Helen Plum Library abates over $573K from tax levy

At the Sept. 19 board meeting, Helen Plum Library board trustees approved an ordinance to abate $573,500 from the debt service levy portion of the library's 2023 tax levy.

The library board's levy this year ($7,996,970) is $573,500 less than would be the typical levy amount of approximately $8,570,470.

"What better way to close this final chapter of the old library on Maple Street than by returning more than half a million dollars in tax abatements to the Lombard community?," said board president Allison Pinkett-Floyd. "This effort would not be possible without the persistence, dedication, and fiscal discipline of the library's staff, project partners, and board members as well as our community collaboration.

"And of course, the overwhelming support of the majority of Lombardians who believe in the library's mission to connect, discover, and grow. We are proud to be able to reward that faith in our mission," Pinkett-Floyd said.

The library board decided to reduce the amount of this year's levy because of funds received from the Village of Lombard for the purchase of the parking lot on Maple Street adjacent to the Lombard Historical Society and property transfers also under contract with the Lombard Park District for the purchase of the vacant lot on Maple Street, west of the old library site.

The library also will receive a contribution from the park district to offset the cost of demolition of the building at 110 W. Maple St., which is scheduled to begin before the end of the year. The anticipated funds will offset the previously budgeted amount of $573,500 for the demolition of the old library building.

"When the village made the decision to purchase the Maple Street parking lot earlier this year, we shared that it would be a win-win for our community," said Lombard Village President Keith Giagnorio. "In addition to 44 new public parking spaces which are now open and available, the fact that the library has taken steps to decrease its property tax levy for FY2024 because of funds received from the village and park district property transfers, only furthers the benefit to Lombard taxpayers.

"This is a prime example of how thoughtful collaboration can result in substantial gains for our residents, and I'm proud of the positive impact that this partnership is having on our community," Giagnorio said.

The new Helen Plum Library at 411 S. Main St. has had over 100,000 visitors since opening to the public in April earlier this year.

For an interactive retrospective of the 110 Maple St. library, visit helenplum.org/library-history.