New library in the works for Vernon Hills

After months of public and private talks, the Cook Memorial Public Library board on Tuesday agreed to develop plans for a new library on Aspen Drive in Vernon Hills.

"It accomplishes our goals in a fiscally responsible way," board President Aaron Lawlor said of the deal, which would put the building on village-owned land.

The board's unanimous vote, which followed a nearly hourlong closed-door discussion, means the board no longer is considering converting part of an office building on Deerpath Drive into a south-branch library. That concept had been on the table for a while.

After the meeting, Lawlor said officials couldn't come to terms with the Deerpath Building's owners on legal conditions library officials required. Price was a factor, too, he said.

The planned Vernon Hills facility comprises half of a $12 million proposal that also calls for the main library in Libertyville to be expanded.

The Vernon Hills building, which could be at least 20,000 square feet, would replace the interim facility now operating in the lower level of village hall.

The main library, at 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., would be expanded by about 10,000 square feet, too, plans say.

The board intends to borrow money for the project and use annual budget surpluses to pay it back.

Unlike three previous expansion proposals that were rejected by voters, this plan does not require a tax-rate increase and won't appear on a ballot.

In addition to formally settling on the Aspen Drive site, the board took several other steps relating to the project Tuesday, all accomplished with the same vote. For example, the panel decided to:

• Develop an intergovernmental agreement with Vernon Hills officials for the property.

• Direct its architect to progress with plans for the main library and the Aspen Drive site.

• Develop a plan for philanthropic participation regarding the project.