Mokena Library Board Pauses Expansion Plans, Citing Financial Impact

Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary
The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees has decided to explore alternative approaches for future expansion after reviewing the significant costs associated with three proposed Master Plan options. The decision puts a hold on any immediate, large-scale expansion projects while the board and library staff research more financially viable solutions.

Library Master Plan Key Points:

• Trustees reviewed cost and repayment schedules for three options related to the proposed Master Plan.

• Due to the “significant financial impact” of all options, the board opted not to approve moving forward with any of the current proposals.

• The board will now explore “alternative approaches” for future library expansion.

• President Joseph Cirelli thanked library leadership for their diligent research on the plan.

MOKENA, Il. – Plans for a major expansion of the Mokena Community Public Library District are on hold after the Board of Trustees reviewed financial proposals for its Master Plan and opted to seek alternative solutions due to the high costs involved.

During the board’s August 26 meeting, under “Unfinished Business,” trustees discussed the cost and repayment schedules associated with three different options for expanding the library’s facilities. According to the meeting minutes, the board determined that the “significant financial impact of all three options” was too great to proceed at this time.

Instead of selecting one of the proposals, “the trustees agreed to explore alternative approaches for future library expansion.” This decision effectively tables the current Master Plan proposals and directs the library’s leadership to research other potential strategies for addressing the library’s long-term space and service needs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Board President Joseph Cirelli extended special thanks to Executive Director Cathy Palmer, Assistant Director Carol Tracy, and Deputy Directors Luke and Matt Surdel for their “diligent efforts on the master plan and the accompanying project research.”