Committee Urges Support of Library Referendum

PLAINFIELD, IL — Citizens for a 21st Century Library, a new ballot initiative committee, has announced its formation in support of the proposed Plainfield Public Library expansion.

The committee was formed in response to the Plainfield Library District Board of Trustees’ vote Dec. 16 to place two referendum questions on the March primary ballot that would authorize funding for the construction and operation of a new 72,000 square foot library on the current downtown site.

The sole mission of the committee is to inform and mobilize library district voters to vote “YES” on both referendum questions. In order for the referendums to pass the March 15 primary election, it will require 50 percent of the votes that get cast on the ballot on the library referendum questions, plus one additional vote. The committee reports that they have filed a statement of organization with the Illinois State Board of Elections and have already begun to raise funds and set up a website.

The Citizens for a 21st Century Library committee co-chairs are Bill and Linda Hanley of Plainfield.

“During our 25 years as Plainfield residents, we have utilized the library’s resources fully and frequently. As our community has grown, the Library staff has done their best to serve their patrons but it is quite obvious that the current facilities are inadequate. A larger building with additional flexibility will allow the library staff to provide 21st century services such as increased technology, personalized instruction and versatile meeting room options for the entire community,” said Bill Hanley.

The committee has an organizational meeting to support the library initiative planned for Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Aurelio’s Pizza in Plainfield beginning at 7 p.m. Anyone that would like to get involved in the effort is welcome to attend. For more information you can email the committee at YES2PlainfieldLibrary@gmail.com.