list being made. Summer Program booking and planning underway. Library Director provided information on Center for Sight and Hearing Program and NLS services.
Communications:
A. Technology Grant Report Submitted with ILS.
B. Annual Library Certification Completed with Illinois State Library
Unfinished Business:
no unfinished business
New Business:
A. Review and approval of Library Board Bylaws, Motion made by Kathie Quisenberry to approve, seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
B. Review and Approval of Library Use Policy, Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to approve, seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
C. Review and Approval of Internet Use Policy, Motion made by Michelle Valentine to approve, seconded by Grace Augustine. All Agreed.
Next Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026
Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to adjourn at 7:46pm. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date November 17, 2025
Call to Order: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call: Grace Augustine, Vickie Rayburn, Michelle Valentine, Cheryl Langley, Kathie Quisenberry, Ryan King, Shelley Turner and Mark Valentine. Others present: Jenny Jackson. Not present: Sandy Ascherl
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed.
Audience to Visitors: No visitors
Treasurer’s Report: Motion made by Kathie Quisenberry to approve November 2025 expenditures and Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Librarian’s Report: Current Comcast contract will expire in October of 2027. Update on Boundless app which will be discontinued. i Read Illinois books to be migrated over to Palace Project App. Project Date is 12/2. Director attended the Parents Club Trunk or Treat on 10/25- 200+ kids showed up. iRead store opened-SRP materials ordered plus free digital download of all program files and materials-Plant a Seed, Read. Dinovember-lots of activities and positive feedback about the library programs, decorations and book displays. The library has been steadily busy, especially in the afternoon hours after school. Jessica has begun the annual inventory of all library materials, and we continue to weed outdated or very worn items and track patron requests, popular reading lists and circulation reports to try to select new items relevant to the local patrons. Board member Cheryl Langley will have to miss some meetings in the upcoming year due to a prior commitment.
Communications:
A. Quarterly Technology Grant Report sent to Illinois State Library.
B. Illinet Traffic Survey submitted to Illinois State Library
C. Wishlist submitted to MH Men’s club
Unfinished Business: No unfinished business.
New Business:
A. Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to pay routine November 2025 bills by Treasurer as there is no meeting held in December. Cheryl Langley seconded the motion. All agreed.
B. Discussion was held regarding potential staff wage increases. Cheryl Langley made a motion to increase Jessica Jones wage by $0.50 an hour and to increase Jenny Jackson’s wage by $1.00 an hour. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed.
C. Motion made by Shelley Turner to approve the 2026-2027 Library Board meeting dates and Holiday closures. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
D. Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve non resident fees of $67.00 for library cards. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026
Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to adjourn at 8:14pm. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date 10/20/2025
Call to Order: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call: Grace Augustine, Vickie Rayburn, Michelle Valentine, Cheryl Langley, Sandy Ascherl, Kathie Quisenberry, Ryan King and Mark Valentine. Others present: Jenny Jackson. Not present Shelley Turner.
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Sandy Ascherl to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed.
Audience to Visitors: No visitors
Treasurer’s Report: Motion made by Sandy Ascherl to approve October 2025 expenditures and Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Cheryl Langley. All agreed.
Librarian’s Report: Library Assistant Performance Review has been completed. Baker and Taylor is shutting down, imminent eRead to be switching to a different platform than Boundless. No new titles will be added to current platform. Will put a strain on access to new physical materials via ILL as well. Men’s Club wish list, shelving, tables, newspaper subscriptions, STEM games. Staff has completed NARCAN training and library has multiple doses available in case of emergency. Phone system has been switched over to Comcast internet and Chaney Tech to run appropriate cords for connectivity. Director to attend Parents Club Trunk or Treat on 10/25 and to promote MH Adopt a Tree Program. Over 100 people have voted on our Tiny Art Show displays. Automatic door operators have been serviced by DH Pace and billed to the City of Marquette Heights. Adjustments were made, no major issues were noted. Looking into becoming a notary.
Communications: Quarterly Technology Grant report sent to Illinois State Library.
Unfinished Business: A. Illinois Public Library Standards Wrap Up/Per Capita Discussion
New Business: No New Business
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday November 17, 2025
Motion made by Sandy Ascherl to adjourn at 7:28pm. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2025
Call to Order: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Kathie Quisenberry
Roll Call: Grace Augustine, Vickie Rayburn, Shelley Turner, Michelle Valentine, Cheryl Langley, Sandy Ascherl and Kathie Quisenberry. Others present: Jenny Jackson. Not present: Ryan King and Mark Valentine
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Shelley Turner to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed
Audience to Visitors: No Visitors
Treasurer’s Report: Motion made to approve September 2025 expenditures and Treasurer’s Report by Sandy Ascherl. Seconded by Cheryl Langley. All agreed
Librarian’s Report: Working on getting quotes from Comcast and IT3. There was a reduction given on the last bill due to lack of services. Comcast is most likely cheapest, will be upgrading phones and answering service. City has scheduled DH Pace to check door operators and will have them checked annually. Spoke with Men’s Club regarding our transparency and use of funds. Encouraged to submit online request no later than November. City has sanctioned our promotion of “Adopt a Tree” program. HB1910 amends the Illinois Local Library Act to require affected libraries, during operating hours, to take reasonable steps to have to at least one person present in the library, who has completed training in how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, including the administration of an opioid antagonist. The bill provides that a library and its authorized personnel are immune from liability for the administration of an opioid antagonist under the provisions, except for willful and wanton misconduct, effective 1/1/2026.
RAILS announced they’ve secured an eRead Illinois discount on content through Boundless, allowing the purchase of an additional $50,000 worth of e-books and audiobooks for the shared collection. This means more titles will result in shorter wait times and better user experience without any additional cost to member libraries. Library received a donation from Fired Up for Fall Tiny Art Show. Had nearly 40 sign ups in 24 hours.
Communications: City to schedule maintenance of automatic door operators.
Unfinished Business:
A. Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to approve library staff job descriptions. Seconded by Sandy Ascherl. All agreed
B. Return Director Annual Review forms to Board President
New Business:
A. Reviewed and briefly discussed Chapters 10-13 of Serving Our Public 4.0.
B. Cheryl Langley made a motion to approve Building Maintenance and Repair Plan. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
C. Discussion of Library Secession plan portion of Emergency Response Plan.
Next meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2025
Motion made by Sandy Ascherl to adjourn at 7:54pm. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Date 8/18/2025
Call to Order: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call: Grace Augustine, Vickie Rayburn, Shelley Turner, Mark Valentine, Michelle Valentine, Cheryl Langley, Ryan King, Sandy Ascherl and Kathie Quisenberry. Others present: Jenny Jackson
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed.
Audience to Visitors: No visitors
Treasurer’s Report: Motion made to approve August 2025 expenditures by Cheryl Langley. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed.
Librarian’s Report: Summer Reading by the numbers:
108 total participants, the largest group being 6–12-year-olds followed by adults
75 programs (all types) 1,101 participants in June and July 2025
Day Camp outreach-visited local day camp and provided youths with a story, activities,
and crafts,1 hour per week for 8 weeks this summer.
Printed and distributed 200 SRP booklets and calendars
Printed 48 color copies of Read-Eat-Play, distributed 41
We’ve had 19 participants visit from other libraries
56 kids started the Reading Dragons challenge, 30 continued, 20 completely finished
the challenge and collected the entire set. Kids loved it and said it got them to read!
School Registration- interacted with 25 people and some visited the library after the
event to sign up for library cards. Reminder to board members that we have an IGA with
the local school district to issue student cards to nonresident students K-8 of District
BTS Blast- distributed rulers and engaged with 75+ locals
22 participants at July 0-5 Zumbini Class
Workflows updates have helped capture library card renewals
The MH Library Director continues to serve on RSA Board of Directors, representing
Public Libraries (2K – 4K Pop Served) with a current term that ends June 30, 2027, with
8 meetings scheduled for this FY.
Director continues to report on Rural Technology Grant reports due each semester until
Spring 2027 ($500 grant for Spheros)
Director will submit first Illinois State Library Technology Report in October 2025
($12,500 grant from Illinois State Library)
Communications: A. Updated digital only format of Illinois Public Library Standards now available online. (Formerly known as Serving Our Public 4.0)
Unfinished Business: No unfinished business
New Business:
A. Review and Briefly Discuss Chapters 7,8 and 9 of Serving Our Public 4.0
B. Distribute Annual Director Review Forms, return to Mark Valentine by next meeting date.
C. Reviewed Revised Library Staff Job Descriptions
Next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2025
Motion made by Sandy Ascherl to adjourn at 8:01pm. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Monday June 16, 2025
Call to Order: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm by Mark Valentine.
Roll Call: Grace Augustine, Vickie Rayburn, Shelley Turner, Michelle Valentine, Cheryl Langley, Ryan King, Sandy Ascherl, Kathie Quisenberry and Mark Valentine. Others present: Jenny Jackson.
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Vickie Rayburn to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Cheryl Langley. All agreed.
Audience to Visitors: No visitors
Treasurer’s Report: Motion made to approve May 2025 expenditures by Sandy Ascherl. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Librarian’s Report: Summer Reading is underway. There were 72 google forms submitted for sign ups. Read, Eat, Play Library Road Trip is a promotional event that encourages patrons to travel to other libraries and have a chance to enter a drawing for a small prize. Program runs from May 27th through August 29th, has brought several non-resident cardholders into the library. IPLAR: will be completing the annual Illinois Public Library Annual Report. This giant annual report asks hundreds of questions and is required to be submitted annually to the state library as part of our certification process and to be eligible for state and federal grants.
Communications: A. Illinois State Library Technology Grant Application sent if received would be a $12,500 grant.
B. Signed and returned ILLINET/OCLC contract
Unfinished Business: No unfinished business
New Business: A. Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve July billing period disbursements. Seconded by Kathie Quisenberry. All agreed.
B. Reviewed and Briefly discussed Chapters 4-6 of Serving our Public 4.0
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025
Motion made by Cheryl Langley to adjourn at 7:30pm. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary
Marquette Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2025
Call to Order: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Marquette Heights Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:01 pm by Mark Valentine
Roll Call: Grace Augustine, Vickie Rayburn, Shelley Turner, Michelle Valentine, Cheryl Langley, Ryan King and Mark Valentine. Not present: Sandy Ascherl and Kathie Quisenberry. Others present Jenny Jackson
Consent Agenda and Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Cheryl Langley to approve the consent agenda and meeting minutes. Seconded by Grace Augustine. All agreed.
Audience to Visitors: No visitors
Treasurer’s Report: Motion made to approve April 2025 expenditures by Cheryl Langley. Seconded by Vickie Rayburn. All agreed.
Librarian’s Report: Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony was held at 1pm on Friday, April 25th outside the City building. 2 people from the public helped plant, 15 community members enjoyed crafts and treats afterward. Summer Reading Theme: Level Up at Your Library! Sign-ups begin 5/18 on line with a kick off of events on 6/3 from 12-3. This program is for all ages. Vickie has been helping with craft prep and organization projects. Teri Donahue has come aboard to help check the LFL’s. We thank Kathie for her service too and want to mention Katia Davis as well. The library will be participating in the 2nd annual Read-Eat-Play Library road trip which is a fun promotional event that encourages patrons to travel to other libraries and have a chance to enter a drawing for a small prize. Program runs from 5/27-8/29.
Communications:
A. List of Officers sent to Mayor and City Council
B. Look for Extension report from County Clerk
Unfinished Business: No unfinished business
New Business:
A. Welcome New Board Member Ryan King
B. Review and Discuss Chapters 1-3 Serving our Public 4.0
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday June 16, 2025
Motion made by Grace Augustine to adjourn at 7:32pm. Seconded by Cheryl Langley All agreed.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Valentine, Board Secretary.