Roselle Public Library District sends bond request to voters this fall

The Roselle Public Library District is pursuing a $22 million bond referendum to raise revenue to erect and furnish a new library campus. The referendum question will be on the Nov. 5, 2024, election ballot.

The library board voted unanimously to put the referendum to a public vote.

“We conducted community-wide surveys in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024,” said Katie Smith, board president. “Our residents have repeatedly expressed a need for improved and dedicated spaces for youth and teens, better technology, and more rooms for collaborations and meetings. The revenue from the bond request will provide all that — and more — for our neighbors.”

Increased visitor numbers reflect the library’s role as a community hub, offering more than the opportunity to borrow books, magazines and music.

“Our library is really more of a community center,” Smith said. “You get great service from our friendly staff … you can research new hobbies or travel ideas … you can meet with your local community group … you can access services like Notary or test proctoring. And it’s all free with a library card!”

The new library will also include interactive opportunities for toddlers and STEM spaces with 3D printers, woodworking tools and building and crafting materials.

“We’ll also be able to significantly increase programming for our community,” said Smith. “With bigger and better-designed spaces, we can accommodate more people in our activities and offer programs that our neighbors have been requesting for years. Everyone in Roselle will be able to find what they need to reach their potential right here at our library.”

The project will include:

• Spaces for children: a colorful and interactive space designed to accommodate their size and the different means by which children learn.

• Spaces for teens: a space of their own with places to do homework individually or collaboratively, areas to socialize, and gaming consoles.

• Spaces for adults: cozy seating and spaces to collaborate, socialize or spend time on your own.

• Opportunities to create: a STEM and makerspace for those interested in creating items with equipment including 3D printers, woodworking tools, crafting other high-tech materials.

• Spaces to meet: large and small meeting spaces with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment.

• Drive-through window/pickup area: Pre-reserve your materials and pick them up at the self-service area or go through the drive-through.

• Increased accessibility: The proposed facility provides additional accessibility with an easier to reach elevator and quiet areas for those with sensory needs.

Although the Roselle Public Library District continues to take a conservative approach to fiscal management, available funds will not cover the full cost of the new campus and technology upgrades.

“The reality is our building is 42 years old, and we’ve outgrown it. It needs significant investments in aging infrastructure and mechanicals including security system modernization, roof and elevator replacement, heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing,” said Samantha Johnson, executive director. “But even if we were to address just these issues, it would cost approximately $20 million and still not give us the additional space, amenities and upgraded technology. A new building is necessary to properly serve our community.”

If the referendum is approved, the new library will be built on the site of the former Trinity Community Center at 233 E. Maple, with design and engineering to begin in early 2025 and construction starting in 2026.

The site will provide a bigger footprint for the library. The current library land would be conveyed to the village of Roselle as part of an agreement with the village. There would be no disruption to library services.

Referendum open houses

Virtual session: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, via Zoom

Joint town hall meeting: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the village hall, 31 S. Prospect St.

Without funding from the proposed referendum, the library won’t move to a new location, and major repairs and improvements to the library will be deferred to later years or not addressed at all.

Technology upgrades, innovative programming and any remodeling would be addressed every 8-10 years based on priorities and available funding. “The needs we have won’t go away,” Johnson said.

The library district will hold a series of open houses and other educational opportunities for residents to learn more about the proposed library campus and programming that would be made possible if voters approve the referendum.

The first two dates will be a virtual session via Zoom at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9; and a joint town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the village hall.

Discover more information about the project including additional information sessions, FAQs, design concepts, tax impact and timeline on the Roselle Library website.

The Roselle Public Library District exists to provide a welcoming community center for information and discovery through engaging programming, robust collections and responsive services. We provide information, instruction, learning, leisure and cultural opportunities that build community around shared interests. For more information, visit rosellepld.org.