Beecher Library Board Approves Personnel Changes Following Executive Session

Beecher Public Library District Board Meeting | December 16, 2025

Article Summary: The Beecher Library Board hired a new part-time employee and approved a new independent contractor position for book repairs following a closed-door discussion.

Beecher Public Library District Board Key Points:

• The board hired Julie Mackowiak to work nine hours per week.

• Following her resignation, Sharon Grigas was hired back as an independent contractor to repair books at a rate of $3 per book.

• The vote on the contractor position was split, with Trustees Shelia Oppenhuis and Lance Saller voting against the measure.

The Beecher Public Library District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, approved two personnel moves immediately following an executive session.

The board met in a closed session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, returning to the regular open meeting at 8:10 p.m. Upon reconvening, the board first voted unanimously to hire Julie Mackowiak for nine hours per week.

The trustees then addressed the status of Sharon Grigas. Earlier in the meeting, under correspondence, the board acknowledged receiving a letter of resignation from Grigas. Following the executive session, Trustee Beverly Wehling made a motion, seconded by Trustee Douglas Short, to create a new position for Grigas to serve as an independent contractor to repair books. The compensation was set at $3 per book.

The motion to re-engage Grigas as a contractor passed, though it was not unanimous. Trustees Shelia Oppenhuis and Lance Saller voted against the measure. Trustees Keppler-Abbott, Kerber, Powers, Short, and Wehling voted in favor.

Meeting Briefs:

Library to Stock Narcan:
Director Grosso reported that under Public Act 104-0056, the library is now required to carry Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. To fulfill this requirement, library staff will watch a 1.5-hour training video provided by RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System).

Financial Reports Approved:
Trustee Shelia Oppenhuis presented the Treasurer’s Report and Financial Recap. The board voted to approve the report and subsequently approved the payment of outstanding bills totaling $27,070.32.

New Programs Announced:
Director Grosso announced several upcoming engagement initiatives. Staff members Jennie and Michele will launch a “Kid Librarian of the Month” program. Additionally, an Oscar movie competition for adults is planned for late February into March.

Imagination Library Promotion:
During committee reports, Trustee Shelia Oppenhuis reported on school-related activities. She noted that Jill made flyers for the Early Childhood (EC) program promoting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a book gifting program that mails free books to children.

Storytime and Weather Closure:
The Director’s Report highlighted that Storytime has seen strong attendance, with 71 children participating over a three-week period. It was also noted that the library was closed on Saturday, November 29, due to snow.