White Oak Library District Referendum Question

Supporters of the White Oak Library District referendum hope voters will check out what a new tax levy could bring to the district.

On Nov. 8, voters in the District – which includes Romeoville, Lockport, and Crest Hill – will be asked to approve an increase of 0.0305 percent, making the tax rate 0.226 percent of a property’s assessed value.

“Essentially, a $100,000 home would pay an additional $10.17, toward the annual library operating tax,” White Oak Director Scott Pointon said.

The average home in the district would see about a $16.50 increase in the annual tax bill.

If the funds are approved, the District’s branches could return to staying open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, as they did until a few years ago. The District also would set up a digital media lab for patrons to transfer VHS tapes to DVDs, restore family photos and record oral histories, audio broadcasts and videos, Pointon said.

Another big difference would be an increase in senior services, including expansions of home delivery and “lobby stops” in the six retirement communities within the district.

“About 25 percent of residents in the District are seniors, so everything we can do to expand our outreach services is needed,” Pointon said.

A similar referendum was defeated in March, but Pointon said feedback from the polls showed that some White Oak residents mistook White Oak’s operating referendum with the Plainfield Library District’s building referendum, which is not on the ballot this time.

“We’re trying to be very open. There are no plans to cut any of our services if [the referendum] is not approved,” Pointon said. “But our usage has gone up in every measurable way, and hopefully, people realize what they gain from a District that continues to meet their needs.”

To see the full explanation of the District's plans, please visit their website -- www.whiteoaklibrary.org