Yorkville Library Board Vote Down Free Library Cards for Non-Resident Children

Public Act 102-0843 was discussed again at the Monday, May 8, 2023, Yorkville Library Board meeting. This new act gives library boards the option to waive non-resident library card fees for persons under the age of 18. Six of the nine board members attended the meeting. The six Trustees that formed a quorum were, Ryan Forristall, Jackie Milschewski, Keri Pesola, Bret Reifsteck, Tara Schumacher and Theron Garcia. Library Board President, Darren Crawford, was delayed from attending, and was not part of the discussion or vote. Darren was across the street at the Y115 School Board meeting, being sworn into his newly elected position on the Y115 School District Board. Rosie Millen and Sue Shimp also did not attend the meeting. The board had a few remaining questions for the Library Director, Shelly Augustine, before deciding on Public Act 102-0843. Budgetary impact and accountability to the taxing body were the key issues holding the board back from approving free library cards for non-resident children, despite the fact that $3500 had already been budgeted for the program. Ryan Forristall, Jackie Milschewski, Keri Pesola, Bret Reifsteck and Tara Schumacher voted against the motion to approve waiving the library card fees for non-resident children.  Theron Garcia was the only attending board member to vote in favor of the motion.