Library plans on display tonight
A large children's section, an Internet cafe and large study areas are included in plans for a new Fox Lake library, officials said Monday.
Voters will be asked to fund the project -- estimated at $14.6 million -- by saying yes to a referendum question Feb. 5. It would be the third request on that ballot in the Fox Lake area.
Fox Lake Library officials say the proposed 40,000-square-foot building would replace the current 17,000-square-foot facility.
Library director Harry Bork said it would be built on the existing Grand Avenue site. The goal is to keep the old library open while the new one is under construction, he said.
Architects will show off plans for the new building during a board meeting at 8 p.m. today at the library at 255 Grand Ave.
"We are looking for larger study rooms, a larger children's section, activity rooms, and a larger audio-video area," Bork said. "The computer section will remain in the adult area, but we are hoping to open an Internet lounge or cafe where people can drink coffee and use the Internet."
The preliminary construction cost estimate is around $12 million, Bork said. The entire project -- including books, furniture and other amenities -- will be about $14.6 million.
Residents will be asked to approve a tax rate increase to fund the project. The amount the library board will request on the ballot will be discussed at tonight's meeting.
The library is the third Fox Lake-area taxing body planning a referendum on the Feb. 5 ballot.
Big Hollow Elementary District 38 and Grant High School District 124 have also announced they are presenting ballot questions.
Big Hollow wants an education fund tax rate increase. Grant has announced plans to expand the school at Route 59 and Grand Avenue without increasing taxes. Grant officials are looking to issue new bonds to fund the addition, replacing loans being paid off this year.
"We started this process a long time ago and can't wait until other taxing bodies are not on the ballot," Bork said. "The original library was funded by federal dollars when it was constructed, so we have not asked the taxpayers for anything. But we need to upgrade."