By the Numbers
Things are rocking at Elmwood Park Public Library thanks to Director Consiglio
Since taking over in December of 2022, Director Consiglio has transformed the library for the future. In just two short years, the library has become a center where all EP residents come not only for books, but a variety of programs and events that have resulted in a 7000+ increase in visitors in the last year alone read more
Through a great staff consisting of new and veteran library colleagues, the results have been nothing but stellar making the Elmwood Park Public Library one of the region’s most productive libraries regardless of size and an incredible value compared to other libraries their size.
If you haven’t been to the library lately, come in and experience the smiling, customer-oriented staff for yourself. You’re sure to find something for the entire family.
Yet, there are those in who are threatened by this progress and mis-represent these facts and try to take credit for shaping this progress. Don’t let them sway your vote! Don’t be fooled by lies, check out the frequently asked questions page for more information.
Director Consiglio operates with an open-door policy and would love to chat with anyone that comes in. He would be happy to see you!
Your Property Taxes Are Important to Us
The Elmwood Park Library values fiscal responsibility and is committed to maximizing the impact of every tax dollar. By thoughtfully allocating resources, we deliver exceptional services and innovative programming while maintaining transparency and accountability to the community. The following comparison highlights our cost-effective approach and how it measures against neighboring libraries.
| Library | Population | Levy | Cost Per Resident | Total Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmwood Park Public Library | 24,521 | $2,087,847 | $85.15 | 34 |
| Rolling Meadows Library | 24,200 | $4,295,780 | $177.51 | 57 |
| Eisenhower Public Library | 24,316 | $5,281,108 | $217.19 | 59 |
Key Takeaways:
1) Cost Efficiency:
- Elmwood Park Library has the lowest levy at $85.15 per resident, less than half the cost per resident of Rolling Meadows Library and less than 40% of Eisenhower Library.
2) Staffing Levels:
- Despite employing 34 staff members, significantly fewer than Rolling Meadows (57) and Eisenhower (59), Elmwood Park Library delivers exceptional services and programming.
3) Fiscal Responsibility:
- The levy for Elmwood Park Library is $2,087,847, much lower than Rolling Meadows ($4,295,780) and Eisenhower ($5,281,108), reflecting its efficient allocation of resources.
Elmwood Park Library sets a benchmark for delivering exceptional value to its community, achieving impressive results with fewer resources compared to neighboring libraries. By prioritizing efficiency, innovation, and community engagement, the library not only meets but exceeds expectations, fostering a thriving hub of learning and creativity. This dedication to fiscal responsibility ensures that every resident benefits from high-quality services, making the Elmwood Park Public Library a model of excellence and a cornerstone of the community.
Some Highlights Of This Remarkable Year:
1) Programming and Attendance
- 329 New Programs Added: A 68.4% increase in program offerings compared to the previous year.
- 7,414 Additional Attendees: Program attendance rose by 78%, reflecting enhanced community engagement.
2) Community Initiatives
- Touch a Truck Event attended by over 500 attendees.
- Celebration of Cultural Heritage: Hosted events like Mexico's Independence Day with over 92 attendees.
3) Community Satisfaction
- 99.4% Satisfaction Rate: Results from a survey conducted at the Taste of Elmwood Park indicate overwhelming community approval.
- Increased Foot Traffic: The library welcomed thousands of additional patrons, reinforcing its role as a community hub.
4) Facility Enhancements
- Space Optimization: Redesigned sections of the library to improve accessibility and usability.
- Technology Upgrades: New public computers, Wi-Fi access points, or other tech resources were added to enhance patron services.
5) Collection Development
- Expanded Collection: To cater to diverse community needs, 6,000 more materials, including books, eBooks, and multimedia, were added.
- Specialty Collections: Introduced or expanded niche collections such as local history, STEM kits, or take and make kits.
6) Youth and Teen Engagement
- Youth Programs: Introduced a dynamic gaming lounge and expanded the Project Next Generation initiative, fostering continuous growth and opportunities for youth engagement and development.
There are many programs and services offered by the Elmwood Park Public Library
See What’s happening
Book clubs
Genealogy
Take and make crafts
Armchair yoga
Book clubs Genealogy Take and make crafts Armchair yoga
Cultural heritage programs
Storytime
How to use my tech classes
Gaming center
Cultural heritage programs Storytime How to use my tech classes Gaming center
Cooking classes
American Girl doll program
DIY music
Trivia nights
Tax help
Puppet shows
Cooking classes American Girl doll program DIY music Trivia nights Tax help Puppet shows
Movie matinees
Local history
Project Next Gen
3D printing
Touch a truck
Laser cutting
Retirement/Medicare
Movie matinees Local history Project Next Gen 3D printing Touch a truck Laser cutting Retirement/Medicare
What the Community is saying
“The library is great when I’m not at the office”
“We don’t filter, we provide”
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“The Library is my happy place!”
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