Another thought about Cook Library

I agree with the Libertyville trustees' objection to the blocky two-story addition proposed by the library board to increase the size of the library building. However, a one-story addition having the same amount of space does not seem to me to be a very good idea either.

For one thing, that solution would require cutting down many of the beautiful old growth trees in the parking lot. The village's fees for permits to do that would make the project awfully expensive. Or would the trustees waive the fees in this instance?

For another thing, most library patrons will not want to walk to the library from parking behind the Village Hall or east of Milwaukee Avenue.

Since the village trustees have now become involved in this project, and rightly so, I propose a different solution for them to consider. Why not move the library offices, meeting rooms and the audio and video spaces to the under-utilized village Civic Center across the street in the old post office? That would free up enough space in the present building to make an addition unnecessary. A tunnel under Church Street between the two buildings would cost a lot less than $7 million. Also, some of the Civic Center parking could be utilized by library patrons.

The village board should be a major player in promoting a solution to library needs which provides the best aesthetic result for the village and the greatest cost benefit to the taxpayers. Will they do it?

Joe Shewmon

Libertyville