Highland Park library seeks 9.5% levy increase as expansion raises operating costs

The Highland Park Public Library asked the City Council Committee of the Whole on July 14 for a 9.5% increase in its 2026 levy to cover a projected $566,000 rise in operating expenses and to begin replenishing capital reserves used for a $10.065 million expansion. Heidi Smith, executive director of the Highland Park Public Library, and Rob Biederman, treasurer of the library board of trustees, presented the request during the council's continuing 2026 budget workshop.

The increase would yield about $558,000 in levy revenue, library officials said, and the library is seeking roughly $1,000,000 in private fundraising for the campaign titled Reimagine Your Library. "This is year 1 of a 3 year bridge strategic plan, bridging us from the previous strategic plan through construction of our expanded building into the future," Smith said. The board has also set a $1,000,000 campaign goal to support the project; presenters said $410,000 in gifts and pledges have been recorded to date.

Library…