Huntley seeks your input on building referendum
This week, the Huntley library board announced plans to put a building referendum on the November ballot. How big that building will be -- and how much it will cost -- are decisions they still need to make, and they want your help in doing it.
"We're going to look at what the public wants, and work with our financial advisers to determine what is the most reasonable request to make of the voters," said board president Kathy Pilat.
A November survey of district households showed that 85 percent use the library each year, and 87 percent want to see it improved. The most urgent needs, respondents said, were more books, more seating, more videos, and a bigger children's room -- in short, more space all around.
I wasn't asked, but I do count myself among those who use the library regularly, especially when a deadline looms and my computer crashes -- which happens more often than you'd think! The library's public computers, CDs and videos, and their programs, that now are held at other locations, attract many people who don't ordinarily come to check out a book.
Ever since I was a kid, I've loved libraries and so has my husband, Rusty, which is why he serves on the Huntley library board. So, as you'd expect, I do have some strong opinions on this subject, and a means of making them known.
If you would like to do the same, you can fill out a form at the library to express your opinion of what is, or is not, needed. Board members will review that public feedback when making their decision, Pilat said.
"We will take that in consideration, along with the advice we get from our financial advisers based on current interest rates," she explained. "The survey will play a role, and we'll also look at our (current and future) space needs to determine the best course to take."
You also can leave your input at the Huntley Home and Business Expo, set for March 1-2 at the Huntley High School gymnasium. The library's booth will have detailed information about its space needs and proposed solutions, and board members will be on hand to answer your questions. Why not stop by and share your thoughts with them?
Used book sale:ŒLooking for a good read? The Friends of the Huntley Library will hold a used book sale from noon to 7 p.m. today at the old village hall in downtown Huntley.
The sale continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with bargains on gently used hardcovers, paperbacks, videos, music CDs and more. The book sale is inside the east entrance to the building at 11704 Coral Street. Proceeds will benefit the library's building fund.
Food drive:ŒGrafton Township will host a booth and a food drive at next weekend's Huntley Home and Business Expo. The booth will have a special container for donations of non-perishable food, cleaning supplies and personal grooming items for the Grafton Food Pantry, which serves more than 100 local families each year.
The Sun City Woodchucks and the Paint and Palette Club have built a "unique" container for the food drive, said township spokeswoman Harriet Ford. Food drives by area groups -- Scout troops, churches, schools, local police, clubs and neighborhood organizations -- are the pantry's primary source for needed supplies.
Dine to help dogs:ŒThe Animal House no-kill shelter will hold its annual Spay'ghetti Dinner from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay Street in downtown Woodstock.
Tickets at the door are $7 for adults and $3 for children under age 14. Door prizes will be awarded every half hour, and proceeds will benefit "Spay Day USA," a nationwide campaign to support spay/neuter services.
The not-for-profit Animal House shelter is located on Ernesti Road in rural Huntley. Call (847) 961-5541 or visit www.animalhouseshelter.com.
Help the horses:ŒThe public is invited to the Hooved Animal Humane Society's 2008 Tack and Craft Sale, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 10714 McConnell Road in Woodstock.
Gate admission is $3, with snacks and refreshments for sale on the grounds. Several vendors will offer bargains on tack, blankets and crafts. Prize drawings and farm tours will run throughout the day.
Looking for a smaller pet? You'll get to meet some adorable "adoptables" from the Ringwood-based "Boxer Rebound" rescue group. At lunchtime, members of the CarDunAl dog training club will also perform an "Agility Dog Demo."
Proceeds support HAHS efforts to rehabilitate injured and neglected horses, and promote humane treatment of hooved animals. To learn more, contact Hillary at (815) 337-5563.