What’s the future of O’Fallon’s library? Relocation, expansion or both?

The city of O’Fallon has launched “Together O’Fallon: Be a Part of What’s Next,” a community initiative aimed at shaping the future of the city’s public library.

Organizers are considering options to renovate or expand the existing library, or to construct a new facility at a different location. Any decision could result in a referendum for new construction being placed on the November 2026 ballot.

Convincing the public about the need for a tax increase is a key challenge, as is making residents aware of the library’s needs, said Library Director Ryan Johnson.

The median home value in O’Fallon is about $275,000. Johnson said homeowners pay roughly $135 annually in taxes supporting the library—2% of their total tax bill. Funding a new library with $20 million in bonds would raise that figure to about $285 per year, or about $24 per month.

That “most expensive” scenario could change if the bond amount is less and would also depend on changes to the city’s equalized assessed value, he said.

“We know O’Fallon will continue to grow, both with residential and commercial construction. Every single new rooftop helps spread out that tax burden to help keep costs under control for everyone,” Johnson said.

The current library, which opened in 1994 at 120 Civic Plaza behind the U.S. Post Office, has not kept pace with O’Fallon’s population growth, Johnson said. The facility receives more than 130,000 annual visits, hosts 12,000 event attendees, and records over 200,000 checkouts each year.

“We could serve more if we had more space,” Johnson said, noting that registrations for programs fill quickly and people must be turned away. “It’s disappointing for the kids and adults alike.”

Library services include early literacy, STEAM learning, digital access, job support and legal aid. The library’s Summer Reading Program and its partnership with AARP to offer free tax-filing services are particularly popular. Early childhood programs frequently have waiting lists.

The library also collaborates with the O’Fallon Parks Department and Historical Society.

A 2023 master plan found library space insufficient for events, study rooms, seating and outdoor space. The library board supports seeking a new site.

The grassroots effort seeks input on how to make the library a “one-stop destination for learning, creativity and connection,” using its available resources and services. Community feedback has cited the library’s welcoming environment and high-quality service.

“It’s really important to listen from the very beginning,” Johnson said.

Community Workshops Scheduled

Residents may attend Together O’Fallon workshops scheduled for Feb. 5 and March 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the O’Fallon Knights of Columbus, 402 E. Highway 50. The first workshop was held Nov. 6.

“It went very well. We are actively processing all the sign-in sheets, questions forms and other feedback supplied by the public,” Johnson said.

Workshops use small-group discussions, with participants invited to share feedback on what they like and dislike about the library.

“This is so no one is surprised,” Johnson said. “We don’t want people to come back in the fall of 2026 and say, ‘this is the first I’ve heard of it.’”

The initiative is overseen by a team co-chaired by Todd Reichelt and Lexi Baysinger, working with Discovery Works Collaborative, a St. Louis communications firm experienced in public opinion research and referendum campaigns. Funding for marketing efforts comes from the Friends of the O’Fallon Public Library, a volunteer group that raises funds and advocates for the library.

Reichelt, a 26-year O’Fallon resident and retired U.S. Air Force member, said his views changed after observing the library’s impact.

“I went to the library for an afternoon, sat upstairs and watched. It was incredible. What they do is of value to the community, impactful,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for Ryan and the staff.”

Acknowledging concerns about high taxes, Reichelt said: “It’s not always about money. O’Fallon is a great community, a great place to live, and the people really care about their town.”

2023 Library Master Plan

Excerpts from the 2023 Library Master Plan:

• Children’s Area Too Small: Overflowing story times, limited space for early literacy.
• Multi-Purpose Space Shortages: Events at capacity, no room for smaller programs.
• Study Room & Seating Limitations: Spaces fill quickly, leaving unmet demand.
• Poor Acoustics: Sound carries, affecting quiet study and focus.
• Location Concerns: Current site does not fit future population growth.
• Outdoor Space Demand: Families want more space for programs and gatherings.

The library’s master plan identified two possible approaches to address the significant space challenges:

• Option 1: Addition – While this would add 6,000 square feet of additional space, it is not considered cost-effective and would not resolve key challenges such as location, outdoor space or long-term growth.
• Option 2: New Library – Build a new facility with 40,000 square feet of additional space. This approach is designed to meet both current needs and future demand and address all the identified issues.

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Library Governance

By state statute, the public library is governed by a board of directors, which is appointed by the mayor and approved by the council.

The nine-member board meets monthly, and responsibilities include the approval of the library operating budget, development of library policies and hiring of a library director.

The library opened in 1930 in the First National Bank building, on the second floor, with 700 books on the shelves, mostly donations. Others were purchased by the O’Fallon Woman’s Club, who also sponsored the library through many months of fundraising and planning. At the time, the city’s population was 2,300 and membership was $1.

In 1943, voters approved shifting management to the city, and after several moves, landed at its current site in 1995, which was remodeled in 2015.

To view the master plan, strategic plan and last year’s report, those documents are available online at https://go.boarddocs.com/il/ofallon/Board.nsf/Public.

To find out more about Together O’Fallon, visit the library’s website at https://www.ofpl.info/.