Huntley library hopefuls debate space

Last year, the Huntley Area Public Library asked voters for a $9.5-million loan to triple the size of the modest building at Main Street and Ruth Road.

Voters rejected the request, but when the new library trustees are seated in April, they will still have to tackle the building's space needs - with or without new taxes.

None of the three library trustees who are seeking re-election - board President Kathleen Pilat, Secretary Leslie Threadgill-Smith and Judith Klein - voted to try another tax-hike referendum on next month's ballot. Their opposition helped defeat the proposal by a 4-3 vote.

Still, library board candidates said they would not rule out asking voters to approve a tax hike for library expansion in the future.

Until then, Klein said she would not consider large-scale modifications to the library's interior or renting out space that would house the entire library at a different location.

"It's a very, very expensive option," she said. "I am not in favor of making large changes to the library at this time."

But Pilat said all options should be on the table, and that the library may need a multipronged solution to address the space crunch.

"I wouldn't rule anything out unless we've had a chance to look into it," Pilat said. "You have to look at everything out there."

Threadgill-Smith said she would consider renting trailers that would allow the library to expand in the short term - an option the library has explored previously.

"I think the trailer option is viable," Threadgill-Smith said. "Bringing in the trailers may postpone our need to go back to referendum."

Challenger Guy DeMaertelaere said the library might be able to rent out space from other local governments or businesses. The library already stores furniture and holds some programs off-site.

"There's definitely ways that we can take advantage of existing space in a more long-term way," DeMaertelaere said.

Challenger Jeanne Adu-Brako could not be reached for comment.