Itasca library needs new exterior due to mold

The Itasca Community Library District is seeking voter approval for its first tax increase since 1993.

Library officials are asking voters for permission to take out up to $1.75 million in library bonds to remediate water leakage and mold growth attributed to faulty construction of the 1995 addition.

According to district figures, the owner of a $300,000 house would pay an additional $21.85 per year to the library.

Director Betsy Adamowski said finance experts are also examining whether they are able to extend bonds set to expire in 2012 by another 15 or 20 years. She said that would allow the work to be done without the library increasing its current rate.

Engineer Kami Farahmandpour has said recent attempts to fix water leaks inside the library found mold growing between the exterior stucco-like facade and inside walls.

He said the facade can resist water on the outside, but water runs and pools behind it.

Air qualities at the library have tested safe as recently as Oct. 28, but the mold still persists behind the walls. If the voters grant permission to borrow, the library would be resided and have the windows and roof resealed as early as the spring.

Without the funds, Adamowski said the library eventually could be ruled unsafe and closed because of low air quality if the mold continues to grow and find its way inside the facility.

Voters last approved a tax increase for the library in 1993 that allowed the library to expand at its current location, 500 W. Irving Park Road, to more than 27,000 square feet. The renovated facility was dedicated in September 1995.

Itasca Community Library District

What: The district is asking voters for permission to borrow $1.75 million to replace and repair the building's exterior cladding, windows and HVAC due to extensive water damage and mold forming

Cost: $21.85 more per year for the owner of a $300,000 house in Itasca.

If it passes: Work will begin immediately and take six to nine months to complete

If it fails: The district would be forced to find other funding, which could include taking money from the operating budget. If toxic mold spreads before it can be remediated, the library could be closed.

Details: (630)773-1699 or www.itascalibrary.org/spotlight