Huntley Area Public Library Asks Voters
Today, the Huntley Area Public Library District Board of Trustees announced that a referendum question will be put on the November 2008 ballot.
“It is time to seek the input from residents on whether we should enlarge the library, expand the collection, improve services, and bring programs back in-house,” stated Board President, Kathleen Pilat.
“The fact is, we need more space to serve patrons.” stated Virginia Maravilla, Library Director. “This library was built to serve a population of 15,000, and with the growth in our area we are now trying to serve almost 50,000. Many people don’t realize that we serve not only Huntley, but parts of Lake in the Hills and Algonquin, and portions of Grafton, Rutland and Coral Townships.”
The Library Board of Trustees just received the results of a community survey seeking the residents opinion regarding services. The survey feedback showed the main concerns amongst residents stemmed from the lack of space. The amount of the referendum request has not yet been determined. The Board will work with financial advisors to determine a responsible amount to ask of voters.
In addition, the library will begin a “Your Opinion Counts” program at the Huntley Expo, March 1st and 2nd to allow residents an opportunity to provide their feedback on the financial support they would be willing to provide.
“We are looking forward to receiving input from the community, and need to understand their perspective on seeking a referendum.” stated Pilat. “The library’s future depends on what the residents want and expect from their library.”
To participate and offer your opinion, please visit the Huntley expo booth on March 1st or 2nd, or stop by the Huntley Area Public Library during regular business hours through March 31st.
For more information about the library, please visit us on the web at www.huntleylibrary.org or call
us at (847) 669-5386.
Comments
Live within your means
This is crazy.
You are getting more money from the expanded tax base. Your tax income has expanded over 100% and more is coming in when you collect 2007 and 2008.
Live within your income as I must.
Not Justified
Why?
Not for the Children - we already have an over funded school system.
For free meeting rooms - let them pay.
For books - all research is on the internet.
For public PCs - why should i pay for other's internet access?
For free movies - why should I pay for other's movies?
I could buy three books a month for what I already pay you.
This is just not justified.
NO
There is a recession. Other taxes are up. People are strugling and some are losing their homes. Everyone's job is in jepordy. This is not the time.
YES
I understand that there is a recession. My husband lost his company and took a 75% pay cut. We were barely able to keep our home and we struggle month to month. However, the library is a resource that allows us to save money on movies, CD's, books, magazines. My daughter enjoys an afternoon at the library more than any other activity we do together and it is free.
The knee jerk reaction is to say NO. However, we do not even know what the total amount would be. And if we continue to say no to the library, we risk lowering our property values even more. We cannot base our decisions on just the right here and right now. We have to look down the line and to our future. The recession will not last forever. Do not punish the library and its patrons for a state and federal government that has led us into this recession.
Survey amount
why do you not give $0.00 as an option?
there is a recession!
Library
The current building was built by a library board that appeared to be more concerned with aesthetics not practicality. Vaulted ceilings are nice, but the money could have been spent better by building a libray building that could accommodate a second floor.