Dupage Policy Journal

Julie Milavec, the Director of the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL), has announced she will retire effective March 2, 2026—a move that one former employee of the library said is no coincidence in terms of timing.   

Only a day before Milavec’s resignation notice, former library employee Regina Hartnett went public in an interview with the DuPage Policy Journal about concerns related to Milavec’s leadership, from employee safety to financial mismanagement and library policies.

Among her major concerns is the library’s collection under Milavec’s leadership, particularly regarding explicit books available to children. 

“Under her watch, the library allowed explicit books for young children, some of which are described as pornographic,” Hartnett said. 

Milavec, who has served in her position for nearly 10 years, as of 2023 was paid a salary of $157,306.50 annually, equating to an hourly wage of $80.67. Additionally, the village contributes $13,984.55 annually to her pension.

At the time of her retirement, Milavec will be 55, and with 10 years of service under her belt, can immediately get pension benefits.  

However, Milavec has described the advance notice as preparation time. 

“This announcement is being made a year in advance to allow the Board of Library Trustees ample time to plan for the executive search while continuing progress on strategic plan goals,” Milavec said in her resignation notice. “I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and have spoken to the board about their priorities for my focus in my final year. I will continue focusing on 2025 strategic work plan projects and maintaining the high level of library service our community expects.”

Hartnett believes that the timing of Milavec’s resignation is not coincidental. 

“You feel like you’ve been vindicated,” Hartnett told the DuPage Policy Journal. “About someone who just really honestly didn’t care about me as an employee. The biggest thing that stands out to me is that it’s like she’s running away. She’s running away and dodging every bullet….I think for me, it really puts into perspective the kind of person she is.” 

“Ironically, I thought it was very interesting that my story came out, and a day later, she puts out that she’s retiring,” Hartnett explained. “I kind of feel like it made her run. She’s tired of us calling her out. She’s tired of us asking about her spending, asking about what she’s doing to protect the library. So yeah, I really take pride that my story did come out.”

Among Hartnett's most serious allegations are claims of harassment and threats from library patrons, which Milavec reportedly failed to address. 

“If she truly cared about staff, the two men, the one who harassed me sexually and the one who threatened my life, wouldn’t still be in her library today,” Hartnett said. “But yet, they’re still roaming active today.”

Despite her frustration, Hartnett is hopeful for the future of the library and stresses the importance of finding a leader who can restore integrity to the institution. 

“Are we happy that she’s gone? Absolutely,” Hartnett said. “But now we’ve got to fight to get someone in there that will be a better person.”

As the Downers Grove Public Library moves forward in its search for new leadership, calls for transparency and accountability continue to grow. Hartnett is advocating for a more open and responsible approach to library management. 

“We’re trying to shed as much light on her as we can,” Hartnett said. “We’re just trying to make as much public as we can about her.”

Milavec's departure announcement also comes as discussions continue about the future of library governance. A proposal to elect, rather than appoint, members of the Downers Grove Public Library Board has gained traction in the community, fueled by ongoing concerns over inappropriate LGBT programming aimed at children. 

Supporters of an elected board argue it would ensure greater accountability and transparency, especially in light of recent controversies at the library.

Hartnett’s views align with local political candidate Paul Drabik, who advocates for stronger oversight and community-driven change at the library.