Manhattan-Elwood Library Raises Tax Levy Amid Growing Pains and Need for More Space
Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board has approved a small tax levy increase for the 2026-27 fiscal year as it confronts significant space shortages for programming, staff, and materials. The board is also considering future fundraising campaigns and grants to address the long-term need for a larger facility.
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Key Points:
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The board unanimously approved Ordinance 25-2, which levies an additional tax of .02%.
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Director Ashley Hopper outlined challenges with the library’s limited space, which has forced staff to use off-site storage and rent a separate storage unit.
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The board discussed reconfiguring the current layout to create a dedicated teen area.
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Future planning includes the need for a capital campaign through donations and grants to secure more space for the growing district.
MANHATTAN, IL – The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board of Trustees on Monday, July 28, 2025, unanimously approved an ordinance to levy an additional tax of .02% for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a move that comes as the library struggles with a lack of space.
The motion to adopt Ordinance 25-2 was made by Trustee Patti Blatti and passed with a unanimous roll-call vote from all board members present. While the tax increase is modest, it is part of a broader conversation about the library’s future as it outgrows its current facility on Whitson Street.
During a “Future Planning” discussion led by Library Director Ashley Hopper, the board addressed the pressing challenges posed by the library’s physical limitations. Hopper detailed the difficulties in finding adequate room for both staff work areas and public programming. The space constraints have become so significant that the library is now moving some items to a location in Elwood for storage and to fulfill holds for patrons in that area. In addition to this, the library is also paying to rent a separate storage unit to house its overflow materials.
To address immediate needs within the current building, the board discussed the possibility of reconfiguring its layout. One idea presented was to move existing shelves to create a dedicated and much-needed teen area, providing a designated space for young adult patrons.
Looking toward a more permanent solution, the board also acknowledged the need for a future campaign to raise funds for expansion. According to the meeting discussion, this would likely involve seeking both private donations and public grants to secure a larger facility that can better serve the growing Manhattan and Elwood communities. The approved tax levy, while not dedicated to a capital project, signals a step toward securing the library’s long-term financial health as it plans for this future growth.
Meeting Briefs:
Library Awarded $22,500 State Grant: The library was awarded a Per Capita Grant from the state totaling $22,501.13. These annual grants are distributed by the Illinois State Library to public libraries across the state and are based on the population served by the library district. The funds are used to help supplement local library budgets and support their services.
Eagle Scout Thanks Library for Project Opportunity: Liam Golub, a local scout who recently obtained the rank of Eagle Scout, addressed the board to thank the library for the opportunity to complete his final project at the facility. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program, and the required service project must demonstrate leadership while benefiting the community.
Donation Received in Memory of Resident: A donation was made to the library in honor of Grace Niemiec. The board formally acknowledged the contribution during its correspondence review.
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