Flossmoor Public Library

What Flossmoor Public Library does

Flossmoor Public Library is a municipal public library district serving the Village of Flossmoor in Cook County, Illinois, from a single location at 1000 Sterling Avenue. The library operates with approximately 28 staff (9 full-time, 19 part-time) and a disclosed FY 2026-2027 operating budget of $1,814,610, funded primarily through property tax levies (Corporate Purposes, IMRF, and Social Security), supplemented by personal property replacement taxes, state and federal grants, fines, fees, and donations. It is governed by a Board of Library Trustees under Illinois law and reports to the Illinois State Library; Jamie L. Paicely serves as Library Director.

The core service offering combines traditional library lending with an extensive digital resource portfolio. Physical collections are augmented by a Library of Things program that includes hiking kits, outdoor movie projectors, STEAM toys, board games, WiFi hotspots, iPad technology kits for seniors, and Launchpads. Digital content is delivered through the SWAN library consortium catalog, Overdrive/Libby for ebooks and audiobooks, Kanopy for streaming video, Mango Languages for language learning, Comics Plus for digital comics and manga, and BiblioBoard for independent publishing. Research and learning resources include EBSCO databases, World Book Online, HeritageQuest, NoveList Plus, AtoZ World Food and Travel, Global Road Warrior, LearningExpressLibrary, African American Heritage, and Northstar Digital Literacy. Community services include notary services, test proctoring, meeting and study rooms, public computer access, fax and scanning, and museum pass programs through the Explore More Illinois (RAILS) and Museum Adventure Pass initiatives.

The business model is community-led and tax-funded: Flossmoor residents receive a free library card and benefit from fine-free borrowing, while non-residents pay nominal fines and equipment fees. Revenue diversification is limited to ancillary fees (WiFi hotspot late fees, lost material replacement charges, printing and fax services at $0.10-$0.25 per page, and equipment rentals) and donations through the affiliated nonprofit Friends of the Flossmoor Library. Customer segments are organized horizontally across children and families, teenagers, adults, and seniors, with targeted programming for each group. Geographic reach is anchored in Flossmoor Village but extends through the SWAN consortium to dozens of partner libraries across Illinois.

Name

Flossmoor Public Library

Legal name

Flossmoor Public Library

Website

https://flossmoorlibrary.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Flossmoor Public Library is a municipal public library district serving Village of Flossmoor, Illinois residents with free library cards, fine-free borrowing, a Library of Things, and digital resources (Kanopy, Mango, Overdrive, EBSCO) delivered through the SWAN consortium from a single Sterling Avenue location.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192), Educational Support Services (611710)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital library collections
• Community lending programs
• Research database access
• Library of Things

Headquarters

HQ city

Flossmoor

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Levy: Primary funding source from property tax levies including Corporate Purposes (general expenditures), IMRF (employee retirement), and Social Security funds
2. Personal Property Replacement Taxes: State revenue source supplementing property taxes
3. State and Federal Grants: Grant funding including AgeOptions grant ($10,000 federal grant for iPad technology kits for seniors)
4. Library Fines and Fees: Fine-free for Flossmoor residents; nominal fines for non-residents and equipment (WiFi hotspots $1/day, Hot Pick books $.15/day, etc.)
5. Replacement Charges: Charges for lost or damaged materials including $5 reprocessing fee plus replacement cost, CD cases $3, game/CD/DVD cases $5
6. Friends of the Library Donations: Non-profit support organization raising funds for special equipment and programs, book sales revenue

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Flossmoor Public Library is a municipal public library serving the Village of Flossmoor in Cook County, Illinois. It lends physical and digital materials (books, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs, streaming video), operates a Library of Things program (WiFi hotspots, iPad kits, hiking backpacks, projectors, STEAM toys), provides access to research databases and language-learning platforms, and delivers community services such as notary, test proctoring, and meeting rooms.

Product overview

Flossmoor Public Library operates as a public library system offering traditional lending services alongside an extensive digital resource portfolio. The core offerings include physical item lending through the Library of Things (hiking kits, board games, STEAM toys, WiFi hotspots, technology kits), digital content streaming (Kanopy, Overdrive ebooks/audiobooks, Comics Plus, BiblioBoard), and research databases (EBSCO suite, World Book, HeritageQuest, Mango Languages, Northstar Digital Literacy). The Inspiration Station provides specialized technology equipment lending. The library also offers community services including meeting rooms, notary services, test proctoring, and museum pass programs. Cardholders access these services through the SWAN network and receive free/discounted admissions to Illinois cultural attractions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library of Things - Physical Item Lending Lending collection of non-book physical items including backpack hiking kits, outdoor movie projectors and screens, Launchpads (preloaded tablets), iPad technology kits for seniors, board games, STEAM toys, WiFi hotspots, and exercise kits available to library cardholders.
• Kanopy Streaming Service Film streaming service providing Flossmoor Library cardholders access to over 30,000 films, Great Courses instructional videos, and Kanopy Kids content. Patrons receive 15 tickets per month for film streaming.
• Mango Languages Online language-learning platform with lessons for over 70 languages, including American Sign Language through ASL Inside, plus Little Pim for children under six.
• Digital Library of Illinois (Overdrive) Ebook and audiobook lending service powered by Overdrive, offering popular titles and magazines accessible via the Libby app or web browser.
• Comics Plus Digital comics, manga, and picture books lending service with three age-level collections (Children, Teen, Adult) and no holds or wait lists.
• BiblioBoard Library Digital books, images, and videos from libraries, artists, and authors, including the Indie Illinois collection of independently published Illinois authors.
• EBSCO Research Databases Suite of research databases including Academic Search Elite, Business Source Elite, Health Source, History Reference Center, Literary Reference Source, and numerous subject-specific ebook collections.
• World Book Online Online reference resource for students including the Reference Center, Info Finder, and Kids edition with articles, multimedia, and learning materials.
• Inspiration Station - Specialized Technology Lending Technology lending program with equipment including GoPro cameras, Wacom digital tablets, Canon camcorders, slide/negative scanners, button makers, and video conversion devices for patron use.
• HeritageQuest Online Genealogical research database with American family histories, primary sources, local records, and finding aids for genealogical research.
• NoveList Plus Fiction recommendation service searchable by author, title, or series, providing descriptions, LEXILE scores, and reading recommendations for over 125,000 titles.
• AtoZ World Food Digital cookbook with recipes and cultural information from 174 countries, covering traditional dishes and food culture.
• AtoZ World Travel Travel resource covering over 200 cities with information on points of interest, security, transportation, food, culture, and language.
• Northstar Digital Literacy Self-guided digital skills assessment covering 18 areas of digital literacy, helping users identify skills and learning opportunities for work, learning, and daily life.
• LearningExpressLibrary Test preparation and career resources including practice tests, tutorial courses, Computer & Internet Basics, and Job & Career Accelerator.
• Global Road Warrior Country-by-country cultural resource with 174 Country Guides covering 119 topics each on culture, customs, history, and language worldwide.
• ABCmouse.com Early learning curriculum for children with over 3,500 learning activities and 450 lessons, available on-site at the library only.
• Driving-Tests.org Free Illinois Driver Permit practice tests for automobile and motorcycle, plus Driver Handbooks for each.
• African American Heritage Genealogical research database dedicated to African American family history, created with leading African American genealogists.
• STEAM Toys Collection Educational toy collection for preschool and early elementary students promoting science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts through hands-on learning tools.
• Board Games Collection Collection of board and card games for kids, teens, and adults available for two-week checkout with a limit of three at a time.
• iPad Technology Kits for Seniors iPad kits with instructional videos and handouts to help older patrons use technology, stay connected with family, and access online services. Funded by AgeOptions grant.
• Launchpads for Adults Preloaded tablets for adult patrons with mind games, puzzles, and word searches. Two-week checkout with no internet connection required. Funded by AgeOptions grant.
• WiFi Hotspots Portable WiFi hotspot devices for checkout to patrons without home internet access. Seven-day checkout, no renewal, $95 replacement fee if lost or damaged.
• Outdoor Movie Projector and Screen 120-inch outdoor projector screen and stand with 5G WiFi Bluetooth projector for backyard movie viewing. Seven-day checkout for adult cardholders only.
• Backpack Hiking Kits Hiking backpacks containing Illinois hiking guides, nature guides, binoculars, compass, and walking pole. Two-week checkout, limit one per household.
• Meeting and Study Rooms Two meeting rooms for community groups and study rooms for individual use. Meeting rooms require applications 7 days in advance; study rooms available first-come, first-served.
• Public Notary Services Free notary services for Flossmoor residents with valid photo ID. Restrictions apply including document type limitations and availability constraints.
• Test Proctoring Services Test proctoring for Flossmoor residents with advance scheduling. Maximum three-hour sessions subject to staff availability.
• Flossmoor Local History Digital Archive Digital access to historical community information including images from 1870-2000, PDFs on village history, school district history, and historical spotlight articles.
• Public Computers and Technology Center Public computer access with Microsoft Office 2024 applications, internet browsers, and Zoom. Printing services at $0.10/page black and white and $0.25/page color.
• Fax and Scanning Services Fax services at $1.00 per page for domestic transmission. Touch-screen scanner for documents up to 11x17 inches with OCR and multiple file format outputs, provided free of charge.
• SWAN Library Card Services Library card enabling access to SWAN network libraries, Explore More Illinois museum passes, and Museum Adventure Pass program for free or discounted admissions.
• Online Cooking Class Series Online cooking class series conducted via Zoom where patrons cook alongside an instructor. Classes include themed sessions such as Summer Salads, Chili Night, Hot Honey, and Friendsgiving Feast.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration18 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SWAN (System Wide Automated Network)coreTechnology or IntegrationLibrary consortium network enabling shared catalog, interlibrary loans, and resource sharing across member public libraries. Allows Flossmoor residents to check out materials from any SWAN library and request delivery.
• Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)coreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloped the Explore More Illinois program allowing cardholders from participating RAILS libraries to reserve free passes and discounts to museums and cultural attractions across Illinois.
• Museum Adventure PassminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProgram providing free and discounted admission to 15 museums including Brookfield Zoo and Cantigny Park for library cardholders.
• Friends of the Flossmoor LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndependent non-profit membership organization that supports library work through fundraising for special equipment and programs, book sale events, and children's program assistance. Donated STEAM toys collection.
• Flossmoor School District 161minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal school district partnership providing educational resources and community outreach coordination.
• Village of FlossmoorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal municipal government partnership for community information and services coordination.
• KanopycoreTechnology or IntegrationStreaming video platform providing Flossmoor cardholders access to over 30,000 films, Great Courses instructional videos, and Kanopy Kids content. Patrons receive 15 tickets per month for film streaming.
• Mango LanguagescoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline language learning subscription covering over 70 languages including American Sign Language, with Little Pim for children under six.
• EBSCOcoreTechnology or IntegrationResearch database provider offering access to academic journals, ebooks, business resources, health databases, and literary reference materials through EBSCOhost platform.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• OverDrive: Primary vendor for Flossmoor's Digital Library of Illinois (ebook/audiobook lending via Libby). Comparable as the dominant digital-content distribution platform that public libraries license from to deliver the ebook/audiobook services offered by Flossmoor.
• Hoopla: Digital library content platform providing ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music, and video to public library cardholders. Operates in the same digital library content category as Overdrive, Comics Plus, and BiblioBoard that Flossmoor subscribes to.

Broad incumbents

• New York Public Library: One of the largest public library systems in the United States. While serving a different geographic market, it operates the same municipal public library model with extensive digital collections and community programming analogous to Flossmoor's portfolio.
• Chicago Public Library: The dominant Chicago-area public library system. Operates at far greater scale with 80+ locations and a substantially larger budget, but offers the same core municipal library services and serves overlapping Cook County residents.

Direct peers

• Chicago Heights Public Library: Nearby south suburban Illinois public library serving Chicago Heights in Cook County. Comparable in scale and governance model as a municipal public library operating under Illinois library district law.
• SWAN Library Consortium: System Wide Automated Network that Flossmoor is a member of, providing shared catalog, interlibrary loan, and resource sharing. Operates at the same consortium level that defines Flossmoor's interlibrary services.
• Park Forest Public Library: Neighboring south suburban Illinois public library serving a similar-sized village in Cook County's south suburbs. Comparable municipal library footprint, community programming model, and SWAN consortium membership.
• Homewood Public Library: Adjacent suburban public library in Homewood, Illinois, directly across from Flossmoor in the same SWAN consortium and Cook County community. Operates as a comparably sized municipal library serving a similar suburban demographic with overlapping digital resources.
• Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS): Regional library system/network that Flossmoor belongs to, providing shared services including the Explore More Illinois museum pass program. As Flossmoor's parent consortium for resource sharing, it is the most directly comparable network participant.

Emerging players

• BiblioCommons: Library discovery and catalog platform used by hundreds of public libraries. Relevant peer in that it provides the underlying digital infrastructure (catalog, events, account management) that public libraries like Flossmoor rely on for patron-facing digital services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCqJ7g-sggpVD0ikleMBrgXA
• Facebookfacebook.com/FlossmoorPublicLibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/flossmoorlibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flossmoor-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Flossmoor Public Library