The Brookfield Public Library board charted a new course for the future of the institution Wednesday night, voting 6-0 with one abstention to acquire property at 3507 Arden Ave. The parcel is located in the village’s Hollywood section, directly across the street from the Kiwanis Park oak savanna.
The vote sets into motion a plan to move the library from its current, longtime location at 3609 Grand Blvd., although library officials say there is no timeline to make the plan a reality.
“At this point things look promising,” said Jonathan Platt, the library board president. “We can in no way pull out a fully formed plan, because it requires us acquiring enough property.”
Library Director Kimberly Litland said that the library hopes to close on the property in July. The negotiated purchase price is reported to be $400,000 and will be financed by a combination of reserve funds and financing from a local bank. Prior to cementing the deal, the library board will hold a public hearing on July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Library.
Litland said that the library board has contacted several property owners on the block, adding that there are “offers on the table” from up to five other property owners.
For a full report, see next week’s Landmark.