Elmhurst Library 'Aging,' So Money Socked Away

ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst Public Library's 21-year-old building is "aging," so its board is socking away money for long-term improvements, officials said Tuesday.

The library recently finished paying off its debt for the building.

"I do not, under my leadership here, ever hope to go back out for more debt," the library's director, Mary Beth Harper, told the City Council. "We have a building that is a great size for the community we live in."

She also said she did not ever see the library needing a bigger building or a branch.

Asked about the building's lifespan, Harper said different components had estimated lifespans, such as 40 years for the roof and 25 to 30 years for the heating and air conditioning systems. The masonry and other things will last much longer, she said.

Now, the library is replacing the four sump pumps, which library board President Marsha Baker described as looking "pretty ragged."

The library budgeted $25,000 for the project, but it ended up costing more than three times that.

Baker said the board is making the building's upkeep and maintenance a priority because "our building is aging, and we want to stay ahead of any issues."

In 2020, the library hired engineers to extensively study the building's condition.

"It's in great shape for 21 years. It really is," Harper said.

The officials were speaking to the City Council as part of the annual budget process.

A year ago, Harper explained to the council why the library was putting more money in its building improvements account.