White Oak Library Tries Again at Referendum

After two failed attempts -- first in March and again in November 2016 -- the White Oak Library District is trying again at a referendum it hopes will fund expanded hours at its three branches.

Trustees have placed a limiting rate increase request on the April 4 ballot, looking to keep its branches open more hours per week. Currently, each branch is open for 60 hours per week.

White Oak Executive Director Scott Pointed noted that while the district's facilities got a major upgrade thanks to a successful 2010 referendum, that funding came in the form of building bonds, which only pay for bricks and mortar -- not services. The $23 million referendum allowed the library district to purchase and renovate the Romeoville branch, renovate and add a 5,000-square-foot addition to the Lockport branch and build a brand-new Crest Hill library.

The current referendum, if it passes, would be the first operating rate increase in the library district's 95-year history, Pointon said -- adding that with the recent building upgrades, it's much-needed.

"What we're noticing with the new buildings is business is booming," Pointon said. "Usage is way up."

Patrons are checking out 25 percent more materials and, thanks to the renovated libraries, meeting room usage is up 176 percent, Pointon said.

The increased usage is creating a demand for more hours -- and in turn, more staff on duty -- at the libraries. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

If the referendum passes, the new hours would be:

• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday
• noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

The longer hours will be a big benefit to patrons, particularly on Fridays, when staff hosts teen events like video game nights.

"Right now, we're dragging people out the door at 5 on Friday," Pointon said.

The referendum question reads:

"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the White Oak Library District, Will County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.0305% above the limiting rate for levy year 2015 and be equal to 0.226% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2017?”

What does that mean for taxpayers? According to the district, the average homeowner would pay an additional $16 to $17 per year on their tax bill, or about $1.38 per month.

The library board race is uncontested. Nancy Hackett of Romeoville is seeking re-election, while Ann Caneva of Lockport has filed to run for a second open spot on the board.

Romeoville branch library - photo via Patch file