ST. CHARLES – Nearly two years after voters opposed a referendum to expand the St. Charles Public Library, trustees Wednesday decided not to pursue another in February.

Library Director Diana Brown said the economy and development of technology contributed to the board's decision.

Trustees prefer to review plans and optimize existing space, she said, adding they also are waiting for the results on the community futures study.

In 2010, the library put two questions on the November ballot. One asked voters about their support for $35 million in improvements and an expansion that would have nearly doubled the 55,000 square-foot facility. The other asked voters approve an increase in the limiting rate to pay for the addition's operating costs.

The library last expanded in the 1980s and was designed to serve the library district until 2005 with a population of 45,000. In 2010, library officials said the district served an estimated 62,000 people.

About 46 percent of voters supported the expansion, and 38 percent supported the limiting rate increase. Had both questions been approved, it would have cost the owner of a house with a $100,000 market value about $26.88 more.