Attendance
All board members were present: Jill Meyer, Todd Hillmer, Joanne Kiley, Mike McMillan, Emily Byrne, Kristen Naik, and Philip Johnson.
Financial & Membership Report
• Checking account: $10,253.58
• CD balance: $21,943.19
• Membership: 185 members (up from 180 in March).
• Membership growth and retention efforts continue to show positive results.
Key Actions Approved
- Approved the April 2026 agenda and March 2026 meeting minutes.
- Continued review and revision of Board officer responsibilities and governance documents.
- Discussed member-facing language for membership renewals and onboarding.
Ongoing Business
- Chapter accomplishments review: The Board began compiling accomplishments from the past year to highlight at the May Business Meeting. Topics under consideration include membership growth, educational programming, social events, volunteer opportunities, community service projects, and enhancements to the Bulletin.
- Board responsibilities review: The Board discussed updates to officer and governance responsibilities to better reflect current chapter practices. Several outdated provisions were identified for revision or removal, and additional review will continue by email.
- Membership engagement: The Board discussed ways to highlight chapter growth and member benefits, including volunteer opportunities, professional development programs, and community service activities. Ideas for celebrating future membership milestones were also considered.
- Event coordination: The Board discussed the importance of avoiding scheduling conflicts between committees and improving communication regarding program dates.
Committee Updates
• Archives: No updates.
• Bulletin: The committee is developing a standardized masthead template to support future editors and ensure continuity between editorial teams.
• Community Service: Planning continues for CALL’s participation in the Chicago Public Library Staff Institute. Volunteers will staff an information table and assist with programming focused on legal information resources.
• Continuing Education: Recent programs were well attended. The committee continues planning future educational sessions and roundtable discussions.
• Diversity & Inclusion: No updates.
• Government Relations: The committee successfully hosted a webinar on free legal information resources and has scheduled two April programs focused on artificial intelligence legislation and legal research tools. Planning is also underway for future programming on library board service and the possible revival of the Legislator of the Year Award.
• Grants & Chapter Awards: Several grant applications have been received. The committee is seeking additional nominations for chapter awards and discussed ways to promote the nomination process.
• Meetings: The committee continues evaluating venue options for future events and business meetings.
• Membership: The committee completed a review of membership records, consolidated email lists, and successfully encouraged several members to renew. Work is also underway on onboarding resources for new members.
• Mentorship & Career Development: No updates.
• Nominations & Elections: No updates.
• Public Relations: No updates.
Announcements
No additional announcements were reported.
Next board meeting: May 12, 2026
Compiled by Joanne Kiley