Study rooms, computer labs part of Wheeling library's $14.4 million expansion
Private study rooms, a computer lab, classrooms for teaching English as a Second Language and expanded seating areas are among the additions planned as part of the Wheeling-based Indian Trails Library District $14.4 million renovation and expansion that will begin next year, officials announced.
Funding for the project comes from a tax-hike referendum voters narrowly approved by a 144-vote margin in 2011. The hike generates about $500,000 in revenue yearly.
The work, set to begin in spring 2016, will expand the library's main facility at 355 Schoenbeck Road by 15,000 square feet, officials said. Renovations include replacing the heating and air conditioning system, roof repairs, remodeling, new furnishings and additional parking.
Construction will take eight to 16 months, depending on if the library remains open at its main facility or temporarily relocates.
Susan Dennison, the district's communication services manager, said the district has managed to save $8 million over the years and will borrow to fund the remainder of the project's costs. The debt will be paid off over 14 years through money brought in by the 2011 referendum.
Library board President Wally Salganik said in a news release that community focus groups held in 2012 helped officials decide what to include in the project. Patrons asked for additional study rooms and space to work and create, he said.
"Literacy and putting books in people's hands are still the core of library services, but today's library is more like a community center, where people can learn new skills, discover the latest technology, attend a program and meet others with similar interests," Library Director Brian Shepard added. "For libraries today it is about being relevant to the communities they serve. For Indian Trails, that means ESL classes and lifelong learning opportunities, as well as a strong early literacy program."
Dennison said 30 percent of library patrons are Latino and the district also has sizable Polish, Russian and Korean populations.
"Our ESL classes were started almost two years ago, and there's such a demand for them from people who have just come to our country that we are bursting at the seams," Dennison said. "We want to be able to offer more classes."
Residents can stay updated on the work by visiting www.itpld.org/renovation for photos, frequently asked questions and proposed floor spaces.
Product Architecture + Design was retained to produce conceptual drawings and Shales McNutt Construction will serve as construction managers.
Residents can attend an information session with architects and give input on proposed plans on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.
The district serves residents of Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights and Arlington Heights and has a branch in Prospect Heights at 99 E. Palatine Road. In 2014, 375,0000 people visited the Indian Trails Library and 1.3 million items were loaned. The library also hosted 1,689 programs that were attended by more than 44,000 people.