By Paul DelGuidice
For the Villa Park Independent
Villa Park library officials addressed the Board of Trustees on Monday, Dec. 5 to request a bond issue referendum question be placed on the April 4, 2017 ballot asking residents to vote on funding for expansion, needed repairs and upgrades to the nearly 50-year-old library, located at 305 Ardmore Ave.
“From my experience, I can truly say the library is a valuable asset in our community as in every other community,” Library Board President Pat Hubbard said. “Though libraries have changed over the years, core elements have remained the same, one being equal access to information and materials for patrons of all ages.”
Hubbard, a 40-year resident of Villa Park and former teacher and principal in the Village, then introduced Library Director Sandy Hill, who presented the need for renovation and the proposed plan for the library upgrade. The inside will need to be upgraded too as space has been an issue that has been brought up, however, it has not been said if there will be a new interior design to make it look more modern. If they do decide to do this they may want to look into some removable wallpaper that they can put up in different sections to make it look more appealing to those visiting the library.
“There are three categories of building issues that we face at the library,” said Hill. “The three categories are systems, code compliance, and space.”
According to Hill, a facilities analysis completed in March, 2015 indicated the library should expect to spend $5.3 million for the replacement of existing building systems over the next five years.
“Many of the immediate issues within the building are interconnected — addressing one issue is not possible without addressing the others,” said Hill.
For example, Hill stated the boilers and air handlers are on the roof of the building in a ‘penthouse’ but cannot be upgraded to energy efficient units without replacing and enlarging the penthouse. According to architects, expanding this penthouse may not be addressable without expanding the elevator.
Also, the roof is near the end of its service life and has ice build-ups, which have created leaks in the youth services area of the building. People who handle roofing Aurora issues may need to step in to assist with repairs. It is prudent that the worn-out roof is replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can have severe damages both to the property and the inhabitants. Moreover, expert roofers like Winston Salem roofers often recommend replacing roofs before they start posing threats to human life.
Anyway, the library has applied for a $125,000 grant (50/50 matching) to repair some brickwork and fascia on the roof. Hiring a professional contractor is important in this instance, as mentioned previously, because a builder may miss the importance of roof construction steps. Contacting a service akin to a littleton roofing contractor will be the right way to go for the library.
The issue of code compliance arises on a daily basis for patrons of the library, but also must be addressed if an expansion is undertaken.
The building, built in 1969, does not meet current codes such as ADA compliance to allow patrons with disabilities to access the facility. To allow ADA compliance inside the building, shelving would have to be moved and approximately 20% of the books and other items offered at the library could not be displayed.
This fact led to Hill’s final point about the library – its lack of space.
“We also need dedicated program space,” said Hill. “We want the most return on the community’s investment. Our programs can pull in 200 to 300 individuals.”
Hill showed slides of a recent ‘teen night’ where nearly 300 attendees participated. The library cannot physically accommodate a large number of program attendees. A dedicated program area would be a solution to this problem.”
“It’s not just books and materials,” Hill said, “it’s people using the facility.”
Building safety is a primary consideration of the Board, Hill said. One of the stairways was improved in 2016 to address safety issues, but a renovation would allow for further improvements, including ADA-compliant restrooms.
In 2014, residents rejected a proposed $24 million bond issue to build a new library. The new proposal indicates that, “renovating and expanding the current facility is the most cost-effective way to address the library’s needs.”
Nine open houses were held between January and October of 2016. Community members were asked for input on a proposed library expansion. An addition to the north of the library was determined to be the best solution to meet space needs. This would also increase available parking to 55 spaces from the current 40. An outdoor area for youth services programs would be included in the renovation.
According to the presentation, if the bond issue is approved by voters, the cost to property owners would be an increase in property taxes of $7.48 per month ($89.79 per year) based on a home valued at $200,000.
“The quality of life is enhanced by a strong library that offers support to our schools, social service agencies and other governmental units,” said Hubbard. “Libraries are community centers, destinations and economic assets.”
The proposed ballot question would read:
“Shall bonds in the amount not to exceed $10.6 million be issued by the Village of Villa Park, DuPage County, Illinois for the purpose of paying costs of remodeling, improving and building an addition to the existing Villa Park Public Library building, furnishing equipment, and acquiring library materials such as books, periodicals, films and recordings, electronic data, and storage facilities therefor, and paying expenses incidental thereto, said bonds bearing interest at a rate not to exceed 6% per annum?”
