Library has will to grow, but is there a way?
Villa Park library patrons say they'd like to pick from a larger book collection.
Library Director Sandra Hill says the only problem is where to stack newer titles.
Adding new books at the 39-year-old building means getting rid of older books, Hill said.
Increasing the collection, she says, would require having a larger library.
The library and the citizens advisory committee will hold an open house 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at 305 S. Ardmore Avenue to explain possible plans to make either renovations to the structure or build a new library along Ardmore.
Trustees also have sought out comments about the building's future through a survey mailed to district residents, officials said.
Within the survey, more than half of the nearly 500 residents who responded to the question said the library should use its tax resources to expand the collection.
About one-fourth of the survey responders said there is a need for more space at the library for community services.
"It's kind of a confirmation of the way the board has been looking at the library," Hill said of the survey results. "We are taking it as positive."
Still, when it comes to having more library space, it remains unclear where most taxpayers see the issue.
About 90 of 455 residents said spending tax dollars for more space should be the lowest priority.
Because of what trustees feel is a need for more space for books and programs, the board hired an architectural firm which outlined five expansion options to be displayed at Sunday's open house.
Proposed options would double the 24,000 square feet of existing library space.
Tentative expansion estimates for a larger or a new library range from $23.5 million to $24.9 million.
Library President Robert Wagner has said the board likely would look at how to lower those amounts.
Along with construction costs, expansion would require the library to purchase adjacent property from St. Alexander Catholic Church, a nearby homeowner and a commercial landowner.
If you go
What: Villa Park Public Library Open House
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Villa Park Public Library, 305 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park
Cost: Free
Details: (630) 834-1164