April 23, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes

Logan County Libraries

Knowlton Library
220 North Main Street * Bellefontaine, OHIO 43311-2228
Phone (937) 599-4189 * Fax (937) 599-5503
LoganCountyLibraries.org

Logan County Libraries Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes – April 23, 2026

The Logan County Libraries Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 4:02 pm at the Knowlton Library, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Members present were President Stephen Henry, Sharon Halter, John Tucci, Steve Fansler, and Bob Barnwell, along with Director Beverly Arlequeeuw. Lauren Ater, Debbie Weiskittle and Fiscal Officer Stacy Sandy were absent. There was no public participation.

Under correspondence, Steven R. Fansler discussed the finalized copy of the Estate of Janet Moore, which includes a donation to the library. Since no claims have been filed against the estate, the will is being filed with the court. The library is expected to receive approximately $200,000 sometime this summer.

The Acting Secretary read the minutes of the March 19, 2026, meeting. Mr. Barnwell made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. Tucci. Motion Carried.

Financial Report

The Fiscal Officer gave the monthly financial report ending March 31, 2026.

  • The General Fund showed a cash balance of $280,196.86.
  • The Capital Project Fund showed a cash balance of $699,043.72.
  • The Susie Parker Trust Fund showed a total balance of $64,163.38.
  • The Hazel G Moore Memorial Fund showed a cash balance of $6,664.27.

Mr. Fansler made a motion to accept the Fiscal Officer's report, seconded by Ms Halter. Motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Director Arlequeeuw contacted two companies for quotes regarding the sidewalk in front of the main library. To date, no quotes have been received, as contractors have been reluctant to bid on a project of this small size.

Director Arlequeeuw presented a change to the library card policy, including clarification regarding temporary cards, how often they may be issued, and acceptable proof of residence or property ownership in the State of Ohio. Ms. Halter made a motion to accept the Library Card Policy, seconded by Mr. Fansler. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

  • The Cybersecurity Policy was tabled until the May meeting. Board members discussed concerns regarding the safe use of USB drives on public library computers. Suggestions included using a separate “dummy” computer and printer not connected to the library network, limiting use to library-issued USB drives, and discouraging the use of unknown USB devices. The Board also discussed whether a scanner could be purchased to scan patrons’ USB drives for viruses or malware before use on library computers.
  • Mr. Fansler moved to approve of waiving the $3.00 replacement library card fee for the new commemorative 125th Anniversary edition. Mr. Tucci seconded the motion. Motion carried.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

  • Carissa Tyler was hired on March 30, 2026, as a Patron Services Assistant at 16 hours per week. Carissa recently relocated to Bellefontaine, Ohio from Colorado.
  • Teresa Combs, Reference Assistant, requested unpaid medical leave last month to care for her ailing husband, which was approved by the board. Unfortunately, he passed away the day after the leave was approved. Teresa has indicated that she would still like to take some time off to get her life back in order before returning to work.
  • The library website now includes a “Share your Memory” page where patrons can share favorite memories and photos from their time spent at the library over the years.
  • Free comic book day is Saturday, May 2 from 11 AM – 1 PM.
  • National Library Week is this week, April 19 through 25, 2026.
  • The Logan County Libraries 125th Anniversary celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Other events to celebrate will be held throughout the week. These include an Edible Book Cake Contest, special music by the Mad River Valley Dulcimer Society, a special library history presentation by Beth Marshall from the Logan County History Center, a special birthday story time with Pete the Cat, Time Capsule burial, and Indian Wild Live Animal Program.
  • STATISTIC REPORT FOR March 2026: The system showed an overall decrease of 474 items compared to March 2025. March 2026 Ohio Digital Library Total = 7,339.

The next regular Board meeting will take place on Thursday May 21, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Knowlton Library in the Barnwell Board Room.

There being no other business, upon motion by Ms. Halter, seconded by Mr. Tucci, the meeting was adjourned at 4:52 pm.