Quirke not sold on Aspen Drive Library parking idea
Cook Memorial Public Library District officials are eyeing land near their Vernon Hills branch for a possible parking lot expansion, but board President Bonnie Quirke isn’t yet sold on the idea.
Quirke called the possibility of acquiring the land “a nice opportunity.” Still, she wants more information about the potential cost of site and the library’s parking situation before bringing in cement trucks and steamrollers.
“I’d like to know that it’s really needed,” she told the Daily Herald on Monday.
The library board will discuss its parking needs and other issues when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills.
The land in question is on the east side of Aspen Drive, south of Route 60. It’s owned by the village.
The site is between the Aspen Drive Library and the Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Center. The park district’s Family Aquatic Center isn’t far away, either.
Hawthorn Elementary District 73 has campuses in the area, too.
The library, which opened in 2010, has 69 parking spots. Director Stephen Kershner has said he’d like at least 50 more.
Quirke said she hasn’t had trouble finding a spot to park when she drives to the library, but she acknowledged she’s not there as often as patrons who regularly attend programs or visit the facility for other reasons.
The possible cost of the land is a factor for Quirke, too. She’d also like an estimate for the signs, lights and other equipment that would be needed before moving forward with acquisition.
“I’d like it studied before we enter into any kind of expenditure,” she said.
If a parking-lot project proves to be too costly, Quirke suggested installing some lights along Aspen Drive for people who park at the Sullivan Center.
More parking spaces are needed at the district’s other library in downtown Libertyville, Quirke said, but there’s no room to expand there.
“We’re landlocked,” she said.