Lake Round Area Public Library

What Lake Round Area Public Library does

The Round Lake Area Public Library District is a tax-funded government entity established by voter referendum on December 2, 1972, serving residents of Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, Hainesville, and portions of Avon and Fremont Townships in Lake County, Illinois. The library operates from a single facility at 906 Hart Road in Round Lake (opened February 29, 1988, with a major renovation completed in 2001 that doubled patron space) and is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Trustees with Jim DiDonato serving as Library Director.

The library's service platform combines physical lending (books, DVDs, video games, audiobooks, and a non-traditional Library of Things collection including WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, telescopes, and STEM kits), digital lending through third-party platforms (Libby/Overdrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, and the Beanstack reading tracker), and a technology-rich maker space called the X Lab featuring Glowforge laser cutting, Cricut crafting, 3D printing, and sewing equipment. Supporting services include the MyLibro curbside pickup app, Books on Wheels home delivery for homebound patrons, passport processing, free notary services, Museum Adventure Passes covering 50+ Chicago-area cultural destinations, and online learning platforms (Tutor.com, Gale Courses, Mango Languages, Creativebug). The library maintains an elected board governance model and is governed as a public entity rather than a commercial enterprise.

The revenue model is primarily non-commercial: roughly the entire operating budget derives from property tax levies established by the 1972 referendum, supplemented by minor usage-based fees (3D printing at $0.05-0.10/gram, remote printing at $0.10-0.25/page, passport execution fees at $35/application) and professional service charges. The library is fine-free, distributing most services at no direct patron cost. Marketing and patron acquisition operate through community-led outreach — class visits to District 116 schools, presence at community events, Books on Wheels delivery, and a multi-channel digital presence (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Constant Contact newsletter, and the Quick Picks podcast). Customer segments span all ages with named programs for children (1,000 Books Before Kindergarten), teens, educators, homeschool families, immigrants/ESL learners, job seekers, and homebound patrons.

Name

Lake Round Area Public Library

Legal name

Round Lake Area Public Library District

Website

https://rlalibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Round Lake Area Public Library District is a tax-funded public library serving six municipalities in Lake County, Illinois, from a single facility at 906 Hart Road in Round Lake. It offers physical and digital lending, an X Lab maker space, passport and notary services, Books on Wheels home delivery, and Museum Adventure Passes across 50+ cultural destinations.

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)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Digital Reading Content & eBooks (Leveled Readers, Libraries) (EDAFACAH), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community lending programs
• Digital media access
• Maker space education
• Government document services

Headquarters

HQ city

Round Lake

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Library Funding: Primarily funded through public library district taxation and referenda. Operating budget derives from local property taxes and state funding.
2. 3D Printing Services: Patrons pay per gram for 3D printed items. Cost is $0.05 per gram.
3. Remote Printing: Printing services at $0.10 per page black and white, $0.25 per page color
4. Passport Services: Library processes passport applications and charges $35 execution fee per application. Passport photos available for $10.
5. Notary Public Services: Free notary services provided to patrons

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Round Lake Area Public Library provides free public library services to district residents, including lending of physical materials (books, DVDs, video games, audiobooks) and digital content (e-books, audiobooks, streaming video) via Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. It also operates a maker space (X Lab) with 3D printing, laser cutting, and crafting equipment, plus community services such as passport processing, notary, remote printing, and home delivery for homebound patrons.

Product overview

The Round Lake Area Public Library operates as a traditional public library offering a unified platform of physical and digital services. The core offerings include physical lending (books, DVDs, video games, audiobooks), digital media access through platforms like Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla, and the X Lab maker space featuring 3D printing, laser cutting, and crafting equipment. Additional services encompass patron support programs (Book a Librarian, Books on Wheels home delivery), cultural access (Museum Adventure Pass), government services (passport processing, notary), educational services (Excel Adult High School, citizenship resources), and youth programming (Summer Reading Club, reading challenges). The Library of Things extends traditional lending to non-traditional items including WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, and STEM learning kits. These services collectively serve the Round Lake Area community through physical facilities, digital platforms, and outreach programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library of Things A non-traditional lending collection offering unique items for checkout including Roku Express devices, WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, board games, telescopes, binoculars, sewing machines, Kill-A-Watt meters, STEM learning toys, Toniebox audio players, and activity backpacks for both adults and youth.
• The X Lab A maker space work area for technology and craft enthusiasts aged 13 and older featuring Glowforge laser cutter/engraver, Cricut Maker, sewing/embroidery machine, 3D printer, Cricut Press, Sizzix die-cutting machine, and Xyron sticker maker. Maker kits include 3D pens, DIY kits, robotics kits, and stop motion animation equipment.
• 3D Printing Service Patron 3D printing service available to library cardholders. Accepts .stl format files up to 10" x 6" x 6-45/64". Cost is $0.05 per gram with 11 color options. Print jobs take up to 10 days.
• Remote Printing Print submission service allowing patrons to send print jobs from any computer or wireless device via www.printspots.com/rlalibrary/webprint or email. Costs $0.10 per page (black and white) and $0.25 per page (color). Supports over 100 file formats.
• MyLibro App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling patrons to schedule curbside pickup appointments. Users select their library, enter library card number and PIN, and choose available appointment slots.
• Books on Wheels Free home delivery service for adult library residents unable to visit due to illness, disability, or mobility issues. Provides monthly delivery of books, movies, magazines, music, or games to door or porch.
• Curated Take Home Kits Monthly curated subscription boxes containing library books selected for patron preferences plus surprise items. Includes Round Lake Reads (adult-focused) and Explore More Bags (youth materials).
• Book Discussion Programs Multiple book clubs including Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club, Read & Rec, Club de Libros (Spanish-language), All Booked Up Tween Book Club (ages 10-14), Cookbook Club, and Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) Book Club.
• Quick Picks Podcast Readers advisory podcast covering books of all genres, videogames, board games, audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows. Episodes released the 1st Friday of every month on Anchor.fm and Spotify.
• Museum Adventure Pass Free or discounted admission passes to over 50 Chicago-area cultural destinations. Passes available first-come, first-served for a 7-day loan period. Also includes Explore More Illinois for free/discounted admission to Illinois cultural attractions.
• Passport Services New passport application processing service available Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. Passport photos available for $10. Execution fee of $35 per application.
• Notary Public Free notary services for library patrons. Requires valid photo ID; documents must be unsigned until witnessed and all signers must be present.
• Excel Adult High School Accredited online high school diploma program offered through Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School. Self-paced program taking 6 months to 2 years. Library offers six scholarships (five from library, one from RAILS) to cover tuition costs.
• Citizenship Corner Citizenship preparation resources including flyers, books, DVDs in English and Spanish. Provides information on immigration topics and links to myUSCIS, Selective Service, College of Lake County Adult Education, 211 Lake County, and various consulate and legal resources.
• Book a Librarian Free one-on-one instruction sessions for adult and high school-aged patrons on topics including Android Basics, Cricut Basics, Google Drive, Email, Internet, iPad/iPhone, Glowforge, Microsoft Office, Sewing, and X-Lab orientation. Sessions last 30-60 minutes.
• Accessibility Services Inclusive services for patrons with disabilities including accessibility kits, assistive devices (transport wheelchair), study rooms, Books on Wheels delivery, and themed kits (Memory Kit: Puzzle, Memory Kit: Exercise, Skill-Building Kit: Bedtime). ADA assistance available via phone, email, or program contact.
• Summer Reading Club Annual summer reading program running May through summer. Patrons track reading minutes via paper logs or Beanstack app. Completion earns entry into grand prize drawings including various electronics, gift cards, and memberships.
• Youth Reading Challenges Three reading challenge programs for children ages 0-14: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (ages 0-5), 100 Books Before High School (grades 3-8), and Genre Reading Challenge (grades 3-8). Tracking via book logs or Beanstack app.
• Local History Archives Local history collection including maps (1970-1998), historical documents for Round Lake area villages, newspapers, Round Lake Schools records, Round Lake Area Park District materials, and U.S. Census data (1980, 1990).

Quantifiable outcome

• Fine-free policy removes financial barriers and improves patron experience
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois DNR provides Field Trip Backpacks to the library for educator use. The library distributes these backpacks containing materials for field trips with students, including Illinois Amphibians and Reptiles Field Pack and Illinois Birds and Mammals Field Pack.
• Museum Adventure PasscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram provides free or discounted admission to over 50 Chicago area cultural destinations. Passes can be checked out by patrons for one week loan periods.
• Explore More Illinois (RAILS/IHLS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with RAILS and IHLS public libraries allows cardholders to reserve free and discounted admission to cultural attractions across Illinois including museums, zoos, aquariums, and gardens.
• RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAILS provides one scholarship for Excel Adult High School program in addition to five library-provided scholarships. These scholarships support community members in earning their high school diplomas.
• Round Lake Area Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Read & Rec book club meets at the Park District. The library collaborates on programs and community events with the Park District.
• Round Lake Area Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary participates in Chamber activities and maintains partnership for community engagement and resource sharing.
• Rosalind Franklin University Health ClinicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Community Care Connection Mobile Health Van and free health screenings at the library including cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI checks. COVID and flu vaccinations offered when available.
• College of Lake County (CLC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLC offers Adult Education and ESL classes. Library provides citizenship and immigration resources including referrals to CLC programs for language learning and GED preparation.
• 211 Lake CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 211 Lake County for comprehensive community resource referrals. Library provides this resource connection for patrons seeking various community services.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wauconda Area Public Library District: Lake County, IL library district with comparable offerings — digital lending, children's/teen programming, and community events. Similar in operating scale and funded through the same property tax referendum structure.
• Cook Memorial Public Library District: Lake County, IL public library district (Libertyville) with similar tax-funded model, comparable district population, and overlapping service offerings including maker programming, digital lending, and community events — closely matched in operating scale and capabilities.
• Indian Trails Public Library District: Adjacent suburban Chicago-area library district (Wheeling) operating at slightly larger scale with directly comparable offerings — maker programming, digital lending, and community partnerships — under the same Illinois library district model.
• Mundelein Public Library District: Lake County, IL library district offering comparable physical/digital lending, programming, and outreach services to a similar suburban population. Operates under the same Illinois library district statutory framework with a directly comparable operating budget scale.
• Grayslake Area Public Library: Adjacent Lake County, IL public library serving a similar suburban Chicago demographic with comparable collections, digital lending (Libby/OverDrive), children's/teen programming, and municipal service offerings (notary, passport). Directly comparable in scale, governance (library district), and patron mix.
• Antioch Area Public Library: Lake County, IL public library with comparable collections, digital lending, and community programming. Similar operating scale and tax-funded operating model under Illinois library district governance.
• Fox Lake Public Library District: Lake County, IL library district with similar small-to-medium scale operations, digital lending partnerships, and programming breadth. Comparable Illinois library district governance and funding model.
• Ela Area Public Library: Lake County, IL library district (Lake Zurich area) with similar population scale, programming mix, and digital lending infrastructure. Operates under the same statutory framework with directly comparable service catalog.
• Lake Villa District Library: Lake County, IL library district serving Lake Villa and surrounding communities. Comparable in operating scale, programming breadth, and reliance on property tax funding under Illinois library district governance.
• Vernon Area Public Library District: Lake County, IL library district (Lincolnshire/Prairie View area) offering comparable collections, maker programming, and digital lending. Similar in district size, facility footprint, and operating model under Illinois public library district governance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/rlaplibrary
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCr93KnIHJdesOvycysakhAA
• Facebookfacebook.com/rlalibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/rlaplibrary/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/round-lake-area-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

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 Lake Round Area Public Library