Library Board Minutes 2021 07-19-21 Cooperative Educational CommissionPage 1 of 2
APPROVED 8/9/21
Yorkville Public Library
Michele Pfister Meeting Room
Cooperative Educational Commission Inaugural Meeting
Monday, July 19, 2021 - 6:00pm
902 Game Farm Road
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Darren Crawford and roll was called.
Roll Call: Darren Crawford-yes, Bret Reifsteck-(arr. 6:02pm), Tara Schumacher-(arr. 6:01pm),
Sue Shimp-yes
Others Present:
Library Director Shelley Augustine, Youth Services Director Jennette Weiss
Recognition of Visitors: Mr. Crawford recognized library staff.
Public Comment: None
New Business:
Discussion on Building a Relationship Between YPL and Yorkville School District
Chairman Crawford said this would be a 'brainstorming' meeting to develop ideas to start a relationship
with the Yorkville Schools. He said library information is currently sent to the digital “Backpack” for
K-12 district-wide and Ms. Weiss said the library is in constant contact with teachers to advise them of
opportunities at the library.
Ms. Weiss detailed the following coordination of programs already in place with the schools: Prior to
Covid, students learning Spanish came to the library to read during Spanish story hour and earned
service hours. Art students displayed art at the library, tours are given to various schools, Heartland
comes for story time and teen programs are promoted through the high school. Teachers work with
kindergarten roundup, reading specialists provide a 6-week program for incoming kindergartners and
the library also works with Grace School. Assistance from students in the past has included the
football team doing mulching and helping with mini-golf setup and middle school students monitored a
library-sponsored run.
Chairman Crawford said a national trend is teen involvement in the library and he asked how the
library could promote this. Ms. Shimp said students at St. Pat's need service hours and high school kids
could tutor younger kids. The library is already planning a program in August matching teens with kids
to earn service hours. Ms. Schumacher said Marmion and Rosary students also need service hours.
Ms. Weiss said the library works with a recently created school book ambassador to coordinate
purchase of books for summer reading (ambassador could be a point person).
Coordination with department chairs would be beneficial for purchasing extra books being read at
school. A suggestion was for older textbooks to be kept at the library for reference, starting with
science texts and an informal meet and greet with school department heads would be beneficial for that
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purpose. Mr. Reifsteck said this would be an opportunity to open dialogue with the schools and gather
feedback. Ms. Shimp also noted the importance of the library reaching out to the schools to possibly
coordinate the purchase of cameras and Mr. Reifsteck commented the library should work hand in hand
with city.
Other Brief Discussion Points
--Oswego teachers have 'teacher' library cards at the Oswego Library, is there an IGA between the
library and schools? Would it be legal for Yorkville?
--Discussed Cards for Kids Act whereby kids outside of city limits who are eligible for free/reduced
school lunches can receive Yorkville library cards with proof of eligibility.
--Can students attend library programs as part of their class requirements/part of their grade?
--Hand out stickers saying “I Love YPL” and have students place on their Chromebooks or other
locations (as advertisement).
--Offer tutorials in school regarding library databases, coordinate with school librarians.
--Suggestions to have band quartets/groups from schools provide music at library, during fall festival
and at pop-up library.
Actions to be Taken
Ms. Schumacher: will ask Athletic Director to contact coaches regarding assistance with a list of
activities, with which students could help including moving boxes of books for upcoming used book
sale.
Mr. Crawford: Volunteered to talk with school department heads (names obtained from school
secretaries and/or Ms. Shimp) from both high school and middle school/discuss retention of old
textbooks.
Ms. Weiss: Reach out to school ambassador.
Ms. Shimp: Remind school personnel of the Cards for Kids program. Will advise Superintendent Tim
Shimp of new tutoring policy and ask him to convey to teachers. Ask Mr. Travis (at school) about
older textbooks remaining at school.
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 6:51pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young, Minute Taker