Elgin council OKs branch library

The Gail Borden Public Library District's new west side branch cleared another hurdle Wednesday.

The Elgin City Council unanimously approved construction of the 10,000-square-foot facility, which is expected to open next year.

"This is an exciting project," council member David Kaptain said. "I wish them well."

Library officials had hoped to begin construction on the new branch over the summer, but planning delays pushed their start date back to this fall.

The library board only last week voted to go out to bid on the project, which will be largely funded by $4 million in bonds approved by voters back in 2000.

The new building will go up on about four acres along Bowes Road west of Randall Road.

It's designed to meet the standards of the U.S. Green Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation.

The LEED certification process recognizes energy-efficient, environmentally friendly construction -- with emphasis on everything from energy use to building materials and landscaping.

Library officials had hoped to equip the facility with a geothermal energy system, which would have used the temperature of the surrounding soil to heat and cool the building.

Recent estimates provided by the district's construction manager, however, show the geothermal design may not be cost-effective.

Still, library officials say they are committed to the "green" design, even without geothermal energy.

And city council members praised that approach.

"I'm very excited about this building," council member John Walters said. "Very interesting environmental issues. I hope you get a lot of people to come to it."