Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District for January 26, 2026

Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Meeting | January 26, 2026

The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board of Trustees held a highly productive, 52-minute regular meeting on Monday afternoon to authorize capital facility upgrades, approve new lending policies, and negotiate a real estate swap with the Village of Elwood. Board President Tom Murray called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Trustees Keri English, Amanda Dearing, Patti Blatti, and Jan Krekel were present for the opening gavel, while Trustee Sharon Gill arrived at 4:42 p.m. and Trustee Julie Mason arrived at 4:43 p.m., bringing the board to full attendance for the evening’s major action items. The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.

November and December Financials Approved
Because the board had a gap in its meeting schedule, trustees reviewed two months of financial reporting at once. Trustee Keri English motioned to approve the November and December financials as presented, with Trustee Patti Blatti providing the second. The financial reports passed unanimously via a roll call vote. The board noted there were no special bills requiring payment for the period.

Historical Minutes and Executive Sessions Released
During the initial administrative portion of the meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the written minutes from the November 24, 2025, regular meeting following a motion by Trustee Patti Blatti and a second by Trustee Keri English. Additionally, the board completed a statutory review of its closed-door records, officially signing off on the Executive Session minutes from July 2025 through December 2025.

Committees Note “Serving Our Public” Standards
During the Director’s Report, delivered by Library Director Ashley Hopper, the board briefly noted an upcoming review of the state’s “Serving Our Public” guidelines. According to the agenda and minutes, no formal action was taken on the committee item during the January meeting.