The library needs to return to its core mission of providing library services. It is not a babysitting service or for classes. More books for reference and reading. More computers for Internet research.

I agree that the Shorewood-Troy library needs a lot more books, more seating, a better reference area, a quiet reading room, and more computers. It also needs a much larger children’s department, a dedicated space for teens, group study rooms, a story time room and a lot more parking spaces. The library space is totally inadequate, and the collection size does not even meet minimum state standards for a community the size of Shorewood. Our library offers important programs for people of all ages: computer classes for adults and seniors; summer reading programs for school-aged children so that they can retain what they’ve learned during the school year over the summer; and story times for toddlers and pre-schoolers to develop speech and ready their brains for learning. If the library had more space, the library staff could provide more traditional library services and prepare the community for life in the 21st century and beyond. That’s why I’m voting “yes” in April 2013 to build a new library in Shorewood.

Helen Valantinas
Shorewood Resident

I agree with Helen that the library needs the children and young teen spaces. As adults we access the computer more than we utilize the library. Its important to bring children to the library so they can not only learn but have the experience.

I don't view her comments as wanting a daycare service but rather a sensory experience that children can only get outside of school.

She also mentions adult spaces and meeting rooms which are essential pieces to a good library.

Has anyone heard what the cost of the new library is, or how much our taxes will go up? I must admit I don't use the library much, especially in this digital age, and I don't know many people who do. I was in there about 2 months ago, and I think I saw one other person in there. The building looks to be in very good shape. I agree we need a library, but we already have one. The cost will probably make me vote no.

As the Library Director, I can tell you that the Library is very well utilized. We checked out about 177,000 books last year; had 75,000 people enter our doors, had 11,000 uses of our computers (with only 16 public computers), and held 409 programs (more than one a day) for 9,000 attendees. All this in a "hidden" location and with inadequate parking! The current building was built for a town half the size of what we serve now, and we circulated 1/3rd of the materials that we do now.

The cost estimating has not been done for the proposed building yet; that's scheduled to be done by the end of December. However, if you look at your tax bill now, the Library is only 1.8% of your total tax bill (less than the Forest Preserve). We estimate that your cost will go up to about 6% of the total tax bill, which is still a great bargain.

We're a great library now, but we can be an even bigger asset to our community with a more modern building and adequate parking.

PS - did you know that you can check out ebooks through us with your Shorewood-Troy Library card?

So,just for an example, if my total tax bill was $4000.00, my portion of the library tax today would be $72.00, at 1.8%. With the new library, my portion of the tax bill would increase to $240.00. That doesn't sound like a great bargain to me.

There's a Library Value Calculator on the Library's website that shows the value of items that you check out: http://www.shorewood.lib.il.us/luv-calculator.php
The calculator also has the plus of showing all the services we offer. Everyone, of course, has to decide the value of the library for themselves.

But let me give you a couple of real-world examples for you to think about. I have a 7 year-old stepdaughter who is learning how to read. She checks out at least 10 books a month, and 2 DVDs a month. They're books she's going to outgrow, and they're not cheap. We save $180 a month or $2,160 a year, so for us, heck yeah $240 is a bargain.

And here's another story: I'm a 3.5 year breast cancer survivor. When I was diagnosed, I needed to know *everything* about the disease, and I read and read and read about it. But my husband and I needed to save our money for medical bills, not for books. The library was my life-line. They had tons of books, that were current, and subscribed to databases where I could read even more articles about it.

You may not always use the library - I don't always, and I work there :-). But it's really important when you need it, believe me.

By the way, studies have been done that show that for every dollar put into a library, it returns $3 to $4 in services back to the community. Libraries use tax dollars wisely, and the Shorewood-Troy Library hasn't asked for tax increase ever in its 36 year history.

Everyone will have to make their own decision on whether it is worth it to pay an extra $200.00 per year for a new library when we already have one, as you have stated that your stepdaughter uses regularly. There are people who are still struggling in this economy, and there are seniors who are on fixed incomes, who may or may not be able to handle that increase, and then there are people who do not use the library at all, and cannot justify paying extra for someone else. There is a lot of grey area here. As long as everyone knows what the cost is, they can make their decision based on their needs.

I asked the question above if anybody knew the cost of what the new library would be, and I heard they had presentation on the radio the other day, and said the cost would be 20-21 million dollors. They gave an example if you were paying $83.00 for your portion of your present library tax, that would increase $217.00. That would add up to $300.00 if the referendum is passed. This added tax is too much to burden the homeowners with, when we already have a library. Cannot justify, will vote no.

An increase of $217 per year comes out to $18 per month, less than the cost of one hardcover book. A good library is especially important to those of us who are struggling in this economy. Borrowing and usage are unlimited. The current library is too small. It was built for a community 1/3 our size. For every new item they purchase, they have to remove one because there is no more room. Libraries are a good investment. A library near village hall will attract new business. We need to invest in our community (if we don't, who will?) For an additional $4.17 per week, that's a good investment. I will be voting yes.