Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that “all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees consistent with the terms of this Act. Such access is necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest.” 5 ILCS 140/1 Section 1. The library is committed to providing access to applicable public records under the law.
Public Records Available for FOIA Requests
Below are types of records that are available immediately via our website:
Additionally, WPLD adheres to the guidance for retaining business records set out by the Local Records Commission through the State of Illinois. A sampling of additional types and categories of records the library retains are listed below. A complete list of all WPLD document types and retention times is available upon request via email (director@warrenville.com) or in person by visiting the administration office during normal business hours.
- Record Types & Categories Kept
- Applications to Dispose of Records
- Bank Statements, Deposits, & Cancelled Checks
- Check Stubs & Copies
- Circulation Statistics
- Contracts, Agreements, & Leases
- Department & Statistical Reports
- Financial Reports & Statements
- FOIA Requests & Denials
- Insurance Policies
- Newsletters, Brochures, & Pamphlets
- Ordinances & Resolutions
- Paid Bills & Invoices
- Maps, Plats, Surveys, & Blueprints
Procedures - Making Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
- FOIA Officers:
Primary: Jason Stuhlmann, Executive Director
Secondary: Jackie Davis, Assistant to the Director
- Your Freedom of Information Act request must be submitted in writing, provide contact information, a detailed account of the documents you are requesting and whether the documents are intended for commercial use. There is no requirement under the law to respond to oral requests or to provide information other than what already exists in records.
- Requests should be addressed to FOIA Officer, Warrenville Public Library District using one of these methods:
- Emailed to foia@warrenville.com
- Mailed or delivered in person to: 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
- Faxed to: 630/393-1688
- Using the website submission form below
- Requests for public records are fulfilled under the guidelines of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 40). Requestors will be contacted within the time allotted by law with a response to their request. At that time, the requestor will be informed of any fees associated with their request.
- Records may be inspected on-site or a copy made for the requestor. If inspected, a library employee will be present throughout the inspection.
Procedures - Library FOIA Officer Response to Requests
- Within 5 business days following the date of the request, the library will respond with information regarding access to the information, request an extension under the law or deny the request in writing. If the request is for commercial purposes, the library will respond within 21 business days.
- The library is not required to copy a public record that is published on the library’s website. The library will notify you that the public record is available online and direct you to the website where the record can be reasonably accessed.
- The charge for copies of the records will be as follows:
- First 50 pages of black & white on legal or letter size paper will be free
- 10 cents per additional page for black & white on legal or letter size paper after the first 50 pages
- 25 cents per page for color or oversized copies
- If records are provided in electronic format, the actual cost of the media used for storage will be charged
Procedures - Appealing a Denial
If your request for information is denied, or denied in part, you have the right to have your request reviewed by the Public Access Counselor (PAC) at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). You can file your Request for Review with the PAC by writing to:
- Leah Bartelt, Public Access Counselor
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
500 South 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62701
public.access@ilag.gov
877-299-3642
You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State circuit court. 5 ILCS 140/11. If you choose to file a Request for Review with the PAC, you must do so within 60 calendar days of the date of this denial letter. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). Please note that you must include a copy of your original FOIA request and the denial letter when filing a Request for Review with the PAC.
