Trustees Update Donation Policy; Motion to Retire Race Policy Fails

Frankfort Public Library District Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025

Article Summary:
The Board of Trustees approved revisions to the library’s Donation Policy to address sponsorships and in-kind gifts. A separate motion to retire the library’s Race and Equality Policy failed to advance for a vote.

Policy and Technology Key Points:

• Donation Policy: Revised language was approved to align with the Materials Selection Policy and include guidelines for sponsorships.

• Race and Equality Policy: A motion to retire the policy in compliance with Executive Order 14173 died due to the lack of a second.

• E-Book Platform Switch: The library is transitioning from the “Boundless” platform to “The Palace Project” in early December.

The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees on Thursday, November 20, 2025, navigated several policy adjustments and technology updates during their regular meeting.

Trustee Erin Faris moved to approve a revised Donation Policy, with a second from Trustee Jeffrey Otway. The changes were designed to align the document with the Materials Selection Policy and the Fundraising Policy. The revisions specifically added language regarding sponsorships and in-kind donations. The motion carried unanimously.

The board also addressed the status of the library’s Race and Equality Policy. The agenda listed an action item to “retire the Race and Equality Policy, in compliance with Executive Order 14151.” During the meeting, Trustee Otway made a motion to retire the policy, citing compliance with Executive Order 14173. However, the motion received no second from any other trustee. Consequently, there was no further discussion or vote on the matter.

In technology news, Library Director Amanda Kowalcze reported that the “Boundless” e-book platform is being discontinued following the closure of Baker & Taylor. The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) has selected “The Palace Project” as the replacement platform. The new system is expected to be operational by the first week of December.

Additionally, trustees approved the library calendar and holidays for 2026, as well as the Board of Trustees meeting calendar for 2026.