Palatine Public Library District hosts local civic leaders

With nearly all local governmental units facing funding challenges, the Palatine Public Library District recently hosted public officials from units having boundaries overlapping those of the library district. The meeting's purpose was to identify ways in which assets and resources can be more effectively utilized in collaboratively serving common constituents.

Representatives from each governmental unit in attendance shared a presentation outlining their current challenges and best practices in maintaining high levels of service. Organizations represented were Community Consolidated School District 15, Palatine Park District, Palatine Public Library District, Palatine Township, Salt Creek Park District, Township High School District 211, Village of Hoffman Estates, Village of Palatine, and William Rainey Harper College.

"Even though we are independent entities and levy separately, taxpayers write one check to pay their property tax bill. We all must find ways to make those tax dollars go as far as they can possibly go. While we do our best separately, we know that we can achieve even greater efficiencies working together," stated library board president Carol Barnes in her welcome to the attendees.

Following the presentations, some areas of potential collaboration were identified for further exploration: serving those seeking jobs, resource sharing, space and meeting room availability, shared training, cooperative technology, service to children and families, educating our constituents, cross-promotion of events and services, volunteers and joint educational opportunities.

The Palatine Public Library District board of trustees and senior management hosted the Thursday, April 29, event at the main library.

"We're very enthusiastic about bringing this group together," said library director Susan Strunk. "The meeting certainly proved that there is a lot that we can learn from each other."

The Palatine Public Library District serves approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within the communities of Palatine and Hoffman Estates. The library district's mission is to encourage lifelong learning and enrichment through the exploration of books and other media and to provide services and materials that will promote a well-informed and literate community. Visit (palatinelibrary.org.)

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