Give Palatine library what it needs to carry on

I taught for many years in Palatine and experienced firsthand what a valuable resource the library is for our community. For our children and grandchildren, the library has been a safe and welcoming place for reading, fun and learning. The children's programs, friendly and helpful staff and access to reading materials truly enhance their lives and contribute to their growth.

There is a referendum on the upcoming ballot that raises the tax levy to support the Palatine Public Library. For a medium value home in our library district, the estimated increase in annual taxes is $52.

The roof, ventilation and lighting of the main library are wearing out after 25 years and must be replaced. The library needs $5.8 million to pay for this work over the next six years. The referendum will fund these crucial repairs, pay for the modernization of the library interior spaces, and increase the library's annual expense budget, which despite significant cost-cutting is inadequate to provide the desired level of services.

In the 44 years since the library became a district, the board has never asked for an operating rate increase.

Please learn about the benefits of this referendum and vote YES for our children and our community on April 2.

Linda Grensing

Palatine