VILLA PARK : Council Backs Pledge on Library Costs
In an effort to keep the local library open, the City Council has decided to financially guarantee a nonprofit group’s pledge to raise funds and pay for private operation.
By unanimous vote Tuesday, the council guaranteed up to $50,000 during a six-month trial period.
Orange County government has said that a branch of the county library that operates in Villa Park is likely to be closed later this spring. A local group, Save the Library Committee, is working with the City Council to prevent closure.
William Baker, chairman of the committee, said the group will evolve into a nonprofit corporation that will raise money to operate the library branch.
Councilman Joseph S. Barsa said that county officials want Villa Park city government to back-stop, or guarantee, the ability of the nonprofit group to pay library operating costs. Barsa said that the yearly estimated cost would be in the $50,000 range.
Baker told the council he believes the nonprofit group can raise the necessary money. “We stand ready, willing and able to raise the money,” Baker said. He added that 21 residents have signed up to work as library volunteers.
As a privately run library, the facility would be open either two or three days a week, Barsa said.
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