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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 C'r \16"5 vAK . ..<eapt .213o192,)f4 / �t .213o192, COMMENT rigigillifintifigignigiffigintiMEINIESEEnt Oak Brook library faces struggle for more space The following was written by Joe Fulton,chairman entering into a joint venture.This imaginative adven- of the Oak Brook Library Commission. Personally speaking ture envisions the long-range prospect of Oak Brook some day building a multi-purpose community-center The Oak Brook Free Public Library has a life- there is little prospect of this prognosis changing as type facility on sports core property.Such a building threatening condition that could wind up putting it in long as the present form of library governance pre- complex might employ a central hub to house com- the endangered species category. Simply stated the vails.(As a point of information this outdated type of mon-use features(elevators,washrooms,etc.)stem- library has outgrown its constricted space and its anti- system will no longer be sanctioned by the state of ming off into separate components of which a library quated facilities and is left with no place to turn.Thus Illinois in granting charters for new libraries after could be one. it is faced with a decreasing capability for meeting 1/1/93).But that doesn't help someone already oper- Funding for such a major undertaking could possi- increasingly demanding patron clientele service acing in that"horse and buggy"mode.Only a timely bly(with voter approval)come from renewal of the requirements.What is being done or not done about referendum can do that. sports core bonds maturing in 1994-95 with no this well documented critical situation tells the story Briefly stated,public libraries operating under the increase in property taxes. of what's going on at your library.It is related here by "Village Library Act"have sole power vested in the And now back to the real world to conclude this a library lover who may be somewhat single-issue corporate authorities,which are the village board of layman's assessment on a note of caution.Let us rec- oriented,so reader beware! trustees.True the act provides for three commission- ognize that the village board is faced with many chal- Assuming,for discussion purposes,that the forego- ers to be appointed whose role is to"advise"the lenging problems of which library space needs is only mg capsule summary is a fair representation of an board and make informed recommendations on mat- one.Unfortunately,due in part to failure of home- actual real-life situation what(if anything)should we, ters pertaining to the library.However,the effective- rule, balancing the budget has become the boards the citizens residing in the affected community do ness of such a system depends upon the personalities major preoccupation.This takes the form of prioritiz- about it?One possible answer is that if we are talking involved and the prevailing climate.In actual practice ing all capital expenditures and other cost contain- about a long-term action program that costs tax dol- it has not worked well in terms of problem solving ment measures.In such a situation some worthy pro- tars,we should seek ways to be better informed and here in Oak Brook in recent years.(Perhaps that type jects are being deferred until money becomes more thus better able to make right decisions.Maybe actu- of experience is typical since Oak Brook has the readily available. ally using the library(if you are not already doing so) questionable distinction of being one of the last public In the meantime back at the ranch life goes on.Our would be a good way to make your own evaluation. libraries in the state of Illinois so structured). very able library administrator and willing members Elected officials are especially encouraged to go this Without further reference to the historic record,let of her staff are encouraged to continue rendering the route to become well enough informed and motivated us look more hopefully and objectively at work cur- type of first class heads-up service for which they to initiate action on such a major project undertaking. rently in progress.There we find the library commis- have a well earned reputation.And the library corn- From this interested participant's point of view, sion actively pursuing the goal of developing a viable missioners can contribute to the team effort by coop- there is little to report in the way of forward move- library building project.In this ongoing quest it has erating with understanding and patience as long as we ment during 1992 on addressing the problems now joined with the library and sports core administrators see a speck of light at the end of the tunnel.We are handicapping the library operation.And unfortunately and liaison trustees in exploring the feasibility of peering.