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 – March 19, 2026
The Logan County Libraries Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 4:03 pm at the Knowlton Library, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Members present were President Stephen Henry, Lauren Ater, John Tucci, Steve Fansler, Bob Barnwell and Debbie Weiskittle (remotely), along with Director Beverly Arlequeeuw and Fiscal Officer Stacy Sandy. Sharon Halter was absent. There was no public participation.
Under correspondence, a note was sent from the Outreach department thanking the board for the heating unit. Applications are being received for the Susie Parker Memorial scholarship. Members will meet after April 1st to consider the applications. Neither library employees nor their family members can apply.
The Secretary presented the minutes of the February 19, 2026, meeting. A correction was made to add Steven Fansler as attending the meeting. Mr. Fansler made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected, seconded by Mr. Barnwell. Motion carried.
Financial Report
The Fiscal Officer gave the monthly financial report ending February 28, 2026.
- The General Fund showed a cash balance of $329,017.17.
- The Capital Project Fund showed a cash balance of $713,129.33.
- The Susie Parker Trust Fund showed a total balance of $63,981.82.
- The Hazel G Moore Memorial Fund showed a cash balance of $6,664.27.
Ms. Weiskittle made a motion to accept the Fiscal Officer's report, seconded by Mr. Tucci. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Director Arlequeeuw contacted two companies for quotes regarding the sidewalk in front of the main library. Those quotes have not been received to date.
NEW BUSINESS
- Director Arlequeeuw presented a change in the library card policy and requested input for charging out-of-state residents. The Board discussed individuals who are not Ohio residents but do own property in Ohio. The library currently offers a thirty-day temporary card for visitors. The request was tabled until next month. The Board requested clarification regarding the temporary card as to how often one can be issued. Further, the Board will discuss language for proof of residence or property ownership in the State of Ohio.
- Mr. Barnwell moved to approve a leave of absence for up to one year beginning March 8, 2026, for Teresa Combs. Ms. Ater seconded the motion. Motion carried. Other reference staff cover hours as needed.
- Claire Odekirk passed away at the end of February 2026. She was a ten plus year employee of the library.
- Debbie Weiskittle was reappointed to the Board. Her term ends February 28, 2030.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
- Keara Henry has been promoted to branch library assistant at West Liberty.
- Mark DeLeon resigned from his position as reference assistant on March 16, 2026.
- Twelve library staff received certification after completing CPR/AED and first aid training on March 24, 2026. Recertification will be necessary every two years.
- April 2026 library events were discussed. National Library Week is April 19-25, 2026. Staff recognition will take place on April 21, 2026.
- Stress books will be given away for the library’s 125-year anniversary.
- A compilation of “What people love about our library” as collected during library lover’s month was shared.
- A library patron services position is open for hiring.
- STATISTIC REPORT FOR February 2026: The system showed an overall increase of 302 items compared to February 2025. February 2026 Total Ohio Digital Liberty = 6,681.
The next regular Board meeting will take place on Thursday April 23, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Knowlton Library in the Barnwell Board Room.
There being no other business, upon motion by Ms. Ater, seconded by Mr. Tucci, the meeting was adjourned at 4:43 pm.