Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Public Library District for August 28, 2025

The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees approved its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, advanced a long-awaited reading room renovation, and authorized spending on key facility maintenance projects at its meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The board adopted the FY 2025-2026 budget and transferred $300,000 in surplus funds to its capital reserves. It also approved contracts for architectural work on a new reading room, a heating system replacement, and tree removal. For more details, see our full articles on these topics.

NARCAN Box Used Within 10 Days of Installation
The library’s newly installed naloxone (NARCAN) distribution box, approved in July to provide the public with access to the opioid overdose reversal medication, has already been used and required a refill. The box was installed just 10 days before the librarian’s report was issued. The library’s only role in the program is to notify the Will County Health Department when a refill is needed.

Food for Fines Drive Approved for February 2026
The board unanimously approved a “Food for Fines” drive to run from February 1 to February 28, 2026. The popular initiative allows patrons to have $1 in library fines waived for each nonperishable food item donated, with a limit of up to $25 per account. The collected items are typically donated to local food pantries.

Trustee Stenoish Added as Bank Account Signer
The board voted to add Trustee Brooks Stenoish as an official check signer for the library’s Old Plank Trail bank accounts. The motion was made by Trustee Faris, seconded by Trustee Evenhouse, and passed by a unanimous roll-call vote.

Library Explores Community Solar Program
The library is considering participating in a Community Solar program through ComEd, which would allow it to subscribe to remotely located solar panels on a solar farm. This could generate enough power to save approximately 10% on the library’s electrical bills. Director Amanda Kowalcze will seek additional clarification from the library’s energy pool, NIMEC, to present at a future meeting.

Citizen Advisory Committee Member Resigns
Director Amanda Kowalcze announced she received an email from Julie Terlep, who is resigning from her position on the Citizens Advisory Committee due to personal circumstances.