Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Public Library, Library Commission met June 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Call to order at 1:02 p.m. by Mary Jane Linton

Roll Call

Mary Jo Rowley

Chris Kopeika

Laura Reimer

Becky Wayne

Lisa Peck

Ken Kirchner

Mary Jane Linton

Absent

Also Present

Melanie Weigel, Library Director

Minutes

Motion made by Laura Reimer to accept the meeting minutes for the May 14, 2025 meeting. Seconded by Chris Kopeika. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Public Comment

None

Old Business

• Long Term Strategic Plan was discussed. Goal #1 will be talked about at a later time. Goal #2 was discussed. FPL will continue to develop a diverse and well-used library collection that meets the needs of our patrons. Each year, over a 5-year span, the bullet points will be accomplished goals. FPL will regularly evaluate spending versus circulation numbers to make thoughtful decisions. FPL will maintain a regular weeding schedule to ensure all sections of the library are up-to-date and reflect current needs. FPL will continue to expand its digital offerings in response to patron needs.

New Business

Librarian’s Report

• FPL now has a Study Pod purchased from Illini Supply.

• Summer Reading Program has 468 patrons signed up. Also 10 teens have volunteered to help with different library programs.

• The library Community Garden is thriving and has produce to share.

• Families learned about the rescue efforts of the U of I Wildlife Rescue Clinic on June 10. They brought several animals for the children to see. Story Time at the Park will begin June 13.

• FPL second annual Mess-tival will take place June 17. The Children’s Museum will be here June 24. Many other programs are planned for June including adult programs.

• Patron Card registration as of May 31 includes 1,353 adults and 144 juveniles. The May 2025 patron count is 3,552 which is 38 less than May 2024. Circulation for May 2025 is 4,089 which is 99 less than May 2024. Materials checked out by Non-Forsyth Patrons is 1,532. Materials checked out by Forsyth Patrons at other libraries is 243.

Adjournment

The next library commission meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2025. Ken Kirchner moved to adjourn. Mary Jo Rowley seconded. The motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Meeting adjourned at 1:52 p.m.

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