Big lighting change proposed for Fremont Public Library
Troublesome hanging light fixtures inside Mundelein's Fremont Public Library could be replaced with more appealing - and more energy-efficient - fixtures.
The current fluorescent lights have been in place since the sprawling, two-story library opened at 1170 N. Midlothian Road in 2001.
And they've been giving staffers problems for years.
"Banks of lights (are) off one day then on the next, while an adjacent set of lights does the opposite," library Director Scott Davis said. "We have brought in a number of electricians and engineers, and no one has been able to diagnose and fix the issues."
Because of their design, the lights are difficult to keep clean, too.
"Every dead bug, dust bunny and piece of balled up paper tossed by a bored kid stays up there forever," Davis said.
Library officials are looking at replacing the fixtures in all public areas with equipment that would be built into the ceilings.
Eliminating what Davis called "(a) vast sea of unattractive lights" and switching to unobtrusive, recessed lights would dramatically change the library interior's appearance.
Additionally, the new fixtures would use LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption and costs.
Library officials are in the early stages of the project. Davis hopes to complete the work by January.
Davis and the library board will discuss the project's progress when they meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
A cost estimate wasn't immediately available. Depending on the projected price of the job, light fixtures in staff areas could be replaced, too, Davis said.
"But the priority is improving the quality and looks of the lighting in the public areas," he said.