Members of the Park Ridge Public Library Board have joined the Park Ridge Park District in expressing interest in possibly advertising their programs on electronic message signs.
Library trustees in March and April discussed the sign, which they said could be located on the Touhy Avenue side of the library campus, as a way to feature announcements about programs and other activities happening within the library.
“I think it’s a good idea because for years we’ve been talking about the decline in attendance, the decline in usership,” said Library Trustee Joe Egan. “This would be a way to promote the library.”
There was also some talk about the sign promoting community events as well.
The problem facing the library, and any other businesses or organizations in the city, is that digital message signs are currently prohibited in Park Ridge under the city’s signage laws.
Fifth Ward Ald. Charles Melidosian mentioned the library’s interest to the City Council on April 17. There was talk of the council possibly revisiting the issue of electronic signs, but 1st Ward Ald. John Moran said no discussion should occur unless there is a detailed proposal before the city first.
Members of the Park Ridge Park District Board last year also discussed electronic message signs and whether a request to change the city’s ordinance should be made.
Executive Director Gayle Mountcastle said recently that the board has directed the park district’s attorney to draft language requesting a text amendment to the zoning ordinance in order allow an electronic sign for park district purposes.
The city’s rewritten sign laws were adopted in 2014. The original proposal, drafted by the Park Ridge Sign Task Force, allowed electronic message signs, but required special approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council in order for them to be installed. Such signs were later removed from the ordinance.
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
