Corrections: The costs so far have been incurred by the village, not the library. The village was alerted to the problem in February 2025 rather than August 2024, according to village officials. Repair costs are expected to be between $43,000 and $50,000.

The saga of the Flossmoor Public Library sinkhole continues.

At the May 12 library board of trustees meeting, members reached a consensus to return to the village board to see whether the village can cover the payment for the sinkhole foundation issue that is coming up on two years.

The village was alerted to the problem in February 2025. After examining the situation, the village found a void between the foundation and flooring that is 11.5 inches at its widest point. The void is attributed to the contraction of clay fill material installed more than 20 years ago. 

It was agreed by the library board that, since the library sits on village property, the budgeting of the foundation problem should be put back on their radar, with hopes to put it on the agenda for the May 18 board meeting. 

The ongoing situation has caused the library to close off the southwest section of the first floor and rearrange certain bookshelves. Closing the area is causing a blind spot on the security camera in that area, with the board considering buying serval new cameras. 

The fixing of the sinkhole has been an ongoing mission for the last 15 months, with the area blocked off to the public on the first floor.

The H-F Chronicle previously spoke to Public Works Director John Brunke as staff investigated where the stone underneath the foundation had settled, but came to no conclusion. 

Brunke said public works determined the best way to go about fixing the issue is to have a contractor remove carpeting and dig holes to fill the gap with polyurethane foam. 

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel advised the library that two companies submitted bids on the project. Both companies estimated repairs would be less than $50,000. The village board will consider the contract at its May 18 meeting.

Investigating the situation thus far has cost the village about $9,770.