Palatine library director who led successful referendum and renovation efforts retiring

Palatine Public Library Executive Director Jeannie Dilger will retire in July 2024, ending a 38-year career in libraries, the last six as the top administrator in Palatine.

As the library's executive director, Dilger led the effort to pass a 2019 referendum through which voters approved a tax hike to boost funding for the district.

She also oversaw the 2020 renovation of public spaces within the mail library in Palatine, as well as the North Hoffman Branch in Hoffman Estates and Rand Road Branch in Palatine. The work included the addition of the Workshop makerspace, a new teen area and more study rooms.

Dilger also spearheaded the library's move to join the CCS catalog consortium, providing residents access to more than 5 million items, officials said in an announcement of her upcoming retirement.

"Jeannie has played a key role in improving services and access in our community by facilitating some well-overdue improvements," library board President Debby Brauer said in Tuesday's announcement. "Although we are sorry to see her leave, we are confident that she leaves Palatine Library in good standing. We are grateful to her for her excellent service over the years and wish her the best in her next endeavor."

Prior to coming to Palatine, Dilger served as executive director at La Grange Public Library for 10 years.

"I have been privileged to finish out my career at Palatine Library District, which so clearly values working with and serving the community," she said in the announcement. "The board and staff are committed to providing stellar service to all members of our district."

The library board has begun the process of searching for a new executive director, officials said.

The district serves approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within Palatine and Hoffman Estates.