Library Board Authorizes Online Bill Pay and Formalizes Friends of the Library Agreement

Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board Meeting | October 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board moved to modernize financial operations by approving online bill payment services and solidifying its relationship with a key fundraising group.

Operational Key Points:

• Online Bill Pay: Staff is now authorized to pay utilities and recurring bills via the library’s banking website.

• FOTL Agreement: A Memorandum of Understanding was approved with the Friends of the Library board.

• Fundraising: The board authorized the library to move forward with new fundraising efforts.

The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board on Tuesday, October 27, 2025, took steps to streamline financial operations and boost fundraising capabilities.

The board voted unanimously to approve the addition of online bill pay services. This action authorizes the use of the library’s banking website to handle payments for utilities and other recurring expenses. The motion was introduced by Trustee Keri English and seconded by Trustee Julie Mason.

In separate action regarding external partnerships, the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Friends of the Library (FOTL) board. The agreement formalizes the relationship between the governing body and the volunteer organization.

Trustees also discussed various fundraising initiatives. Following the discussion, the board voted unanimously to allow the library to move forward with fundraising efforts.