Trustees of the Newton Public Library District met October 20, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. Present were Travis Farley, Emily Carroll, Jennifer Hinterscher, Ilene Woods, Pete Pasero, Jeanette Hickox and Director Jacque Cowger.
President Farley called the meeting to order.
Minutes of the September meeting were reviewed and will stand as presented.
The September financial report was reviewed. Bills were presented. President Farley made a motion to pay the bills, seconded by Trustee Woods, motion passed.
Director’s Report
Circulation for September was 2,672. Money collected from fines, faxes, copiers, book sales, cards, and miscellaneous items was $302.35. Five new cards were issued. The patron door count for the month of September 1,638.
Akra is actively working on repairing the upstairs windows.
There will be a book sale the week of November 17th, 2025.
Old Business
Trustee Hinterscher gave an update on the museum.
A volunteer has agreed to help reorganize the Genealogy Room so the library can get an idea of what information needs to be digitized.
Several volunteers assisted in consolidating the large print with the regular print in the adult section on Monday October 13. Once the move was completed, the library was able to open at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 14. This will make it more efficient for staff and patrons to locate books.
Scare on the Square was cancelled due to weather.
New Business
President Farley gave an update on the Newton Power Plant Tax Assessment. Attorneys are drafting up an annual agreement that will be reviewed among all the taxing bodies.
Director Cowger informed the board that student behavior after school has not been in accordance with policy guideline, and the disciplinary action, including possible expulsions, will be taken.
There will be an Author Book Signing at the library on Saturday November 8th starting at 10:30 am and ending at 1:00 p.m. Author Samantha Hice will be present with copies of her book “A Light in the Dark”.
Planning the Library’s 100th birthday party was tabled.
Per the Per Capita Grant Requirement, the board reviewed and discussed the following items from the Illinois Public Library Standards:
Access
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Buildings & Grounds
Collection Management
Finance & Budget
The next board meeting is November 17, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Meeting adjourned.
Emily Carroll
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Newton Public Library District
