Upcoming Library Board Meeting

Union members from Oak Lawn Public Library are preparing to voice their concerns at the next board meeting regarding a budget proposal that could potentially lead to layoffs. During the October 20 meeting, board members deliberated over three draft budgets, which included proposed levy increases of 2.5%, 3.5%, and 4.5%. However, the board could not agree on the property tax increase amount.

Debate Over Tax Increase

Initially, there was a motion to approve the 4.5% increase, which would minimize cuts. During this discussion, board member Karrie Mallo questioned the reduction of staff, as reported by library union staff representative Carla Williams. Mallo later suggested maintaining the previous year’s budget, avoiding any tax increase.

With board member Raymond Schwarzkop absent, Carrie O’Keefe and Joseph Skibinski sided with Mallo in voting against the increase. Opposing the plan were Kate McDermott, Heather McCarthy, and Kim Brightmore. Board members have not commented on these proceedings, and the library declined to provide an interview.

Union’s Perspective

“We were surprised at sort of the tenor of the discussion — the specific question about cutting personnel,” Williams stated. “Libraries aren’t just buildings with books, you know, libraries offer so much more. And so I think we were just very disappointed in the discussion because there didn’t seem to be sort of a recognition of the value of the services that we are providing and the value to the community.”

Financial Implications

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 advocate for the 4.5% levy increase. This change would cost the average homeowner approximately $10 while still necessitating cuts in library furnishings, staff development, security systems, local history, and legal fees, according to Williams and the budget proposal.

A 3.5% levy increase would cost homeowners about $8.02. A 2.5% increase would be under $6. Should the levy only increase by 3.5% or less, the library would cut $50,000 from materials and $6,300 from programming.

“We all know in going grocery shopping, paying our bills right now that everything costs more,” Williams said. “Our concern was that by cutting the materials and programming costs and other items, that this might negatively impact our patrons who might need the library more during this time because they don’t have the resources themselves to purchase books and other items.”

Community Reaction

Leona Towner, an Oak Lawn resident and freelance journalist, posted a video on social media about potential cuts after learning some library staff were surprised by the board’s discussion on October 20. She has attempted to contact board members who supported the 0% increase to understand their reasoning but has not received a response.

“I would hate it if there are conversations going on, there’s no press, and then we go to this meeting on the 9th and things are cut,” Towner expressed.

Special Meeting Scheduled

The Oak Lawn Public Library Board has scheduled a special meeting for Monday, November 9 at 6:45 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at the library, located at 9427 Raymond Ave., with the sole purpose of passing the 2027 budget and tax levy increase.

Williams encourages library patrons to attend the meeting and voice their support for library programming and staff.