Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, and residents of Villa Park will be voting on a referendum to allow the Villa Park Library to build a new building.
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Meredith Meder who is the chairperson for the library’s Renew it Now Committee and co-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Argus What two issues related to the library will be on the ballot?
Meder The first is a bond issue to pay for the costs of a new library. The second proposition is to increase operating costs for the larger library building, such as staffing, utilities, etc.
Argus Why do we need a new library?
Meder In one word — space. We need parking spaces, additional computer terminals, more seating and study areas and expanded space for materials. For every new book the library offers, another must be removed from circulation. We are not (Americans with Disabilities Act) compatible; the aisles are too narrow for a resident in a wheelchair to navigate our collection. The elevator will soon need to be replaced due to current standards and the elevator shaft is too small so a new elevator would have to be built on the outside of the building. There is no sprinkler system in the old building and the roof is in need of serious repair.
Argus Where will the new library be built?
Meder Just south of the current building.
Argus What will happen to the current building?
Meder Our library will be open during construction. Once we have a new space the obsolete building will be demolished and turned into additional parking for patrons.
Argus What will a new library offer that is not offered now?
Meder: A new library will have space for 25,000 new books, 10,000 new AV (Audio-Visual) items, 20 additional public use computers, group and private study rooms, more parking, improved handicap accessibility, a quiet reading room, additional seating, improved energy efficiency, meeting spaces for community groups, an expanded area for teens to call their own, a drive-up return for all materials and future expansion capability.
Argus What will the costs be to homeowners?
Meder For a family whose home is valued at $250,000 the additional total cost per month will be only $19.58 or $235 per year for 20 years. After that, just the operating cost will continue at a rate of $5.22 per month or $62.66 per year.
Argus What are the costs related to the project?
Meder Costs include property purchases, demolition, building permits, building materials, labor, etc., plus furnishing the library with current equipment and materials. You can get more information at www.villapark.lib.il.us/newbuildingproject.org.
Argus Do both propositions on the referendum need to pass or can the project proceed with only one question passing?
Meder If the community supports only the bond issue question, the Library Board will proceed with the building project and will decide after the election what the next step will be for the operating needs. One option would be to bring the question back at a future election. If only the operating question passes the additional revenue could be used for site acquisitions and to set aside dollars for future capital improvements.
Meder added that “a new library will ensure that our children have access to current technology and reading materials, which in turn helps test scores at our local schools. Our property values will increase with an improved and up-to-date facility. Our new library will offer expanded educational and tutoring opportunities, as well as increased programming of the arts and sciences. This new library is vital to our growth as individuals and as a community.”
As for those opposed to the referendum, Villa Park trustee David Hegland said he is pleased the Library Board is being proactive and said there are issues the library must address. However, he said, if the village had to spend the money, there might be other ways it could be better put to use.
“Let’s see what the people have to say about it, I’m OK with that,” he said. “I’m not in favor of spending another $200 a year, but that’s just me.”
Adam Rosen contributed to this report.
