At its August 10, 2026 meeting, the Lake Villa District Library Board of Trustees voted to end notary services, effective January 1, 2027. Changes to notary law, increased demand and staffing constraints are the main reasons behind the decision.
“We saw a sharp increase in demand for notary services this year,” said Library Director Mick Jacobsen. “Staff conducted more than 800 transactions, and with the changes to notary law, staff no longer felt comfortable taking on the responsibility of being a notary.”
While the library pays the bond and training costs for designated staff to become notaries, it is the individual staff member—not the library—who is personally responsible should something go awry as a result of a transaction.
According to Jacobsen, it was a difficult decision for the board to make. The library will continue offering notary services through December 30, 2026. Call 847.245.5115 to confirm a notary’s availability before visiting.