The Library Collection: Digital Materials
What happened to the digital resources the Library used to have?
In mid-2025, Evanston Public Library transitioned away from a high-fee, shared consortium and began building an interim independent digital library, with the long-term goal of forming a new, free-to-us consortium with other libraries.
The process was not as smooth as we hoped and were promised, and as a result, the number of available digital resources is currently fewer than before. We’re sorry for the disruption and frustration this change has caused.
We recognize that this has been inconvenient for our community. Our focus now is on restoring access to more titles as quickly as possible, improving both the size of our digital collection and the process moving forward. We are actively working to build a more stable, reliable digital library that best serves Evanston residents. In the meantime, Library staff are always available to help patrons find alternatives and access what they need. We intend to share updates as this evolves.
Why did the Board of Trustees approve the change to the digital library?
In approving changes to the digital library, the Board carefully considered all available options and listened to staff recommendations, with the goal of ensuring Library funds were being used as responsibly and sustainably as possible. These decisions were made with a focus on balancing access, service quality, and fiscal responsibility.
The Board works collaboratively with Library leadership, the City of Evanston, and the public to guide decisions transparently and thoughtfully, always with the intention of being good stewards of public resources and ensuring the Library can continue to serve the community well—both now and into the future.
The Library and the City of Evanston
What is the Library’s relationship with the City?
Since 2014, EPL has been a city library with an independent, appointed Library Board, rather than a City department or a separate district. This model gives the Board municipal authority over Library policy, funds, and the Executive Director, while the City remains an essential partner for space and key support services. The City owns the main library building and the Crown branch building; the Library pays the City for some services (e.g., HR, IT, legal, facilities) by agreement.
What is happening right now between the City of Evanston and the Library?
The City of Evanston and the Library are continuing conversations about how best to work together moving forward. As mentioned above, the Library currently purchases several key services from the City, and both parties intend to continue working together to ensure smooth operations and strong support for patrons and staff.
Additionally, the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Library is under review as part of broader discussions to clarify roles, responsibilities, and service delivery expectations. Reviewing agreements like this is a normal process when organizations seek clarity and improvement.
These discussions are centered on clearly defining—in writing—what City-provided services are purchased by the Library, and establishing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), so the Library can continue to operate transparently and maintain its fiscal responsibility to the City of Evanston, Library patrons, and staff.
During these discussions, the Library and its services remain open and operating as usual. Programs, collections, and staff support continue uninterrupted.
Is the Library separating from the City of Evanston?
No. The Library is not separating from the City of Evanston. This topic came up in 2024-25 as part of a study that was conducted solely to understand the value of the services the EPL pays for and appropriately quantify costs. This fact base helps ensure that any forthcoming agreement between the City and the Library is accurate, well-defined, and fiscally responsible.
No changes are taking place, and the Library will continue to work collaboratively with the City. Any future updates will be shared openly through appropriate public processes.
What is happening with the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)?
As mentioned above, the MOU between the City and the Library was developed back in 2014; it is no longer current. Alongside broader discussions, the Library is pursuing an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City that would clarify roles and cost responsibilities for services the library receives, as well as maintenance on the city-owned main Library building. Updating and formalizing agreements like this is a normal process when organizations seek mutual clarity and improvement. The Library Board aspires to complete the IGA review in 2026. It is important that this move forward so that the Library is up-to-date on how it may responsibly access capital for maintenance and improvements to enhance patrons’ experience and safety.
Updates will be shared publicly if changes are proposed.
The Library Board of Trustees
What is the Board of Trustees’ role?
The Library has an independent, appointed Library Board. The Mayor appoints Library Board Trustees with City Council advice and consent. The Evanston Public Library Board of Trustees is responsible for the Library’s overall governance and long-term stewardship. The Board helps set policy, provides financial oversight, oversees the Executive Director role, and ensures the Library stays true to its mission while serving the evolving needs of the Evanston community.
Board members are community volunteers who care deeply about the Library, its staff, and the people it serves.
Are Board of Trustees meetings open to the public?
Yes. Board of Trustees meetings at the Evanston Public Library are open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend. Time for public comment is included so residents can share questions, feedback, or concerns directly with the Board.
Agendas are posted on the Library’s website in advance of approved meetings and minutes are posted following meetings, so the public can review what will be discussed and what actions were taken. As of 2026, monthly Board meetings are recorded, captioned and made available on our webpage.
Anyone can email any member of the Board directly with questions or concerns. All Board members’ email addresses are available on the EPL Board of Trustees web page.
How can I attend or participate in a Board meeting?
Community members may attend Board meetings in person. Meeting dates, times, locations, and agendas are posted on the Library’s website ahead of each meeting [link].
Public comment guidelines are included on the agenda, and attendees are invited to participate in accordance with those guidelines. The Library welcomes respectful community engagement as part of its governance process.
Are Board meetings recorded or available to watch later?
Yes. Beginning in 2026, Evanston Public Library shares recordings of monthly Board of Trustees meetings to expand access and transparency. Recordings will be available on both the Library’s website [link] and YouTube channel [link].
This added option allows community members who cannot attend meetings in person to stay informed about Board discussions and decisions on their own schedule. Sharing meetings, agendas, and recordings is part of the Library’s ongoing commitment to openness, accountability, and public trust. The Board and Library leadership believe that clear communication and accessible information help strengthen the relationship between the Library and the community it serves.