Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for project information and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered here, please send us an email at yesforantiochlibrary@gmail.com
BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE
The Antioch Public Library District is placing a bond referendum on the November 3, 2020 ballot to expand and remodel your library. We want to provide you with the facts and information you need to make an informed decision for your household.
WHY UPDATE THE LIBRARY?
Just like Antioch itself, libraries have changed dramatically since the existing building was constructed in 1970 and expanded in 2002. In addition to providing access to printed and digital materials, libraries have become places that host vibrant social and cultural experiences. Communities now look to the library as a place for social interaction and entertainment and as a safe environment for users of all ages – a community living room, a workshop, a venue for entertainment and a place for learning.
This project will expand the library and renovate the interior to enable it to meet these new needs and to serve the community well into the future.
To pay for this work the Library is proposing to issue bonds in the amount of $9,600,000. The actual impact on your tax bill will be surprisingly low and is discussed below. Of the $9,600,000, approximately $1,600,000 is directed toward replacing mechanical systems that are at the end of their service lives and will have to be replaced even if the referendum is not successful.
WHAT IS BEING PLANNED?
The existing library will be expanded by 9,000 square feet. The addition will blend seamlessly with the existing library.
The interior of the library will be updated with new furniture, carpet, ceilings, finishes and energy-efficient lighting. The ageing mechanical systems will be replaced to improve comfort and energy efficiency.
New patron amenities will include:
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Expanded services for children, more space for families and a larger story time room
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A quiet reading room
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More comfortable spaces
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Improved shelving that promotes easier browsing and better serves people with mobility limitations
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A fireplace reading room with coffee and space for conversation
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A work area supporting small business and home-based workers
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Small group study rooms for meetings, tutoring, business or quiet study
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A dedicated teen space with room for homework, studying, group computing and socializing
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Exterior high-tech lockers that will enable patrons to pick up materials 24 hours a day
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A larger, much-improved and dividable community meeting room with natural light and better facilities for presentations and meetings
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“The Studio”; a maker space for creative activities ranging from 3D printing to crafts. The maker space can open to the community meeting room, enabling them to work together for classes with hands-on demonstrations
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A lighter and brighter library experience throughout!
WOULD MY TAXES GO UP?
Yes – by a very modest amount. A $200,000 market value home would see an annual increase of approximately $56.97 for a period of 20 years.
Annual cost for a $200,000 household; $50.09
Monthly cost for a $200,000 household: $4.17
Daily cost for a $200,000 household: $0.14
Available online appraisal services (eg. Zillow) are a good resource to determine the market value of your home. To see a chart that will allow you to estimate the tax impact on your property click here
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MY TAX BILL GOES TO THE ANTIOCH PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT?
Approximately 2.7% of your tax bill goes towards the Antioch Public Library District. Click here to see Property Tax Bill Allocation. This example is for a resident of the Village of Antioch; your tax allocation may vary depending on where you live .
WHY SHOULD WE VOTE “YES”?
The project brings your community something for everybody; parents with young children, seniors, community groups, teens, local businesses and home-based workers.
It will preserve your property value by enhancing a valuable community resource that can be used by everybody.
Where else can you get such value for 14 cents a day?
HOW DO I VOTE?
Election Day is November 3, 2020. Mail-In Ballot requests must be made before October 29th.
Voting by mail: Click here to get to the Lake County Vote by Mail application.
To be counted, your completed ballot must be
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hand delivered to the Lake County Clerk's office by 7 PM on Election Day,
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returned to the Lake County Clerk's office with a postmark no later than November 3, 2020,
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brought the voting site and surrendered to the election judges, or
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placed in a postage-free drop box.
Vote in person: Click here to find polling places
Make sure your vote counts – don’t delay! VOTE “YES” FOR YOUR LIBRARY!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS THE QUESTION THAT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT?
"Shall the bonds of the Antioch Public Library District, Lake County, Illinois, in the amount of $9,600,000 be issued for the purpose of repairing, improving, remodeling and expanding the existing Antioch Public Library building and furnishing necessary equipment and acquiring electronic data storage and retrieval facilities in connection therewith?"
WHAT IS A BOND REFERENDUM?
A bond referendum is a voting process that gives voters the power to decide if a public entity should be authorized to raise funds through the sale of general obligation bonds. A general obligation bond is a long-term borrowing tool (in this case, 20 years) in which a municipality pledges its full faith and credit (taxing power) to repay the debt over a specified term. Generally, general obligation bonds are the least costly financing option available to the community for potential bond projects being considered. Once the bonds are paid off, the tax associated with the bonds will go away.
WHAT ARE THE ANTIOCH PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT BOUNDARIES?
The Antioch Public Library District boundaries are unique from the Village of Antioch and local School District boundaries. Click here to view the Antioch Public Library District boundary map.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MY TAX BILL GOES TO THE ANTIOCH PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT?
Approximately 2.7% of your tax bill goes towards the Antioch Public Library District. Click here to see the approximate allocation of your Property Tax Bill.
WILL THERE BE PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS?
Yes! The public is invited to attend upcoming information meetings. Stay tuned for meeting times.
In addition, the public is always welcome to attend the monthly Library Board meetings that occur on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. These meetings are being held virtually due to the current pandemic crisis.
WHAT ABOUT LIBRARY SERVICE DURING CONSTRUCTION?
The design and construction would be completed within 16-24 months after voter approval. The design of the additions will enable them to be largely constructed while the library is in operation. Phasing of the interior work will allow the library to remain in operation during much of the construction though some closure will be required during certain construction operations.
Vote YES FOR YOUR LIBRARY!
