5 Things To Know About The Thomas Ford Library Referendum

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The Thomas Ford Memorial Public Library, which serves the village of Western Springs, will be proposing a referendum in the upcoming primary election on March 20. The library will hold an informational meeting on the upcoming referendum on March 10 at 10 a.m. Residents are invited to learn more about the project and ask questions. However, if you're looking to learn more about the referendum and what it's proposing, here are five things you should know.

1. The question you will see on the ballot on March 20 will be: "Shall the bonds of the Village of Western Springs, Cook County, Illinois, in the amount of $2,000,000 be issued for the purpose of renovating the interior of the Thomas Ford Memorial Library building and furnishing necessary equipment in connection therewith?"
2. According to the library website, the funds generated by the referendum would be used for an interior renovation project. The library building was constructed in 1932, with additions completed in 1963 and 1996.
3. If you're a homeowner of a $250,000 home, your annual tax increase would be $26.83. For a $500,000 home, the increase would be $53.65; and for a $750,000 home, the increase would be $80.48 annually.
4. Areas renovated by the referendum would include the lobby/circulation, AV collections, the youth activity area, teen and tween area, community room and adult services desk.
5. According to the library website, the exterior of the library will remain the same. The exterior of the building will keep the architecture and stone that it currently has.

Image via Shutterstock.