Janie Jerch Vice President | Lake Bluff Village Library
Janie Jerch Vice President | Lake Bluff Village Library
The Oak Park Library Board has voted to extend its pilot program for expanded hours through August 31, 2025. This decision comes after evaluating low evening usage and persistent staffing challenges during previous pilot periods.
Both the Board and Library administration are committed to increasing in- building utilization of Library services. However, during the initial six-month pilot and two subsequent three-month extensions, evening usage of the Library remained low, and staffing challenges persisted. Given these factors, the Board opted to extend the pilot for another six months to allow for further evaluation of the Library’s financial status and staffing capabilities. This additional time will provide necessary data to determine if sustainable support for expanded hours is feasible.
In addition to staffing and operational costs, the Library must address ongoing financial challenges related to facility maintenance and improvements. Ensuring that the Library remains a welcoming and well-maintained space requires significant investment, and any expansion of hours must be balanced against these infrastructure needs. As the Board continues to assess future hours, it must consider both financial resources necessary for staffing and long-term sustainability of physical space. Balancing these priorities remains a key focus for leadership.
The extended pilot effective April
Alerts Sign-up