Harvey library trustee joins meeting remotely after lawsuit settlement
Harvey Public Library District trustee Charwana Morgan joined the Oct. 8 meeting by phone following an extended absence. Morgan filed a lawsuit against the library nearly a year ago for rejecting her requests for remote participation in meetings but was settled this summer.
After a prolonged in-person absence and denials for remote attendance, Harvey Public Library District trustee Charwana Morgan joined the Oct. 8 board meeting by phone.
Morgan filed a lawsuit against the library in December 2025 for denying her requests to join meetings remotely due to a severe medical condition, an alleged violation of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Illinois Open Meetings Act.
The parties settled the lawsuit this summer.
When Morgan was late to the meeting, board attorney Tom Condon said, “For the record […] in accordance with the settlement agreement, trustee Morgan has not contacted the library, but we have reached out to the attorney.”
Morgan called in, accompanied by her attorney, following the executive session. The library has a policy that permits and lists guidelines for joining meetings via telephone posted on its website.
2027 budget to be published
The board approved the tentative 2027 fiscal year budget for publication. McCaskill said the budget will be available for review at the library for 30 days. There will also be a budget hearing at the next board meeting on Nov. 12 at 6:00 P.M.
Treasurer’s report tabled, bills list approved
President Anthony McCaskill moved to table the treasurer’s report because he said he had not received the required bank statements. The board approved the September 2026 bills list in the amount of $31,077.24.
The HWH recently published the library’s bills lists from January 2022 through November 2025 after filing a lawsuit against the library for not producing the records as requested. See the records here.
Upcoming events
The library will team up with Harvey Park District — also run by the McCaskill family — and Soul Assassinz of Chicago and host a “Trunk or Treat” event on Saturday, Oct. 24. The event will take place at the Gloria Taylor Center Banquet Hall and runs from noon to 4:00 P.M. Attendees are encouraged to dress up their vehicles and enter a contest for best decoration.
In November, the library will run a holiday dinner giveaway in partnership with the park district, Developing Our Youth, Real Men Empowerment, and the office of Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill (5th). Residents can register for the free dinner at the library or the park district office on Broadway Ave.
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