Library Referendum Text Only

Referendum Update

THANK YOU!

Palatine Public Library District Staff and Board of Trustees are grateful to the community for their support of the Library Referendum. Unofficial results show the Referendum passed with 64% of voter approval!

Because of your support, we can move forward and plan our next steps to address our major capital repairs, increase services, and begin interior renovations.

We look forward to many productive years of providing the community with MORE of What You Love.

Please watch our website for updates and opportunities to provide us with your input. If you wish to be invited to upcoming focus groups to give your input, please submit your email: http://eepurl.com/gmlYsf

Thank you!

Palatine Public Library District Board of Trustees

About the Library Referendum

This referendum asks voters to approve a limiting rate increase on the Library’s property tax levy of 0.075%. This amount will provide for all of the Library’s financial needs through 2035. The Library’s limiting rate would go from 0.276% in 2017 to 0.351% in 2019. For a median value home in our Library District, the estimated increase in annual taxes is $52.

How would this affect my property taxes?

Estimated Impact of Proposed Tax Increase with Homeowner's Exemption
Assessed Home Value $100k $150k $250k $266k (Median) $350k
Library Tax in 2019 $54 $96 $179 $193 $263
Additional Cost per Year $15 $26 $48 $52 $70
Additional Cost per Month $1.25 $2.17 $4.00 $4.33 $583

Most up-to-date information as of 2/11/19.

Why We Need Your Help

The Main Library building is 25 years old and the facility systems are aging past their life expectancy. To address the facility issues, the Library needs over $5.8 million in the next six years. Although the Library has nearly $1 million in capital reserves, this amount would not cover all the costs and keep the doors open at the same time.

Most urgent capital project needs:

  • significant portion of roof needs replacement
  • updates to failing HVAC system
  • upgrades to energy-efficient lighting

You’ve Asked for MORE

You told us you love our customer service, diverse materials, and engaging programs, and you said you want MORE!

✔ IF YES – THE REFERENDUM PASSES

The Library will be able to offer:

  • MORE preparedness to maintain our facilities and remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars
  • MORE service hours for your convenience
  • MORE collaborative spaces and study rooms to accommodate students, entrepreneurs, and groups
  • MORE investments in new technology and bandwidth to keep up with advances in technology
  • MORE collaboration and partnerships with schools, businesses, and local organizations to serve our diverse community
  • MORE new books, movies, music, downloadable content, games, and resources

How We Compare to Our Neighbors

Library Population Revenues Revenues Per Person
Arlington Heights 75,101 $14,342,892 $190.98
Barrington 44,157 $7,309,351 $165.53
Indian Trails (Wheeling) 67,010 $7,665,836 $114.40
Palatine 88,983 $6,658,829 $74.87
Palatine - If Yes 88,983 $8,246,030 $92.67
Rolling Meadows 24,099 $4,006,010 $166.23
Schaumburg 126,849 $15,711,073 $123.86

Community Forums

Referendum Presentation Video

Watch this recording from a recent Community Forum and get informed. The presentation is divided into three parts.

Essential to the Community

99.9% of survey respondents from our Community Survey in 2016 agreed that the Library is essential to the community!

By the Numbers – Fiscal Year 2017-2018

  • 3624 items checked-out per day
  • 72% of residents have a library card
  • 65,434 computer sessions last year
  • 500,033 total visits last year
  • 1370 visits per day
  • 8410 room bookings last year
  • 1370 free programs
  • 52,777 program attendees last year

Press Inquiries

Please contact Andrea Lublink, Communications and Marketing Manager: alublink@palatinelibrary.org