Library in Robbins, IL, Will Remain Open in September
More money needed for October; legislators’ pledges may help
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 8/31/2009
- $21,584 raised will pay for a month
- Congressman, state Senator pledge funding
- Tax revenues not expected until November
“I want to really thank the public,” library administrator Priscilla Coatney told LJ, citing $21,584 on hand, nearly enough for the library’s $23,000 monthly costs. “I have received checks for as much as $7500 and as little as $1.” The former was an anonymous gift to the library from a former resident.
The library’s Friends group held a fundraiser on August 29, raising $4,228; all the refreshments and entertainment were donated.
More money needed
Property tax bills won’t go out until mid-October, and revenues aren’t expected until mid-November. So WLPLD needs another $35,000 or so until then.
Coatney is hopeful. Local Congressman Bobby Rush has announced a $25,500 grant, which has not yet been received, Similarly, State Senator James Meeks has promised $100,000, which has not yet been delivered. Meeks and Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims both contributed at the fundraiser Saturday.
“I have enough to survive the month of September,” Coatney said with appreciation. “Three weeks ago, we weren’t going to be open.”
