One-third of the Elmhurst Public Library Board of Trustees turned over Tuesday, July 1, and the Mayor has not yet announced who will fill the three seats.
The terms of Board President Cindy Wellwood, Jane Chornij, and Taylor Holop all expired at the start of the new three-year cycle, according to the library's administration page. No mayoral announcement or City Council action confirming reappointments or new selections has been posted.
The June 16 board meeting agenda, the last before the July 1 turnover, contained no item addressing trustee appointments. New business that night focused on HVAC bids, the draft 2027 budget, a staff institute closure, and a director review.
How the appointment process works
Library trustees are appointed by the Mayor with City Council consent, the same process used for Elmhurst's 13 boards and commissions. When terms expire, the Mayor interviews interested residents before making selections, according to the city's boards and commissions page.
Residents who want to serve can submit an application at City Hall, 209 N. York St., download the form at elmhurst.org, or email a completed form to [email protected].
Who remains on the board
Six trustees continue serving. Susan Sadowski (vice president), Ingrid Becton, and William Ryan hold terms through 2027. Marsha Baker (secretary), Carol Jacobsen, and Bill Shanklin serve through 2028. Library Director Marybeth Harper and Assistant Director Marcy Rodriguez lead day-to-day operations.
What the new trustees will face
Whoever fills the three seats will vote on the library's 2027 budget, which proposes a 2% increase to the library tax levy and a $230,000 transfer from the Capital Replacement Fund for facility projects. Those projects include a $125,000 Makery offices renovation and $30,000 in LED lighting for Adult Services, according to the draft budget presented June 16.
The library's 2026 budgeted expenditures total approximately $8.97 million, with $6.87 million coming from property taxes.
How to stay informed
The board typically meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Kossmann Room at 125 S. Prospect Ave. Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before each meeting. The public can contact the board at [email protected].
