At the September 2023 meeting of the Addison Public Library Board of Trustees, the Library Board voted to suspend the previously announced building project.
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The Library building is owned by the Village of Addison and leased to the Addison Public Library. The terms of the lease require the Village of Addison to approve any expansion of the library building or modifications made to the exterior of the building. While the Village Board did grant approval for the proposed expansion in October 2022, in July 2023 they requested that the Library delay plans to move forward with the expansion while plans for a community-wide project to serve the youth in the Addison is explored. The Library's building project included improvements to spaces and services for all ages and was not only focused on children and teens.
Without the approval and support of the Village Board, the full scope of the project that was announced this spring cannot be fulfilled. Instead, the Library Board will be meeting with our architects to explore options for interior renovations to see which of the facility enhancements we have announced to the community can still be achieved.
Agendas, minutes, and supplemental information for meetings of the Library Board of Trustees are available here.
More information on our revised plans will be coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a project of this size, we understand that the community will have questions. Click on the categories below to expand.
General Questions
Didn’t you just renovate?
The renovation in 2016 refreshed our building. The project was related to the general wear-and-tear of our facilities, and included carpeting, updated signage, additional study rooms, and reconfigured seating and spaces.
Did the Village approve of this?
While the Village Board did grant approval for the proposed expansion in October 2022, in July 2023 they requested that the Library delay plans to move forward with the expansion while plans for a community-wide project to serve the youth in the Addison is explored.
Who should we contact if we have questions or comments about the renovation project?
We welcome anyone to reach out to the Board of Trustees at libraryboard@addisonlibrary.org. You can also contact Library Director Mary Medjo Me Zengue at 630.458.3300 or medjo@addisonlibrary.org with any questions or comments.
We encourage community members to attend our monthly board meetings, which meet the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM here at the library. More information about board meetings, including meeting minutes, can be found at addisonlibrary.org/minutes.
We love to hear from our community and we encourage you to reach out! We also have comment cards at our service desks and an online comment form at addisonlibrary.org/contact.Wasn't construction expected to begin in January 2024?
At the September 2023 meeting of the Addison Public Library Board of Trustees, the Library Board voted to suspend the previously announced building project, which had an expected start date of January 2024. The timeline for this project will shift as the revised project progresses. More information on our revised plans and an updated timeline will be shared as soon as it is available.
How can I stay up to date about the renovation?
We will share updates and information regarding the building project on this page, addisonlibrary.org/renovation. You can also access the most recent Addison Public Library Board of Trustees agendas and minutes, including proposed revised project scopes, at addisonlibrary.org/minutes.
Finances & Budget Questions
Where is the library getting the money for this?
The library has been saving for this project since 2007. 16 years ago, we started with $1 million to invest, and we have continued to add to our capital improvement fund at the end of every fiscal year since in order to make fiscally responsible decisions for this project.
What will this cost?
Since the previously announced building project was suspended in September 2023, the cost and scope of the revised project is yet to be defined. As of February 2024, we have already invested $516,637.76 into the building project process, including architect fees, plans and renderings, and redefining the project scope. We will not increase our levy, borrow funds, or go out to referendum to fund this project. Through saving since 2007, the library has sufficient funds to cover the cost of a building project and future maintenance needs.
Are my taxes going up?
The tax levy will not be increased to pay for the building project. This project’s budget has been a result of the library saving funds since 2007. The funds come directly from our capital improvement fund, which must only be spent on building-related projects.
Who is paying for the renovation?
95% of the library’s yearly funding comes from incorporated Addison property taxes. The remaining 5% comes from Per Capita Grant, fees (like printing and faxing), and interest on investments.
Did you know that for every dollar you pay in property taxes, just under 6 cents goes to the library? To see all the ways you can get the most value from your library card, visit addisonlibrary.org/save.Is the library still paying off the current building?
No. The last of the bonds issued by the Village of Addison for the construction of the current library building were fully paid off by April 30, 2017, as confirmed by the Village's audit reports from FY2016 to FY2018. All revenue used to pay off this debt came from sales tax, not property taxes.
Project Details Questions
How will library operations be impacted by the renovation?
At this time, we do not know the full scope of the renovation project. If construction will impact library operations such as book returns, programs, study rooms, etc., we will share all of that information on this page as soon as it is available. New frequently asked questions will also be added as the project progresses.
When does the renovation begin?
That information is unknown at this time. We will share updates and information regarding the building project on this page, addisonlibrary.org/renovation.
What changes will be made with this renovation?
That information is unknown at this time. The public is welcome to view any past and proposed plans for this project in board meeting minutes and agendas at addisonlibrary.org/minutes. Once the Addison Public Library Board of Trustees votes on a renovation option, that information will be updated on this page.
Why don’t you build another library branch?
We previously investigated the possibility of a west branch. It was determined that we would need an ongoing, annual increase of at least $1 million to our annual budget to support another branch — including pay for collections, staff, technology, insurance, and other overhead fees.
What about the District 88 Transition students?
While the project scope for our renovation has yet to be determined, we will continue our partnership with the District 88 Transition Program. We are working with our architects to explore options for continuing the Perks & Possibilities Café program, perhaps in another location within our building. Students in this program also work closely with staff in our Guest Services and Materials Management departments on various tasks such as checking in items, sorting returned items, and shelving and alphabetizing DVDs and video games to help strengthen their job and life skills.