The Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Island Within A City Committee January 15, 2026.
CALL TO ORDER
President Magnelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Magnelli, Krebs, Parent, Ringelstein, Ross, Massaro, McPhillips, Stam, Blubaugh (7:02 P.M.).
Absent: Magnuson.
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Storelli, Zaporowicz-Short, Rachlin (7:24 P.M.).
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
Editor, Jennifer Storelli was in attendance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There were no minutes to be approved.
Island Within A City
A. Island Within A City Book
i. Progress Report
Jennifer reported that the project is progressing very well, with only one chapter remaining. She shared that there are many wonderful stories and praised the contributors for their excellent work. Jennifer asked committee members to review the chapter order and provide feedback within the next few weeks. She also noted that new essays have been added.
Director Wittmann stated that she will show Irene how to save comments on the IWAC book online. She also spoke about adding a story titled Fountain of Youth on Irving Park Road, as well as a veteran’s story. Director Wittmann and Julie will work on sourcing photographs for the book.
Penny reported that she has identified a potential grant opportunity to fund the reprinting of the first book. The grant covers costs up to $5,000. Regardless, Penny noted that reprinting the first book would be beneficial. he shared printing estimates: OnPress quoted $4,895 for 500 copies, while Prime Story Publishing provided an alternate quote of $5,131.50 for 500 copies. The cost for 100 copies was quoted at $979. Penny provided a copy of the grant application for the committee’s review and offered to print both the grant materials and printing quotes.
Irene asked if there was any downside to applying for the grant, and Penny responded that there was none. Jennifer asked whether preorders might be an option. Director Wittmann suggested potentially ordering 250 copies. Penny added that the original book continues to circulate. Trustee Parent stated that if the grant is awarded, the committee should proceed with ordering the reprint, and if not, consider ordering it in conjunction with the new book. Julie reported that there are currently 38 pre-sales for the new book.
Finally, Director Wittmann shared that Trustee Ringelstein will begin sourcing designers and hopes to have proposals available by March.
ii. First Complete Draft-Committee Read Through
Committee members were provided with a link to the first completed draft, which is available in Basecamp.
iii. Next Steps
Director Wittmann stated that the next steps include completing the second edited document, followed by a review once the design is in place. The team will proceed with sourcing photographs.
B. Next Meeting Date
The committee will meet next on March 19, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no report.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:24 P.M.
