With sincere gratitude for your participation, we want to share that, unfortunately, the recent library referendum did not pass. Despite our dedicated efforts, the funding to move forward with a proposed building project did not receive enough support. We appreciate your engagement and encourage ongoing conversations about the library’s role in our community. Stay tuned for future updates, and thank you for your understanding.
The library is proposing a project that will provide residents a new library building to increase programs, add more resources, and provide new services. The decision to seek approval to construct a new building came after years of receiving numerous comments from residents about the lack of space to provide adequate service and the library studying ways to renovate the current building. The library commissioned two Space Needs Assessments, one in 2012 and another in 2023, both of which showed the library needs a space approximately twice the size of the current building to provide valued services for our community.
In 2016 the Library Board engaged architect firm, Engberg-Anderson, to conduct an analysis of the current building to fix space limitations. The cost of all renovation options exceeded their value in providing long-term improvements. Since 2016, the Board reviewed construction models and alternate sites throughout the district and has an initial agreement to acquire an undeveloped site very close to the current building, between Hart Road, Railroad Ave, and Cedar Lake Road, at a minimal cost.
Plans for a new building include a meeting room that can hold larger programs, space to provide more programs throughout the day, more meeting and study rooms of different sizes for activities, events, study groups, work from home space, and community group use; increased room for the maker space; more space for our collection of books, movies, music, and Library of Things; and more convenience services for daily tasks such as passport processing, DMV, and village services.
The library currently faces space constraints and aging infrastructure since the completion of the existing building in 1988. Initially, library services were on the main floor, with the lower level repurposed as temporary classroom space for the school and park district. In 1999, a $1.3 million bond funded a remodel, expanding services and departments. The building's total square footage, with original and subsequent renovations, is 28,800 square feet. Unexpected population growth from 2000 to 2010 caused a surge in library use and intensified challenges.
A 2012 space needs assessment recommended at least doubling the size of the library building to serve patrons through 2040. Economic challenges post-real estate bubble delayed projects until returning to stability. In 2016, the library hired architect firm, Engberg-Anderson, to explore expansion options, and found the current location could support a building with a maximum of 54,000 square feet. This option involved demolishing the current building, reconstructing a new building where the parking lot is now located, and building a two-story parking structure, with an estimated cost ranging from $25 million to $29 million in 2016 dollars.
Simultaneously, a building assessment highlighted aging facility systems, prompting consideration of a new building. An evaluation of 18 locations within the district identified a viable new location, but during the pandemic, the library postponed plans. In 2022, a Capital Plan estimated major system replacement costs at $2.9 million, further emphasizing the need for alternatives. Community surveys in 2016 and 2022 echoed these concerns. A 2023 Space Needs Assessment recommended a 59,000-square-foot building. After weighing findings, evaluating the current building and site, estimating replacements, and considering feedback, the most beneficial solution was evident – constructing a new building. In mid-2023, the library, architect, and Village of Round Lake collaborated on studies for a building to be located between Hart Rd, Cedar Lake, and Route 134. The board approved a referendum at their October 25, 2023, meeting, seeking voter approval on March 19, 2024 to fund a new library building.
After conducting a thorough analysis, we've concluded that building a new library at a different location is the most cost-effective solution. This project aims to expand our current space from 28,800 to 59,000 square feet, including the potential for expansion well into the future, allowing the building to grow with the community.
Planned features include:
• Significantly Increased Meeting Room Space: This will better serve a variety of programs, meetings, events, and community groups.
• Ample Program Space: Designed to host much larger and diverse events, including cultural celebrations and candidate debates.
• Expanded Youth Services Department: Meeting the growing needs of our younger audience.
• New Conference/Study Rooms: Providing dedicated spaces for both groups and individuals.
• Expanded X-Lab Maker Space: advancing innovative and collaborative projects.
• Comfortable Quiet Reading Room: A spacious area for peaceful reading and study.
• Accessible Parking: Addressing the current parking limitations.
• Outdoor Programming Space: Providing an outdoor venue for programs for all ages.
Feedback from community surveys in 2016 and 2022 highlighted the need for more study rooms, community meeting spaces, digital media studio, and a larger and more engaging kids’ area.
The library considered addressing these issues in 2012. However, given the economic challenges facing residents after the real estate bubble and subsequent recession, along with the poor job market and the impact of the pandemic, the library felt it was appropriate to postpone a building project until now.
The 2016 Cost Study Report explored various options, with the option closest to meeting space needs involving tearing down the current building, constructing a new one, and installing a parking deck. The estimated cost for this project in 2016 was between $25 million and $29 million, considerably higher at today's prices. The proposed building project, expected to cost under $36.4 million, offers greater value per tax dollar compared to remodeling which would fall short of space needs recommendations. Trustees believe constructing new is a more efficient use of resources, without the disruptions associated with renovation.
Renovation is more costly per square foot compared to building new. Renovating at our current location involves tearing down the building, installing a parking deck, facing size limitations, and renting a temporary location to relocate—an impractical and costly approach given our substantial space needs.
Expanding vertically by adding a third floor is structurally impractical for the current building. It would require the removal of most of the floor in the youth department and several portions of the main floor to reinforce the columns to carry the weight of the third floor. This option also involves removing the roof, which was just replaced in 2018, for the additional floor. It would require closing this building, meaning the library would need to relocate to a temporary location during the entirety of the project. Even if feasible, this option would still provide an inadequate parking lot. Therefore, this option is not viable.
The library currently has the least amount of space per resident compared to all but one other library in Lake County.
Here is how we compare with some of our neighbors:
LIBRARY COMPARISONS
The proposed site is close to our current building, located between Hart, Railroad Ave (Rt.134), and Cedar Lake Road, just north of downtown Round Lake.
Find renderings of the proposed site and building in the slideshow at the top of this page.
If the referendum passes, the library board will collaborate with financial planners and bond counsel to secure optimal interest rates and funding stages for the project. Simultaneously, the board will work with the architect to finalize the site and building design. Construction is planned to commence in January 2025, with completion expected by the end of July 2026.
Over the past five years, the library has consistently seen its income from property taxes increase by an average of 2.73% annually. Looking ahead, there's an expectation that this income will continue to grow at an annual average rate of approximately 4% for the next two years.
There's a significant concern related to the rising trend in construction costs. These costs are projected to increase by an estimated 9% annually over the next three years. This rapid rise in construction expenses, which is twice the rate of income growth from property taxes, presents a clear challenge.
If the proposed building project is delayed because the referendum doesn't pass, it means dealing with increasing construction costs year after year. Essentially, postponing the project decision would lead to significantly higher costs in the future compared to the present, making it a financially disadvantageous choice.
The Library Board is actively exploring planned use options for the current building in conjunction with government agencies within or adjacent to the library district. The goal is to maintain the existing site for public use, maximizing value for taxpayers without additional new construction.
The preliminary schedule, listed below, is based on a successful spring of 2024 referendum. We are assuming approximately an 18-month construction period. 
Absolutely. Relocating library services and resources will be done in such a way as to minimize interruption to services. Library Staff will be available through the entirety of the project.
The total estimated cost is approximately $36.4 million, covering site acquisition, development, infrastructure, and construction. In addition, the library is exploring state library construction grants to help reduce the cost to residents.
Detailed Estimates:
PROJECT ESTIMATE SUMMARY
No. The library board is proposing a 20 year bond that will no longer be included in your property tax bill once paid off.
The following table lists the amount of money paid for a typical household in the Village of Round Lake for property taxes in 2022. Specific property tax information for individual households can be found on Lake County Treasure’s site.
LAKE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX
For a homeowner with a house at the median fair market value in our area of $228.200, the library’s tax rate will increase approximately $0.95 per day ($28.82 monthly).
Specific Estimates for individual homes are available at our online calculator:
Note(s):
Actual tax rates and payments may vary based on EAV growth, State Law changes, property tax rate initiatives, and other factors. Includes $8,000 homeowner exemption.
Rates based upon market conditions as of November 2, 2023, and recent bond sales, which financial planning firm, PMA, believes to be accurate and reliable, plus 0.50%.
Approximately 5% of residents’ property taxes went to libraries in 2022. The next highest amount went to Lake County, followed by park, village, and school districts. 
The library operates independently, having no impact on the village's debt. We're our own agency, similar to a school or park district.
Voting on the referendum is scheduled for March 19, 2024, at the General Primary Election.
The ballot will show the following.
PROPOSITION TO ISSUE of $36,404,233 LIBRARY BONDS
(INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: Mark a cross (X) in the space opposite the word indicating the way you desire to vote.) 
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A bond issue is a loan. The library borrows money needed to fund the project by issuing general obligation library bonds and pays the money back with interest over a 20-year period. The library board is proposing a 20-year bond that will no longer be included in your property tax bill once paid off.
To vote, individuals must:
• Be a United States citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
• Live in the election precinct for at least 30 days before an election.
• Not be convicted and in jail.
• Register to vote.
• Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
Refer to Lake County’s Voter Registration page for detailed information.
Please consult Lake County’s Voter Registration page HERE for more information.
Absolutely. Property ownership is not a requirement for voting. Individuals must be 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, and a registered voter.
Register in person at various Lake County locations, including the Lake County Clerk’s Office, municipal or township offices, or the library.
Online registration is available at the Illinois State Board of Elections’ website.
Mail-in registration is also an option. Refer to Lake County’s Voter Registration page for the latest details.
Please consult Lake County’s Voter Registration page HERE for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Yes, registered voters can opt for mail-in voting, early voting, or in-person voting on election day. Visit Lake County’s Voter Options page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Please consult Lake County’s Voter Options page HERE for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
For Additional Inquiries, please visit the Lake County Clerk’s Voter Services page for any other questions:
VOTER SERVICES
The Library Board is hosting four Information Sessions to provide details of the proposed new building in January and February. Residents will have the opportunity to meet the architect, financial planner, and Library Board to ask questions. Information sessions aim to provide you with information to make an informed decision about this ambitious project.
Monday, January 15, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sunday, January 21, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sunday, February 18, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Please direct questions to the library’s Board President, Anne Richmond, at anne.richmond@rlalibrary.org or Library Director, Jim Didonato, at jdidonato@rlalibrary.org. You may also call the library at 847-546-7060.
