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Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Inside Urbana Free Library—an Illinois DOGE Profile

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Urbana Free Library, Building | https://scontent.fmnl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/

Urbana Free Library, Building | https://scontent.fmnl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/

Urbana Free Library, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $50,000 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.

Founded in 1874, Urbana Free Library states that its mission is: “We encourage learning and enrich lives by providing access to diverse resources and programs.”

You can learn more about the organization at its website.

In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $112,229 in total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $89,573 in contributions overall. It also reported $89,573 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Urbana Free Library had $753,361 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $777,471, indicating a 3.2% growth in overall holdings.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Urbana Free Library is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.

In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.

According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.

Urbana Free Library 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Celeste Burman ChoateEx-Officio Member
2024-2024E Barbara MeyerEx-Officio Member
2024-2024Elizabeth A RockmanPresident
2024-2024Gloria YenDirector
2024-2024Kara Scanlon MckinnTreasurer
2024-2024Karla J MollerDirector
2024-2024Katherine V BoyleDirector
2024-2024Mark C DixonDirector
2024-2024Mary Ellen DornerDirector
2024-2024Nicholas John OlsenEx-Officio Member
2024-2024Robert L SwitzerDirector
2024-2024Sharon L ScottDirector
Urbana Free Library Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Brian D RobertsonCatalog Clerk-
2024Celeste Burman ChoateExecutive Director-
2024Dawn M CassadyAssociate Director-
2024Dawn M CassadyDirector Of Outreach And Material Services-
2024Doni M MillerArchives Librarian-
2024Jennifer M GraceGraphic And Web Designer-
2024Kasia B HopkinsAssistant Professor-
2024Rachel Meredith ShoreAdult And Youth Services Librarian-
2016Grant B OneilShelver-
2015Cameron Patrick RiesenbergerTechnology Volunteer-
2015John Michael DudekCirculation Clerk-
2013Courtney Michelle CobbsShelver-
2013Lewis Clayton ZimmermanVolunteer-
2012Holly A YacoumakisTechnology Volunteer-
2011Brian T LookerAdult Services Librarian-
2011Kelly O'BrienTechnology Volunteer Coordinator-
2011Omar M KushadTechnology Volunteer-
2011Patrick Clifford-
2011Whitney K CarrTechnology Volunteer-
2009Emilyn Paige LindenPracticum Student-
2008Raymond SmithShelver-
2007Angela Ann SupernawGraduate Assistant, Children's Services-
2005Jennifer KaapChildren's Services Graduate Assistant-
2005Randi Elayne SutterChildren's Department Practicum-
2003Sara Ruth KopeskyReference Librarian-
2002Yi DingAquisitions Clerk And Shelver-
2000Elizabeth A ScheidUnit Director-
1999Stephen B ConstantelosReference Librarian-
1992Beth C Kawski-
1985Ann Mary KammChildren's Services Librarian-

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