The O’Fallon Public Library is exploring options for growth, including a referendum on new construction, possibly in the fall of 2026.
Citing a 20-year study completed in March 2023 for the master plan, library director Ryan Johnson said the collection is not large enough, and the children’s activity room is also not large enough for the city’s needs.
More multipurpose space is needed, and more study areas and seating are desired, as well as usable outdoor space. Johnson said acoustics are also an issue at the existing library, located at 120 Civic Plaza behind the U.S. Post Office, which is on Lincoln Avenue.
He said that location is a problem given the city’s growth.
“For the south side of the city, that may not be the most appropriate location for a large number of residents as the city grows,” Johnson said.
Johnson recently appeared before the City Council’s Finance and Administration Committee to discuss the library’s 2024-2026 strategic plan and key takeaways moving forward.
The board has considered options to renovate, expand or build another library and has determined that new construction is the most appropriate direction.
In the coming months, the board will work with FGM Architects and Holland Construction to determine cost estimates for construction, with the option to put them before voters in two years.
“If it’s not approved, it’s not the end of the world. We will make the best of it,” Johnson said.
The library currently has 11,000 cardholders and had 129,497 visits during the recently concluded 2023-2024 financial year. June is the busiest month, with 13,000 visits.
Visitors viewed 197,157 physical items and 64,200 digital items last fiscal year. The library hosted 481 events attended by 12,477 people: 9,559 children, 2,400 adults and 517 teenagers.
Under state law, the public library is governed by a board of directors, which is appointed by the mayor and approved by the council. For every dollar spent on property taxes, two cents goes to the library fund. For example, a home appraised at $250,000 would pay $125 annually.
For input on the master plan, the library sent a survey to residents, and 650 responded. It also planned community engagement workshops. Johnson said.
A question about the library’s plans for a referendum will be included in an upcoming citizen survey, he said, to gauge interest.
Councilwoman Jessica Lotz said she has long been committed to the library.
“It’s more than just a place to read books and get information, it’s a social center. It’s amazing what they do,” she said.
Johnson said efforts to increase community involvement, be a welcoming community space and prepare for growth are among future goals.
“Over time, we hear more and more feedback about our excellent customer service. That’s what we’re going to focus on and capitalize on,” Johnson said.
The library opened in 1930 in the First National Bank building, on the second floor with 700 books on the shelves, mostly donations. Others were purchased by the O’Fallon Woman’s Club, which also sponsored the library through many months of fundraising and planning. At the time, the town’s population was 2,300 and membership cost $1.
In 1943, voters approved moving management to the city, and after several moves, it ended up at its current location in 1995. A major renovation took place in 2015.
The city has now grown into a city with more than 32,000 inhabitants and there are more than 60,000 books in the library.
One of the most popular activities is the Summer Reading Program, the annual partnership with AARP that offers free tax preparation services to clients. Early childhood programs often have a waiting list. Book Babies, Toddler Stories and Preschool Storytime quickly.
Johnson has been with O’Fallon for about ten years, the last five as director. He currently serves as president of the Illinois Library Association.
The library has expanded its programs with the parks department, a partnership with the O’Fallon Historical Society, and would like to think “outside the four walls” for other programming opportunities, Johnson said.
The Friends of the Library’s annual spring book sale draws 4,000 visitors, with dozens of volunteers helping out, and typically raises more than $15,000.
Johnson said he plans to attend the city’s finance committee meetings several times a year to keep them updated on what’s happening at the library.
To view the Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and last year’s report, these documents are available online at https://go.boarddocs.com/il/ofallon/Board.nsf/files/CC6KGB51BEED/$file/2040%20MASTER%20PLAN_FINAL. pdf.
