Bourbonnais, IL – Voters in the Bourbonnais Public Library District will decide this fall whether to approve a library funding referendum that would increase the district’s tax rate to help pay for operations, building needs and expanded space.
According to the Bourbonnais Public Library District, the referendum will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot and seeks a tax rate of 0.290%.
Library officials say the district has operated at the same tax rate for more than 40 years while expanding programs and services and serving a growing community.
The district says rising operating costs are now outpacing current revenue. Officials say additional revenue from the proposed rate would support long-term financial sustainability while helping maintain and expand library services and collections.
Building needs are another part of the proposal.
The district says referendum funding would help address critical building maintenance to keep the library safe, accessible and welcoming. Officials also say the additional funding could allow the library to expand its physical footprint in response to community feedback.
The measure will ultimately be decided by voters within the library district. Approval would increase the library’s tax rate, while rejection would leave the proposed increase from taking effect.
Because the dollar impact will vary by property, residents can use a tax impact calculator provided by the library to estimate how the proposed rate could affect their individual tax bills.
The district has also published frequently asked questions, financial information and building assessments on the Referendum Information section of its website.
Residents seeking additional information about the proposal can contact the Bourbonnais Public Library District at info@bourbonnaislibrary.org or 815-933-1727, ext. 5.
The referendum is scheduled for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
