Library Renovation
This year, the library is marking 80 years of public service to the Village of Berkeley. After time in a storage area in Village Hall and then a rented storefront, the current library building opened to the public over 54 years ago, in June 1972. Over the past several years, library administration and our Board of Trustees have worked with outside design, construction, and finance professionals to plan to continue to serve the community for our next 50. After receiving input from the community and an evaluation of the existing building, the decision was made to renovate the current library at 1637 N. Taft Avenue.
Proposed Project
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Replacement of existing end-of-life roof
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New roof fascia, sheltered entry, and exterior site lighting
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Replacement/upgrade to heating/cooling system
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Replacement of original exterior windows and entry doors
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New larger water service
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Fire sprinkler system added to both floors of building
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Remodeled lower level public restrooms
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Doubling of small group/private study spaces
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Additional meeting room for programs and community use
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Separate, defined space for children to learn and explore
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Better spaces for tweens/teens
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Improved and flexible community arts and crafts workshop
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New, responsive lighting systems throughout
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Improvements to infrastructure and life safety systems
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Abatement of building materials throughout
November 3, 2026 Ballot
The Library Board of Trustees voted in July to place an advisory referendum on the November ballot. This measure is the first request for new funding in the library's 80-year history. Registered voters in the Village of Berkeley will have the following question on the ballot on November 3, 2026:
This is an advisory and non-binding referendum question. Should the Village of Berkeley, Cook County, Illinois issue bonds on behalf of the Berkeley Public Library in the amount of $4,000,000 to renovate, repair and equip the library building for the purpose thereof located at 1637 N. Taft Avenue?
Tax Impact
Depending on where you live in Berkeley, the library currently makes up around 3% of your overall tax bill. After bonding, the library would make up between 4% and 5% of your overall tax bill.
Property taxes can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors including exceptions and taxing districts. For a $275,000 home the estimated tax impact of this bonding to the average homeowner would be approximately $13.50 a month.
The library expects to cover approximately 15% of the total $4.5M project cost using state grants, its capital fund, and other funding sources.