A shared vision for a growing Lombard

Public libraries are cornerstones of vibrant communities, providing access to educational, informational, cultural and recreational resources that strengthen the fabric of our democratic society. Today, libraries are not just repositories of information, but also active centers of engagement and creativity, curated and nourished by professional, expert librarians.

Numerous studies from across the nation demonstrate that spending on libraries yields economic benefits to their communities. A return on investment study of Ohio's Public Libraries, estimates that for every $1 invested in a public library, the community realizes an economic benefit of $5.48. Another study concludes that access to a library increases a community's property values. In Lombard, the value the community places on Helen Plum Memorial Library is evidenced by the 250,000 visits and 550,000 items borrowed in 2015.

As leaders of professional associations representing libraries in Illinois and across the country, we know that each library is as unique and special as the community it serves. We know, too, that Helen Plum Memorial Library has worked closely with the residents of Lombard to develop a shared vision for how it can meet the needs of an information technology boom and a growing town that is expected to see an additional 26 percent increase in population over the next two decades.

Just as libraries transform the lives of people who use them, libraries themselves must transform to continue to meet the needs of those they serve. On Election Day, voters in Lombard will have an opportunity to decide how to transform their library in the manner that reflects the community's priorities and values. We encourage Lombard residents to visit the library's website and learn more about Helen Plum's next chapter.

Pattie Piotrowski

President, Illinois Library Association

Julie Todaro

President, American Library Association