Library Referendum Vote Postponed After Joint Meeting In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — After more than a month of public discussion, the Downers Grove Village Council has opted to wait to present voters with a referendum question about how library board members are chosen. During a joint meeting of village trustees and library board members on Jan. 2, officials said they were eyeing a fall timeline for a joint subcommittee to determine next steps in the matter.

No details of the joint subcommittee's framework, members or budget were discussed at the meeting, which was held at Herrick Middle School.

At the meeting, Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett said the aim of the session was to "try and understand how we can go about learning together, to see if there is a different option that makes sense."

Currently, the library board is made up of appointed trustees. The referendum question that had been proposed in late November inquired whether residents thought library board members should be appointed or elected.

In the following weeks, the question set off ripples of discord among residents, some of whom staunchly supported the library board as it is currently governed, and others, who said they would prefer an elected board of library trustees.

Thursday's meeting concluded with public comment from residents on either side of the issue.

Tom Slater said, “I believe the library should be run in a nonpartisan manner to efficiently provide library services to the residents of Downers Grove. And I particularly believe that one should be able to use the library without any indication that the staff or board members are of any particular political persuasion. I don’t think that’s the case right now."

Kylie Spahn said, "There are only 4 libraries in our area that have a five-star rating," referencing Downers Grove, Naperville, Des Plaines and Elmhurst.

“Those four libraries have boards of trustees that are appointed," Spahn said, adding, "We want to maintain and grow our amazingly incredible library.”

Downers Grove Commissioner Chris Gilmartin said that, going forward, it's important to determine "what the issues are we’re trying to solve, especially if we’re spending this much time and effort trying to solve them."

These sentiments were echoed by library board member Nathan Williams, who said, "My observation is that there has been a breakdown of trust among the bodies. And that this process, in and of itself, regardless of the outcome, will help repair that trust."