Renovation to begin next month at Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich

Construction is scheduled to start next month on a renovation of Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich.

Officials have budgeted a maximum of $1.75 million for the work they say will include an upgraded children's department, more space designated for teenagers and an improved second-floor adult reference section with quiet and collaborative work areas. The facility will be open throughout the construction.

When the library opened 12 years ago, it was touted as a facility with state-of-the-art technology featuring 80 computers, videocassette racks, self-checkout and a cafe.

Ela Library Executive Director Matt Womack said what was considered state-of-the-art when the facility opened shows how quickly technology changes. He said community input helped guide the planned improvements set to begin Oct. 1, with completion projected for February.

In recognition of today's lifestyles, Womack said, changes will be made to the second-floor adult reference area.

"Right now, the entire floor is a quiet zone," Womack said Monday. "It just doesn't work anymore."

He said space will be created for those who wish to work on projects as a group and talk on wireless telephones, if necessary. There also will be individual and group quiet areas.

Teenagers will have many opportunities to learn and have fun at the revamped Lake Zurich library. The additions will include new computers, a separate gaming room with a large-screen television and consoles, lounge area and flexible furniture.

"The teen area is going to get a pretty considerable makeover," Womack said.

Improvements for the children's area will include comfortable and varied seating, technology workspaces and book shelves more within the reach of young children.

"It's kind of institutional," Womack said of the current children's department. "The shelves are really tall."

Also new to the library will be an area to help residents develop new skills, pursue hobbies or create projects. Called The Forge, it'll have offerings such as electronics, sewing and crafting machines, three-dimensional printer and design tools.

Library board President Kathy Caudill said officials saved about $1.1 million during the past two years by refinancing loans obtained through bond sales to investors. She said in a statement the refinancing and the board's planning made possible the library's "amazing and exciting improvements" without seeking extra taxpayer funding.