Mission, Budget, Policies

Mission Statement

Acorn Public Library District provides public access to books, digital resources, public programs, and gathering spaces. The Library acts as a vital, inspiring, and responsive center of lifelong learning that meets the educational, recreational, cultural, and informational needs of our diverse community.

Values

• Respect: We are courteous and kind to all of our patrons and to each other.
• Innovation: We anticipate and embrace change in order to respond to the needs of the community.
• A Welcoming Environment: We provide an attractive, safe space for patrons and employees.
• Good Stewardship: We use our resources efficiently, responsibly, and effectively.
• Excellence: We combine our expertise with creativity and passion when serving our patrons.

Strategic Plan

The Acorn Public Library District Board of Trustees approved the Library’s Strategic Plan on June 20, 2018. The Library would like to thank all members of our community, especially those who participated in the community survey that greatly informed the development of the Strategic Plan. The Library would also like to thank the Strategic Planning Group for their work in putting together the Strategic Plan, all staff members for their commitment and dedication to serving the public, and the Friends of the Library for their ongoing support.

Budget

View our Budget and Appropriation Ordinance and our Certificate of Estimated Revenues for fiscal year 2021.

Please Contact Us with any questions about our budget or policies.

Annual Audit

View our Annual Audit as approved by the Library Board of Trustees at their regularly scheduled meeting on November 10, 2021.

Please Contact Us with any questions about the audit.

Policies

The Acorn Public Library District Board of Trustees approved  temporary amendments to the Facilities policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view these amendments here.

You may view the most commonly requested policies below:

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Patron Behavior/Code of Conduct Policy
• Meeting Room Policy
• Borrowing and Loan Periods
• Interlibrary Loan Policy
• Selection of Materials
• Computers, Computer Network, and Internet Use

Additional policies (PDF):

• By-laws of the Board of Trustees
• Circulation Fines and Fees
• Computers and Wireless Networks
• Concealed Carry
• Confidentiality of Records
• Displays, Exhibits, and Bulletin Boards
• Emergency Closings
• Fines and Fees
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Policy and Forms
• Interlibrary Loan
• Materials Policies
• Meeting Room Policy
• Meeting Room Application
• Patron Behavior/Code of Conduct
• Patron Computer Use Agreement
• Reference
• Study Rooms
• Unattended Children

For questions regarding the policies listed above, or to view the complete policy manual please contact reference@acornlibrary.org or call 708-687-3700.

Employee Compensation

Pursuant to Illinois Law (Public Act 97-0609), a list of employees whose total compensation package is $75,000 or greater is available for inspection at the Acorn Public Library District’s Business Office, located at 15624 Central Avenue, Oak Forest, IL 60452. The office is open during normal Library operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 708-687-3700.