Villa Park library to hold forums on $25 million referendum

The first of four forums about the Villa Park library's plan to ask voters for a property tax increase to construct and operate a new $25 million building is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13.

As part of the "Trustee Talks" event, scheduled for 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the library, residents can speak one-on-one with officials about two ballot questions related to the proposed 48,000-square-foot building.

"We want this dialogue to go on with the community," library board President Robert Wagner said. "If people have questions, we want to answer them. Please, come give us your input."

Another Trustee Talks event is planned for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at the library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave.

Meanwhile, a pair of open houses will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the library.

During the open houses, architects will be on hand to explain the proposed building project. Library tours also will be offered to provide a behind-the-scenes view of facility operations and explain why the community can be better served with a new building.

"See how cramped we are," Wagner said. "We have a very strong case. We need a new library."

The library is asking voters Nov. 4 to approve two measures.

The first seeks permission to borrow $24.9 million for a new building to be constructed at Central Boulevard and Ardmore, just south of the existing library. That loan, which would be repaid over 20 years, is expected to add roughly $172 to the property tax bill of the owner of a $250,000 home.

The second ballot question will ask voters to authorize a rate increase of 8 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation to operate the larger building. That would cost an additional $63 annually for the owners of a $250,000 home.

The new building would address shortfalls in space for programs, books and other materials, quiet study and tutoring, meetings and parking.

Those needs were determined after two years of study that involved a community survey, a Citizen's Advisory Committee, evaluations by several professional library consultants, and public forums.

"It's going to increase taxes, but people who use the library will really benefit," Wagner said. "The economy is going to get better. It's cyclical. It will turn around."

For more information, call Sandra Hill, the library director, at (630) 834-1164.