FY24–25
“This library is the best place in town.”
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FY2024–2025 was another exciting year at WinnetkaNorthfield Public Library, most especially because it heralded our 50th anniversary as a library district. For those of you who may not know, Northfield joined Winnetka Public Library to form the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District on December 7, 1974, after several years of work by residents from both communities. Our exhibit last winter provided a chance to look back on how the library—and our offerings—have changed over time and what we mean to the community.
We also remodeled our Studio this year in response to patron feedback. Users said they wanted better lighting, additional equipment, newer versions of existing equipment, more flexible workspace options for projects and classes, a spillproof floor, clearer labels for supplies, signage for the workstations, and a more aesthetically pleasing environment to fuel their creativity. We delivered all of that, much to patron delight, and have seen an uptick in new Studio users who have started using the space as a result.
In addition to the Studio remodel, we embarked on some critical updates to the Winnetka building to replace the flooring and improve the flow in the youth department and lobby and add two new emergency exits. We also expanded seating and play areas at both locations so those using the library to work, study, and play would have more options.
In Youth Services, we added Yoto players and cards and Tonie players and figurines to our circulating collection to provide families with a screen-free option for their littles to hear stories.
As we embark on our next fiscal year, we are excited to continue serving our amazing community and doing whatever we can to enhance life for residents of our library district.
Warmly,
Monica Dombrowski Executive Director
QUICK STATS
516,500 total items borrowed
168,598 adult items
191,735 youth items
156,167 digital items
“There’s nothing like the thrill of checking out a library book. I don’t know why it always gets me so excited!”
193,904 in-building visitors
3,262 virtual visitors
132,658 website visitors
329,824 library visitors
32,702 questions answered
3,416 study room users
515 meeting room users
“You have such great activities and crafts, and we love storytime. We just really love coming here and so appreciate what you do.”
264 adult events reached 6,827 people
117 Studio events reached 781 people
28,143 event attendance
618 youth events reached 20,235 people
Most attended event in 2025: Not So Spooky Halloween with 146 guests
“Not only was it informative and educational, but it was also fun and entertaining! Thank you so much!”
THIS YEAR’S
“I’m hoping it reminds people of how the library has enriched this community.”
Celebrating 50 Years as a Library District
In December 2024, the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary as an independent library district. While the Winnetka Library has served the community since 1884, the formation of the library district in 1974 marked a pivotal moment uniting Winnetka and Northfield in a shared commitment to lifelong learning, access, and innovation.
To commemorate this milestone, the library hosted a special exhibit, Turning Pages: Celebrating 50 Years as a Library District, which was on display from December 7 through February 7. The exhibit highlighted key moments in the library’s evolution, showcasing photographs, artifacts, and stories that traced the district’s growth over five decades.
A celebratory reception welcomed community members to explore the exhibit, reflect on the library’s legacy, and look ahead to its future. This anniversary year was a time of pride, gratitude, and renewed inspiration as we continue to serve as a cornerstone for learning, creativity, and connection.
“It’s so great that you did this! I’ve been a patron for over 46 years and it’s wonderful to see how our library has changed over time! Thank you for putting this together for the community to enjoy,”
Popular New Youth Audio Collections
The Youth Department now offers Yoto Players and Tonieboxes—two incredibly popular, screen-free audio devices designed just for kids.
The Yoto Player and Toniebox are fun, screen-free audio devices that have become favorites in our Youth Department. The Yoto Player uses special cards to play music and stories, while the Toniebox works with cute figurines that trigger songs or tales when placed on top. Kids love exploring both!
These new additions to our youth audio collection have quickly become a hit with families and are in high demand!
“We love the Yoto! We have our own player, so it was perfect to borrow cards.”
“Please continue to offer [Tonies] and add new ones regularly because it’s been such a positive experience for us to check them out!”
The Studio: Makerspace Refresh & Open House
In summer 2025, the Winnetka Library’s makerspace underwent a significant refresh, featuring upgraded tools, expanded equipment, and a reimagined layout designed to foster creativity and hands-on exploration.
To celebrate the reopening, the library hosted a well-attended Open House on Saturday, June 21. Community members of all ages explored the updated space, engaged with live equipment demonstrations, and connected with staff about new creative opportunities. Guests enjoyed light refreshments, giveaways, and a first look at upcoming workshops.
The refreshed Studio continues to serve as a dynamic hub for innovation, offering patrons access to tools and technology that support design, crafting, and STEMbased learning.
“I am so grateful to have a space like this in our community! I told a friend of mine about it recently and we are both so excited to use the space...we have so many ideas!”
How much money are you saving by using your local library?
eResources Borrowed
$1,252
Adult Materials Borrowed $746
Households saved an average of $2,783 last year
Childrens Materials Borrowed $547
Childrens Programs Attended $61
Reference Assistance
$49
Databases Accessed $49
Adult Programs Attended $38
Meeting Room Use (per hour) $21
Computer Use (per hour) $20
Cost savings per household were calculated using the American Library Association’s Library Value Calculator for the period of July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit www.wnpld.org/node/5859.
“I appreciate the library’s increased focus on programming over the last few years and could fill many of my nights with free events from the comfort of my home! Thanks for offering so much with my tax dollars! Truly the best value in town!”
38.97% K–8 School Districts 26.34% New Trier High School District 13.3% Villages/Townships 6.48% Cook County 4.57% Park Districts
4.53% Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
2.99% Oakton Community College District
2.72% Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
0.1% Mosquito Abatement District
FY24–25 OPERATING EXPENSES
*According to Serving Our Public: Standards for Illinois Public Libraries, Personnel costs should account for 60%–70% of the Operating Budget and Material costs should account for 8–12% of the Operating Budget.
FY24–25 OPERATING REVENUES
Laura Freechack, President
Ranjini Shankar, Vice President
Matt Kinnich, Treasurer
Sarah Tegel, Secretary
Jenny Fisher
Lindsay Jenkins
Sarah Munoz