Vernon Area Public Library District — Proposition To Issue $39,500,000 Library Bonds (Lake County)

What it does

Shall the Vernon Area Public Library District, Lake County, Illinois, repair, remodel, improve and build an addition to an existing library building, including constructing a secure and accessible central entrance; constructing a community makerspace; expanding spaces for library programs and community group use; improving spaces for early childhood and teens; constructing individual study and collaborative workspaces and issue its bonds to the amount of $39,500,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

A YES vote means

Vernon Area Public Library District would issue $39,500,000 in bonds to repair, remodel and add on to its library, including a secure central entrance, a makerspace, more program and community space, early childhood and teen areas, and study spaces.

A NO vote means

Vernon Area Public Library District would not issue these $39,500,000 in bonds.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Only on your ballot if you live in the Vernon Area Public Library District.

Background

The Vernon Area Public Library District says its Board of Trustees voted to put a $39.5 million building referendum on the November ballot, the district's first request for new funding since 1990.

According to the library, the 20-year bonds would fund a renovation and expansion that adds about 21,000 square feet by bringing the Annex back into public use and joining it to the main building. The project also moves the main entrance and updates heating, cooling, electrical and lighting systems.

The library estimates the total project at $53 million, with $13.5 million (about 25%) to come from savings, federal clean energy rebates and other non-referendum funds. It estimates the tax impact on a $400,000 home at $121 a year.

The library says construction would run from late 2028 through fall 2030 if the measure passes. If it fails, the library says it would use existing fund balances and grants for the highest-priority infrastructure and safety needs.

Put on the ballot by Vernon Area Public Library District Board of Trustees (per library announcement; meeting date and vote count not stated).

From official source.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Lake County ballots

• Antioch Township — Proposition To Increase The Limiting Rate
• Newport Township Fire Protection District — Proposition To Increase The Limiting Rate Of The Newport Township Fire Protection District

All Lake County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Vernon Area Public Library District mean?

Vernon Area Public Library District would issue $39,500,000 in bonds to repair, remodel and add on to its library, including a secure central entrance, a makerspace, more program and community space, early childhood and teen areas, and study spaces.

What does a NO vote on Vernon Area Public Library District mean?

Vernon Area Public Library District would not issue these $39,500,000 in bonds.

How many votes does Vernon Area Public Library District need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Vernon Area Public Library District?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.