Sugar Grove approves library plan

The Sugar Grove board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve plans for a new $8 million library.

The vote allows library officials to take the necessary steps for construction to begin in the spring, and take a crucial step in ending a journey that began in 2004, when voters approved an $8 million bond issue.

The 32,000-square-foot facility will replace the existing 6,600-square-foot library.

Therese Thompson of Cordogan, Clark and Associates, architects for the library, described exterior and interior features as she presented the plans.

According to Thompson, the building is designed to represent the agricultural heritage of the area, with a look that suggests a series of farm houses.

"There will be a front porch near the entrance where people can gather and wait for rides," Thompson said. "It will provide a homey atmosphere that will encourage impromptu meetings between neighbors."

Plans also call for a central gallery, which will feature changing exhibits, a teen room, study rooms that will accommodate four to 10 people, a reading area with a fireplace and public meeting rooms.

The library will be constructed on a 5-acre parcel on Municipal Drive at Snow Street, south of Route 30 in the Prairie Glen subdivision.

Officials expect the library to be completed by the fall of 2009.