August 26, 2026: Board of Library Trustees Regular Meeting Materials

834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301 | Second Floor Scoville Room
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – 6:30 pm
Meeting to be held in person and via Zoom

Agenda

1. Call to Order and Roll Call (6:30 pm)

  1. Call to order
  2. Roll call

2. Public Comments (6:35 pm)

Please read the Public Comment at Board Meetings Policy.
Public comments may be provided in one of the following ways:

  1. In person at a board meeting;
  2. As an email to Executive Director Elsworth Carman at (elsworthc@oppl.org); or to Library Board President Virginia Bloom at (trusteevirginiab@oppl.org) sent by 4:30 pm on the date of the meeting;
  3. As a submission through this Public Comment Form by 4:30 pm on the date of the meeting.
  1. Meeting Minutes
    1. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting
    2. Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Regular Meeting
    3. Monday, August 17, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting
  2. Routine Personnel Reports
    1. Staff Additions & Separations Report, July 2026
    2. Staff Changes Report, July 2026
  3. Partner Reports
    1. Intergovernmental Committee (IGov)
    2. Council of Governments (CoG)
    3. Friends of the Oak Park Public Library
  4. Financial Reports
    1. July 2026 Financial Reports
    2. July 2026 Resolution on Disbursements
  5. Executive Director’s Report, August 2026
  6. Strategic Priorities Report, July 2026

4. New Business (7:00 pm)

  1. Communications Team Staff Presentation (Discussion)
  2. DRAFT 1–FY2027 Budget (Discussion)

5. Reports and Updates: Trustee Comments and Calendar (8:00 pm)

  1. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 6 pm: Governance Committee Meeting
  2. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 6:30 pm: Regular Library Board Meeting

6. Adjournment (8:30 pm)

Meeting Minutes

  1. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting
  2. Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Regular Meeting
  3. Monday, August 17, 2026 Governance Committee Meeting
RETURN TO AGENDA

Routine Personnel Reports

Staff Additions and Separations Report (July 2026)

Additions

No additions in July 2026.

Separations

NameEmployment StatusDepartmentJob TitleHire DateEnd Date
Antell, SuzyFull-TimeLeadership TeamDeputy Director/Director of Public Services & Programs12/19/202307/17/2026
Versanti, NicolePart-Time, less than 20 hrs/wkCollections ServicesLibrary Clerk05/30/202507/26/2026
Anderson, ChawnTemporary, less than 20 hrs/wkFacilities ServicesTeen Intern06/08/202607/29/2026
Uzokwe, AmakaTemporary, less than 20 hrs/wkCollections ServicesTeen Intern06/10/202607/30/2026
Hazarian, SethTemporary, less than 20 hrs/wkCollections ServicesTeen Intern06/10/202607/30/2026
Pare, AlphaTemporary, less than 20 hrs/wkAdult Services – Creative StudioTeen Intern06/10/202607/30/2026
Uzokwe, GiovanniTemporary, less than 20 hrs/wkAdult Services – Creative StudioTeen Intern06/10/202607/31/2026

Staff Changes Report (July 2026)

Changes

No staff changes in July 2026.

RETURN TO AGENDA

Partner Reports

Intergovernmental Committee (IGov)

Trustee Rogers update from IGov (met on August 15, 2026):

IGOV met on 8/15. The IGOV group convened to address its finances, community educational presentation planning, and round table. Members agreed to continue the tax levy percentage method for billing, with Lou Anne set to issue invoices covering back pay from 2022–2024 and projected 2026 expenses toward a $2,000 annual goal. For the fall assembly, October 17 is the preferred date (October 3 as backup), for the event “Demystifying Referendums” with a middle school venue pending district approval; the event will feature external experts to maintain an educational focus and we hope to record for accessibility and future use. During roundtable, Audrey reported a delay in Project Two at D200, now targeting an October 1 opening, while Ade noted splash pad and field center ribbon cuttings on October 3 and 31, respectively. Jim updated on the pending petition hearing, and Lou Anne cited delays from the Renew the Avenue project alongside recent township bus expenditures.

Council of Governments (CoG)

Did not meet.

Friends of the Oak Park Public Library

Trustee Yamamoto update from Friends of the Oak Park Public Library (met on August 17, 2026):

The Friends of OPPL Board met on Monday, August 17 where they presented a recap from the 2026 Book Fair. They reported the fair made over $60,000 had over 126 volunteers working 1,402 hours to make this years fair a success. Key upcoming dates and events sponsored by the Friends are: Folk music concerts at Main Library on 9/8, 10/8, and 11/10, The Barbara Ballinger Lecture at Main Library on 10/29, and the Friends Fall Social (location to be determined) on 11/17. 

RETURN TO AGENDA

Financial Reports

Summary As of July 2026 (58% of the year complete)

Prepared by Linda Barnett – August 8, 2026

OPERATING CASH

Byline Checking: $304,993
*Outstanding payments: $(38,609)
Byline Analysis: $563,912
Byline Public Fund MM: $599,597
Hinsdale – Wintrust MM: $222,192
Illinois Funds Invest: $4,972,397

Ending operating cash available: $6,624,482

Art Fund: $3,269

OVERALL SUMMARY

Oak Park Public Library is 58% into the fiscal year. The year-to-date (YTD) financial statement through July 2026 shows a surplus of $4,435,727, with $11,470,838 in Property Taxes revenue, which includes prior-year tax receipts paid in 2026. The first installment for the 2025 tax year (due in 2026) was delayed until April 1, and as of this report date, most payments have been received.

July YTD revenue totaled $11,836,577, or 95% of the 2026 budget. This amount is 44% over the YTD budget for this fiscal year. Again, the $11,70,838 in Property Tax revenue received includes prior-year tax receipts paid in 2026.

July YTD operating expenditures totaled $7,279,284, or 58% of the 2026 budget. This amount aligns with the YTD budget for the fiscal year.

REVENUE

As of July 2026, the library has recorded $11,470,838 in property tax revenue, or 95% of the budget, for the fiscal year. This figure includes the second installment of tax receipts (due in 2025) and prior-year receipts. The first installment for tax year 2025 (due in 2026) was delayed by one month, from March 1 to April 1. According to the Cook County Treasurer’s status update from July 10, 2026, “Distributions have been completed [for payments received] through April 8, 2026” and “Future distributions, …will be addressed in accordance with Treasurer priorities.”

On June 9, 2026, Cook County announced that the second installment of property tax bills would be delayed by approximately two months (from July 1 to September 1), pushing the due date for property tax payments from August 1 to October 1. On August 18, 2026, Cook County confirmed these bills are expected to be mailed on September 1, 2026, with a due date of October 1, 2026. The library will monitor available cash, explore all options, and take appropriate action to ensure continued operations. 

Corporate Property Tax is at 75% of the annual budget, which is 17% over the YTD budget. Illinois disburses these payments to local taxing bodies eight times per year, and the next scheduled payment is due in August 2026 for $10,821. As usual, the Village has been contacted to determine when the library will receive the payment.

Parking lot revenue of $19,334, or 62%, of the YTD budget. The revenue helps cover part of the costs of servicing and maintaining the parking garage and gates.

Interest Income at 54%, totaling $121,127. Because the library had not received its usual second installment of property tax distributions for more than 5 months in 2025 and early 2026, it had to draw on its cash reserve. Combined with the current lower interest rates, this drawdown reduced the cash balance and, in turn, the interest earned. Interest income is likely to remain at or below budget for FY2026.

Community Endowment revenue of $17,904, or 71% of the YTD budget. The revenue is earned as expenses are incurred against the foundation grants.

Miscellaneous Income of $11,061.29 is contributed to $3,711 received from E-Rate. This is a discount received from the Federal Communications Commission to assist with affordable telecommunications and internet access. In addition to the $1,375 Blackbaud (accounting software) rebate and a payout received from a class action lawsuit with Cintas.

TOTAL REVENUE YTD: $11,836,577

EXPENDITURES

Total disbursements: $1,067,529

The total People expenditure is at 59%, which closely aligns with the YTD budget. Workers’ Compensation Insurance payment for 2026 at 108% is due in January for the full year and is over budget due to an adjustment required after the annual carrier audit.

Support Services is expended at 70% of the YTD budget, which is 12% over budget. The over-expenditure is mainly due to various Administration Support Services costs: 

  1. Audit Fees are at 87% of the budget, which is due to work performed through April 2026 for the FY25 audit
  2. Consulting Services costs are overspent by 16% for this point of the year due to the use of a municipal advisor for the Fund Balance policy
  3. Legal Fees is at 73% of the budget, which is due to ongoing legal counseling for various situations.
  4. Insurance (property, liability, auto, etc.), which is charged 100% in the first month of the year and is at 89% of the budget line
  5. Supplies are at 59% of the YTD budget and are typically under budget at this point in the year. However, printing costs for toner (charged quarterly) and paper have escalated due to increased usage. The library implemented a plan to reduce printing costs going forward, ensuring it can continue to meet the community’s need for this service sustainably and within budget.

July’s operating expenditures are at 58%, which aligns with the YTD budget.

Account line/group expenditure levels by percentage:

People:
Compensation: 59%
Talent Development: 58%
Total People: 59%

Support Services:
Marketing: 51%
Store: 17%
Collections: 32%
Administration: 76%
Other Support Services: 50%
Total Support Services: 70%

Equity And Anti-Racism:
Total Equity And Anti-Racism: 30%

Library Materials:
Total Library Materials: 58%

Facilities Management:
Facilities Supplies: 42%
Facilities Services: 48%
Total Facilities Management: 48%

Public Services:
Programming: 47%
Digital Services: 64%
Total Public Services: 61%

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: 58%

TOTAL CAPITAL AND OUTSIDE SUPPORT: 17%

July 2026 Financial Statements & Cash Disbursements (PDF)

RETURN TO AGENDA

Resolution on Disbursements, July 2026

RESOLVED THAT DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2026 IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,067,529 AS DETAILED IN THE CASH DISBURSEMENTS JOURNAL AND GENERAL LEDGER, AND SUMMARIZED WITH ADJUSTMENTS FOR CREDITS IN THE STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE FOR THAT MONTH BE RATIFIED, CONFIRMED, AND APPROVED.

RETURN TO AGENDA

Executive Director’s Report, August 2026

Executive Director’s Report, August 2026 (web version, below | PDF version)

Prepared by Elsworth Carman for the August 26, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting

Friends Book Fair

The annual Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Book Fair (July 10-12) was another tremendous success, with this year’s sale generating $60,841 — the largest gross in the event’s 54-year history, and a 42% increase over 2025 sales. This achievement is a reflection of the generosity of our community and, especially, the commitment of our Friends volunteers and library staff.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed time, energy, and talent to make the sale successful. Friends volunteers (led by Russ Glidden and Kat Bell) and library staff worked hard throughout the planning and execution of the event, managing complex logistics and moving a huge number of items. We requested a layout change after much of the initial planning had been completed — moving children’s materials from the first floor to the third floor. While it ultimately proved a successful choice, the shift required coordinated efforts from both Friends volunteers and library staff at an already busy time in the preparations.

Following the sale, Director of Communications Alexandra Skinner, Director of Facilities Matt Bartodziej, and I met with Kat and Russ to discuss the book fair, celebrate the event’s success, and discuss needed adjustments for next year. We plan to meet periodically throughout the year so that everyone involved has opportunities to share information, ask questions, and stay informed as plans develop.

We’ve begun discussions about expanding the book fair’s footprint (possibly including additional floor space on the second floor) and related changes for next year. After every fair, the Friends also conduct their own survey of volunteers who supported the event, and, this year, we introduced a new survey for library staff. I think we will learn a lot through staff and volunteer feedback, which will help us identify opportunities to strengthen our support for the people who make the book fair possible.

The success of this year’s sale is worth celebrating, and so is the collaborative spirit that made it possible. I am grateful to our Friends and our staff for their hard work, adaptability, and dedication. Together, they continue to make the book fair an important and highly successful tradition for the library and our community.

RETURN TO AGENDA

Strategic Priorities Report (July 2026)

Engagement in July 2026

  • We create opportunities for connection and community participation.
  • We deliver inclusive, compassionate, and high-quality customer service.

Work Highlights

Supporting local food access (Public Services & Programs)

In July, the library partnered with The Community Fridge Project — a local organization with a mission to provide free food to anyone who needs it — to host a food donation drive at each of our library locations. The donation drive helped restock their network of free community refrigerators across the Oak Park and Austin communities. Anyone can take what they need from the fridges at no cost, without an ID, and with no questions asked. Their website describes the fridges as being “stocked by volunteers, donors, and neighbors who believe in the power of mutual aid.” The donation drive was a great success, with volunteers visiting each library location several times a week throughout July to collect donated food. One Dole Branch patron really got into the spirit of the drive and began purchasing an extra basket of groceries for the donation bin every time she did her weekly shopping. It was wonderful to see our patrons embracing the opportunity to support their neighbors and to see the library serve as a place where community members can come together to help one another.

A Successful Summer of Youth Engagement (Public Services & Programs)
Group of teens sitting on tables with easels creating art.

The Middle & High School (MHS) Services Team is in the final stretch of its inaugural Summer Exploration series, which included Art on the Street (a new art adventure each week, culminating in the creation of our 2026 community mural), DIY Lab (a hands-on creative project each week), Becoming (a youth-centered personal development journey), and Dungeons & Dragons Camp. With the addition of these new programs, MHS Services has seen its highest summer participation to date and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. The team is excited to build on this momentum and continue expanding these offerings next summer.

Friends Book Fair (Communications & Development)
Photo collage of people waiting in line outside the Main Library, and shoppers browsing books on tables.

The 54th annual Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Book Fair was hosted July 10-12 at the Main Library, welcoming community members to peruse a wide selection of books, DVDs, puzzles, and more. As patrons began lining up outside the building before the library opened on July 10, Graphic Designer Gabriela Denton was on site to interview patrons about what they were hoping to find that day. Once the library opened and the Book Fair was underway at 9 am, Gabriela was already editing and posting a short video to the library’s social media accounts. The video received more than 2,200 views on Instagram and more than 8,200 views on Facebook! We were pleased to see so much excitement and community engagement around this well-loved annual event that supports the library.

Learning in July 2026

  • We encourage exploration of new ideas through diverse collections, programs, and other resources.
  • We support community members and staff in developing the knowledge and skills to reach their goals.

Work Highlights

Attendees in the Creative Studio Makery watching a presentation on screen about digitizing VHS tapes.

A popular Creative Studio program Creative Technology Specialist Kay Slater and Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology John Gargiulo offered a Creative Studio program on July 31 for patrons interested in converting VHS tapes to a digital format. This program demonstrated how to use the library’s equipment to digitize a VHS tape from start to finish, and participants were then able to schedule times to digitize their VHS tapes at a future date. Patrons also learned about other digitization equipment available in the Creative Studio, and there was time at the end for them to discuss their archiving processes and workflows with each other. This is a popular program that has been offered previously at the library, sometimes seeing a waitlist for participation. In this most recent session, we one again saw all available participant spots filled.

Exploring America’s History Of Protest (Public Services & Programs)

On July 31, the Children’s Services Team celebrated America’s semiquincentennial with an American Girl program centered around American protests. Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris focused on Felicity (Revolutionary War), Samantha (women’s suffrage), Melody (Civil Rights), and Julie (Title IX), with stations for kids to make signs, write to elected officials, make buttons, and learn about real life American Girls who stood up for what is right: Dolores Huerta, Patsy Mink, Ida B. Wells, students in The Children’s March, and, inspired by Disability Pride Month in July, Judy Heumann and Jennifer Keelan.

Sharing The Work Of Oak Park Creates (Collections)

Oak Park Creates — our unique local creators program and collection that features residents’ original print and ebooks, movies, and music in physical and digital formats — continues to preserve and share the creative work of our community. Collection Management Librarian Kathy Sexton recently worked with a community member named Missy to add the memoir of her 91-year-old friend and former Oak Parker, Bonney Rega, to the collection. Bonney and her family were thrilled to see her memoir included in Oak Park Creates. Missy later shared the experience in a blog post.

Curating Themed Movie Collections (Collections)
Name that binge box DVD movie collection.

Collection Management Librarian Andrea Trejo recently won a contest held by Midwest Tape. The contest was entitled “Name That Binge Box” and invited contestants to submit their ideas for themed movie collections called Binge Boxes. Andrea submitted two themes: “She’s A Star” and “Now That’s Drag.” The marketing team at Midwest Tape selected the “Now That’s Drag” theme, which highlighted movies that showcase drag performances, including The Birdcage, Some Like It Hot, Victor/Victoria, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. The prize included $500 in Midwest Tape credit.

Stewardship in July 2026

  • We provide broad, effective, and equitable access to resources.
  • We care for community resources, library assets, and library staff responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.

Work Highlights

Maintaining & Improving Library Spaces (Facilities)

The tuckpointing project at the Main Library continued through most of July, with the crew taking a short break at the end of the month to complete another job they had in progress. To date, the work is roughly 50% complete. We look forward to continuing the project in August, including completing all remaining repairs, applying the masonry sealant, and installing all new control joints around the building.

Also in July, two previously-noted deficiencies from our annual fire alarm inspection were completed at the Main Library, as well as one additional repair at Maze Branch. These repairs not only keep us in compliance with fire and life safety code, but also ensure that our equipment will perform reliably and as expected in the event of an emergency. Repair technicians from our fire systems contractor, Shambaugh & Son, worked quickly and cleanly to make these repairs, causing no interruptions for patrons or staff.

Connecting Patrons To Free Musical Experiences (Public Services & Programs)

This summer, the library once again partnered with Ravinia Music Festival for its Words & Music Program — a free ticket initiative that provides patrons of Chicago Public Library and suburban Chicagoland libraries with lawn passes to select classical concerts at Ravinia. After launching our website request form on June 25, all 44 available tickets to 11 performances were claimed by 22 unique patrons by July 21. Manager of Patron Services Martyn Churchouse reports that this was our first year distributing 100% of our available Ravinia tickets. When one patron learned on July 16 that his request had been successful for a show that was taking place just three days later, he emailed the library to say, “Wow, this is such a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much, Oak Park Public Library!” We love being able to offer this free resource to our community, and we were thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation this year.

Improving IT Infrastructure (Technology)

The IT Team has successfully modernized the library’s security and connectivity infrastructure by replacing legacy equipment at the Maze and Dole Branch locations with next-generation wireless access points. By leveraging our existing firewalls for centralized management, the team ensured streamlined configuration and improved policy enforcement across these sites. This important work provides enhanced network performance, future scalability, and increased reliability for both our staff and patrons.

Anti-Racism & Equity in July 2026

  • We develop and implement library policies and practices that promote equitable outcomes and experiences for staff and the public.
  • We support our diverse community through responsive and intentional resource sharing, communication, and relationship building.

Work Highlights

Celebrating Disability Pride (Public Services & Programs)
Little girl with glasses holding a sign and a flag representing Disability Pride.

Throughout July, the library celebrated Disability Pride Month with a variety of activities and resources. Multiple posters about disabilities and disability pride were on display throughout the Main Library all month for patrons to view. Our Neurodivergent Nerdout program, which has been been offered a few times this year, had its most popular session yet on July 19, with 10 attendees. Also on July 19, our Disability Pride Ice Cream Social, co-hosted with CAYR Connections, had over 50 attendees. Disabled dancers from Oak Park’s MOMENTA Dance Company led two inclusive creative movement workshops on July 20, and we hosted a Disability Healing Circle on July 26. We were especially excited to see more than 50 people attend the 4th annual Disability Pride March on July 11. A disabled senior in attendance shared that they had spent most of their life ashamed of what they could not do, and they were really pleased not only to celebrate personally, but also to see so many children already celebrating for themselves.

Group of attendees marching throughout the Main Library with signs in hand representing Disability Pride.
Making A Special Collection More Accessible (Collections)

The Special Collections Team has continued to make progress with its efforts to improve access to the Stan West collection. West is a journalist, author, documentarian, and retired professor, who lived in Oak Park for years and whose work has helped chronicle local Black history. Over the past month, Aviary uploaded all recordings in the Stan West collection, and the recordings are now being prepared for transcription and indexing. This process will make the collection more accessible and easier for patrons to search and use for future research.

Community Voice

During our most recent Neurodivergent Nerdout program (mentioned above), Rainbow Services Librarian Hal Patnott noted that three teens in attendance seemed to make a great connection: “They were so excited to share back and forth about their interests and encouraged each other when they felt self-conscious. At one point, one of them said, ‘I think we’d be great friends!’ and another said, ‘Then we should be!’ Afterward, they all exchanged phone numbers.”

Attendees also shared positive feedback in a post-program survey, including the following comments about what they liked most about the program:

  • “The diversity in topics and enthusiasm people had to share their interests.”
  • “Openness and acceptance.”
  • “So many cool interests shared with the group.”
RETURN TO AGENDA

New Business

Board Memo – Building a Balanced Overall Budget for Fiscal Year 2027

To: Board of Library Trustees

From: Billy Treece, Director of Finance & HR

Date: August 21, 2026

Subject: Building a Balanced Overall Budget for Fiscal Year 2027

The first draft of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget is attached for your review and consideration. For FY2027, our primary goal is to try to build an overall balanced budget (operating and capital combined).

Process Reminder

Each year, the Board of Library Trustees reviews and approves the library’s budget for the next fiscal year (January 1 to December 31). In accordance with Illinois law, because Oak Park is structured as a local village library, the approved budget is then submitted as a levy resolution to the Village of Oak Park, which includes the library’s levy in its levy to the Cook County Treasurer. Typically spanning six months, the process generally is as follows:

  • June & July: Library staff work to develop the first draft of next year’s budget.
  • August: Library staff present the first budget draft to the Library Board for discussion and direction on the levy request and priorities.
  • September: Library staff present the second budget draft for further Library Board discussion and direction.
  • October: Library Board reviews and approves the third budget draft and the levy resolution.
  • November: Library staff sends the approved levy resolution to the Village of Oak Park.
  • December: The Village incorporates the library’s levy into its levy, the Village Board approves it, and sends it to the Cook County Treasurer.

Staff Budget Goals

Overcoming the operational deficit in FY2025 and maintaining a balanced operating budget in FY2026 were major milestones for our library. Building on that momentum, our focus for FY2027 is Building a Balanced Overall Budget.

Historically, our operational budget covered day-to-day services, while capital expenses—such as building repairs, technology updates, furnishings, and equipment—were budgeted separately, resulting in overall net deficits absorbed by cash reserves. To ensure long-term fiscal health, staff transitioned to a modified zero-based budgeting approach for FY2027. Directors and managers evaluated expenses from the ground up when creating the first budget draft. This approach generated an operational net surplus of $112,800, which directly offsets capital expenditures and significantly reduces our overall net budget deficit from $(720,000) in FY2026 to $(272,200) in FY2027.

Key Items in Draft 1 Budget

Oak Park Public Library DRAFT 1–FY2027 Budget Totals Summary

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance
TOTAL REVENUE12,500,50012,618,17513,088,8004.7%
TOTAL EXPENSES – Operating 12,500,50012,168,22812,976,0003.8%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) OPERATING0449,947112,8000.0%
CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance
TOTAL EXPENSES – Capital720,000620,346385,000-46.5%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) OPERATING & CAPITAL(720,000)(170,399)(272,200)-62.2%

Revenue increased by $588,300, or 4.7% (from $12,500,500 in FY2026 to $13,088,800 in FY2027). Revenue line item details, including dollar and percentage changes from FY2026 to FY2027, are listed below:

  • Property Taxes, +$481,000 or +4.0%: The Oak Park community funds its library through property taxes. Property taxes account for 95.2% of total budgeted revenue. For illustrative purposes, if all factors were equal, a 4.0% levy increase amounts to $20.58 more per Oak Park household annually (from $512.51 to $533.09).
  • Corporate Property Replacement Tax, +$5,000 or +2.6%: Also known as personal property replacement taxes (PPRT), these are revenues collected by the state of Illinois and paid to local governments to make up for money lost when their authority to impose personal property taxes on corporations, partnerships, and other business entities was taken away in the 1970s. Budgeted at $200,000 based on actual 2026 year-to-date disbursements.
  • Service Charges and Fees, $0 or 0%: Generates negligible revenue and continues to be budgeted at $0.
  • Lost Books Reimbursed/Reciprocal Borrowing, -$1,000 or -7.7%: Budgeted at $12,000 based on a monthly average of $1,000.
  • Sales, +$6,000: Reflects gross sales from communications merchandise initiatives, offset by $4,000 in product costs.
  • Rentals-Library Space, $0 or 0%: Varies annually and remains budgeted at $0.
  • Parking Lot Revenue, +$800 or +2.6%: Revenue collected from fees for using the parking garage at the Main Library. The revenue helps cover part of the costs for servicing and maintaining the parking garage and gates. Budgeted at $32,000 based on a monthly average of $2,667.
  • Interest, +$7,000 or +3.1%: This line includes the interest earned on our available cash balances in our bank accounts and The Illinois Funds account. Budgeted at $230,000 based on cash flow projections and anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate trends (median range 2.8% to 3.1%).
  • Per Capita Grant, +$92,800: The Public Library Per Capita Grant assists public libraries in providing library services that meet or show progress toward meeting Illinois library standards. Grant amounts of a per-person rate, based on the population of the library’s service area, are awarded annually to qualified Illinois public libraries. In the past, because receiving these grant funds from the state in a timely manner was sometimes uncertain, the library budgeted this line item at $0. However, in recent years, the library has consistently received this grant. Budgeted at $92,800 to align with actual State per capita grant receipts for 2026.
  • Gifts, $0 or 0%: Continues at $0 due to no scheduled or planned gifts.
  • Gifts from FOPPL, $0 or 0.0%: Budgeted at $25,000 pending final discussions with the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.
  • Grants, $0 or 0%: The library budgets for this line when it is certain of grant awards. Currently, the library has no knowledge of grant award decisions for 2027. If the library receives any grant revenue in 2027, it will be offset by Grant Expenses, which are also budgeted at $0.
  • Community Fund Endowments, +$300 or +1.2%: Estimated distribution of $25,600 from the seven funds Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation manages on the library’s behalf.
  • Miscellaneous Income, -$3,600 or -40.0%: Budgeted at $5,400, reflecting continued E-Rate and other miscellaneous income.

Operating expenses increased by $475,500, or 3.8% (from $12,500,500 in FY2026 to $12,976,000 in FY2027). Increases are primarily driven by the People/ Compensation category (75% of the operating budget), which increased by $495,500 or 5.4%:

  • Wages & Salaries, +$276,000 or +3.9%: Includes market equity pay adjustments averaging 3.9% to maintain market competitiveness, 20 additional hours per week for Public Safety coverage, and 8 added weeks for a temporary Book Bike Assistant.
  • Employee Health Benefits, +$261,000 or +19.1%: Placeholder reflecting a 14% increase over 2026 actual projections, incorporating proposed PPO plan design updates. The initial health insurance renewal increase was 20.4%.
  • IMRF, -$65,000 or -23.8%: Decreases due to the required IMRF (pension) employer contribution rate dropping from 3.97% to 2.91% for 2027.
  • FICA/Medicare, +$20,000 or +3.9%: Directly tied to total Wages & Salaries growth.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance, +$2,500 or +14.3%: Adjusted based on broker guidance, expecting a 10% increase over 2026 actual expenditures.
  • Unemployment Compensation Insurance, +$1,000 or +6.7%: The library uses the reimbursement method. Current experience averages less than $16,000 in actual unemployment benefit charges. 
  • Operating Net Surplus is $112,800, currently helping fund capital expenses and reducing the library’s overall (Operating & Capital) net budget deficit.
  • Capital expenses are planned at $385,000, a decrease of $335,000, or -46.5%, from FY2026. The FY2027 reduction is due to pausing major purchases or improvements pending the outcome of the Strategic Facilities Plan process:
    • Facilities Equipment, $0 or 0.0%: $10,000 allocated for ongoing shop and equipment maintenance.
    • Furnishings, -$50,000 or -66.7%: $25,000 placeholder for necessary furniture and shelving replacements. 
    • Technology Projects and Equipment, +$5,000 or +8.3%: $65,000 for planned technology infrastructure and hardware updates.
    • Building Improvements, -$290,000 or -50.4%: $285,000 for planned building improvement expenses for 2027. Details are included below:

Building Improvements

Main Library

ProjectCost EstimateNotes
LED Conversion – Hanging Pendants$120,000Converts linear fluorescent T5 lamps to TLED solution. Temporary solution pending design of SFP. Rough budget number provided by Verde. Not quoted.
First Floor Concrete Epoxy$25,000Repairs and renews first floor staff area “shop floor.” Prevents further damage and fixes aesthetic deterioration. Quoted.
Parking Garage Ramp Concrete Repair$25,000Repairs crunching concrete at base of ramp near trench drain and prevents further escalating damage. Proposals landing near $20,000. Includes contigency.
Security Systems Improvements$15,000Security system improvements per Public Safety.

Maze Branch

ProjectCost EstimateNotes
Tuckpointing, Caulking, Sealant and Sandstone Repair$50,000Building tuckpointing maintenance, replaces deteriorating control joints and sealant, repairs failed and deteriorating sandstone. Placeholder value. Awaiting full proposal.

Dole Branch

ProjectCost EstimateNotes
Paint Entire Library$50,000Rough number to paint complete interior of Dole Library. Project to include spot repair of walls, caulking, spot printing, and 3 coats of paint.
2026 project quite of $38,000, not including full occupied space. Rough budget to include entire occupied space.
Total$285,000
  • Net Surplus/(Deficit) Overall (Operating & Capital) is $(272,200), representing a significant improvement over the FY2026 total net deficit of $(720,000).

Recommendation

Library staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and discuss Draft 1 of the FY2027 budget, focusing on the Revenue, People, and Capital Expenses sections, in relation to their support of the library’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. Staff requests trustee feedback and direction to incorporate into Draft 2, which will be presented at the Board’s regular meeting in September.

DRAFT 1–FY2027 Budget

DRAFT 1–FY2027 Budget (web version, below | PDF version)

Revenue

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Property Taxes, for operating11,979,00011,979,00012,460,0004.0%95.20%
Corp. Property Replacement Tax195,000185,651200,0002.6%1.53%
Service changes and fees01710-100.0%0.00%
Lost Books Reimbursed/Reciprocal Borrowing13,00012,04412,000-7.7%0.09%
Sales01876,000-100.0%0.05%
Rentals-Library Space01,2590-100.0%0.00%
Parking lot revenue31,20031,25932,0002.6%0.24%
Interest223,000152,331230,0003.1%1.76%
Per Capita Grant092,79192,800-100.0%0.71%
Gifts02800-100.0%0.00%
Gifts From FOPPL25,00023,37825,0000.0%0.19%
Grants0106,0540-100.0%0.00%
Community Fund Endowments23,00025,86725,6001.2%0.20%
Miscellaneous Income9,0007,9035,400-40.0%0.04%
TOTAL REVENUE12,500,50012,618,17513,088,8004.7%100.00%

Expenses – Operating

People

Compensation
CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Wages & Salaries7,010,0006,853,8507,286,0003.9%56.15%
Employee Health Benefits1,364,0001,425,7511,625,00019.1%12.52%
IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)273,000254,690208,000-23.8%1.60%
FICA/MEDICARE517,000503,131537,0003.9%4.14%
Workers Compensation Insurance17,50018,85420,00014.3%0.15%
Unemployment Compensation Tax15,00015,02816,0006.7%0.12%
Total Compensation9,196,5009,071,3049,692,0005.4%74.69%
Talent Development
CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Dues19,00019,62721,00010.5%0.16%
Staff Development/Travel107,850100,106107,8500.0%0.83%
Tuition Reimbursement27,00011,44821,000-22.2%0.16%
Hiring3,5001,3603,000-14.3%0.02%
Board Development6,0006,0006,0000.0%0.05%
Total Talent Development163,350138,541158,850-2.8%1.22%
TOTAL PEOPLE9,359,8509,209,8459,850,8505.2%75.92%

Support Services

Marketing

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Promotions13,00013,00016,55027.3%0.13%
Publications37,00036,00137,0000.0%0.29%
Total Marketing Support50,00049,00153,5507.1%0.41%

Store

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
General Merchandise25004,0000.0%0.03%
Fees and Services7501821827500.01%
Total Store Support1,0001824,750375.0%0.04%

Collections

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
ILL Payments3,0002,2550-100.0%0.00%
Cataloging/Bib Search Fees 3,0002,5000-100.0%0.00%
Total Collections Support6,0004,7550-100.0%0.00%

Administration

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
HRIS and Payroll Processing Fees34,00032,07135,5004.4%0.27%
Milegage & Miscellaneous reimbursement
(non-conference)		20,00018,32019,000-5.0%0.15%
Hospitality5,0001,2715,0000.0%0.04%
Staff Appreciation/
Engagement		12,00012,00012,0000.0%0.09%
Audit Fees11,60012,40012,4006.9%0.10%
Merchant Account Services1,2001,1521,2000.0%0.01%
Consulting Services – Admin48,00051,67868,00041.7%0.52%
Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA)25,90023,93625,400-1.9%0.20%
Legal Fees25,00030,98630,00020.0%0.23%
Postage & Delivery18,50015,57518,000-2.7%0.14%
Insurance132,000119,422131,500-0.4%1.01%
Grant Expenses0106,05400.0%0.00%
Supplies90,00097,755117,00030.0%0.90%
Total Administration Support423,200522,620475,00012.2%3.66%

Other Support Services

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Telephone/
Communications		60,00048,31853,000-11.7%0.41%
Office & Library Machinery Service14,00013,89815,0007.1%0.12%
Total Other Support Services74,00062,21668,000-8.1%0.52%
TOTAL SUPPORT SERVICES554,200638,774601,3008.5%4.63%

Equity and Anti-Racism

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Learning and Development20,00020,00020,0000.0%0.15%
Supplies – Equity2,0002,0002,00050.0%0.02%
Community Engagement14,00014,00014,0000.0%0.11%
TOTAL EQUITY AND ANTI-RACISM36,00036,00037,0002.8%0.29%

Library Materials

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Print Materials388,000384,117396,0000.0%0.15%
Audio and video materials96,50092,47994,000-2.6%0.72%
Digital content (external)665,700657,804669,0000.5%5.16%
Devices26,00020,85825,000-3.8%0.19%
Realia and other formats10,50010,02010,000-4.8%0.08%
Archival collection20,00018,85020,0000.0%0.15%
TOTAL LIBRARY MATERIALS1,206,7001,184,1281,214,0000.6%9.36%

Facilities Management

Facility Supplies

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Fuels & Lubricants2,0001,8252,0000.0%0.02%
Building Materials & Supplies12,0008,93412,0000.0%0.09%
Equipment Parts12,00011,41012,0000.0%0.09%
Cleaning
& Housekeeping Supplies		9,0008,9729,0000.0%0.07%
Signage4,0003,9925,70042.5%0.04%
TOTAL FACILITY SUPPLIES39,00035,13340,7004.4%0.31%

Facilities Services

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Landscaping and snow removal services25,75019,11227,5006.8%0.21%
Custodial Services236,000223,138235,000-0.4%1.81%
Water12,25012,23212,8504.9%0.10%
Sewer/Garbage14,00013,98914,7505.4%0.11%
Parking lot expense10,75010,74211,1503.7%0.09%
Natural Gas90,00069,50875,000-16.7%0.58%
Rentals-Equipment
& Facilities		25,00019,44025,0000.0%0.19%
Repair & Maintenance Prop. & Equip.254,000254,182252,000-0.8%1.94%
Total Facilities Services667,750622,343653,2502.2%5.03%
TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT706,750657,476693,950-1.8%5.35%

Public Services

Programming

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Children’s Programming28,00019,64328,0000.0%0.22%
Young Adult Programming26,00020,96827,0003.8%0.21%
Adult Programming35,00031,00933,000-5.7%0.25%
Social Services10,0005,00010,0000.0%0.08%
Creative Studio 11,00010,42215,00036.4%0.12%
Patron Services Programming3,0002,9322,000-33.3%0.02%
Total Programming113,00089,974115,000-1.8%0.89%

Digital Services

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Consultant Support Services65,00047,92565,0000.0%0.50%
SWAN111,000101,498106,900-3.7%0.82%
Subscriptions and services (internal)323,000191,074267,000-17.3%2.06%
Equipment and supplies25,00011,53425,0000.0%0.19%
Total Digital Services524,000352,031463,900-11.5%3.58%
TOTAL PUBLIC SERVICES637,000442,005578,900-9.1%4.46%
TOTAL EXPENSES – Operating12,500,50012,168,22812,976,0003.8%100.00%

Expenses – Capital

CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance		Percent of FY27 Revenue/Expenses
Facilities Equipment10,0009,02810,0000.0%2.60%
Furnishings75,00050,90625,000-66.7%6.49%
Technology Projects and Equipment60,00026,36565,0008.3%16.88%
Building Improvements575,000534,047285,000-50.4%74.03%
Total Expenses – Capital750,000620,346385,000-46.5%100.00%
TOTAL BUDGET EXPENDITURES13,220,50012,788,57413,361,0001.1%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) OPERATING0449,947112,8000.0%
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) OPERATING & CAPITAL(720,000)(170,399)(272,200)-62.2%
CategoryFY2026 BudgetFY2026 ProjectionFY2027 BudgetFY26-FY27
Budget Variance
State method: (Prop Taxes/Population)*Avg Persons per Household512.51533.094.0%

Population estimate: 52,823

Average persons per household: 2.26

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