White Oak Library Referendum Would Pay For Longer Hours

ROMEOVILLE, IL — For the fourth time in two years, the White Oak Library District is asking voters to approve a referendum to allow it to increase its hours of operation at its three branch libraries. Voters said no to similar referendums in April 2017, November 2016 and March 2016.

Library officials say the rate increase would mean a cost of about $1.40 per month more for the average homeowner in the district.

The ballot question asks voters to approve an operating rate increase that would allow the Romeoville, Lockport and Crest Hill libraries to expand their hours:

• Sunday: Open an hour earlier (current hours 1 to 5 p.m.)
• Monday-Thursday: Open an hour earlier and stay open a half-hour later (current hours 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
• Friday: Open an hour earlier, stay open tow hours later (current hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Saturday: Open an hour earlier (current hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

The increase would also allow the library to create a digital media lab where residents and business owners could transfer VHS to DVD, restore family photos, create promotional materials, record podcasts, film videos, compose music and more.

The funding would also pay for increased services for older residents.

The White Oak Library District serves 80,000 residents in Crest Hill, Lockport and Romeoville, as well as unincorporated areas. According to the district, about 25 percent of residents, or about 20,000 people, are senior citizens. "Our outreach services need to expand to meet that growing demand for services," the district said, adding that popular services include home delivery, talking books and memory kits for older residents.

Early voting starts March 5 in Will County. The primary election is March 20.

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