Cook Library expansion back on track
After a false start this spring, the Cook Memorial Public Library District is on track with a new design for its main building in downtown Libertyville.
The district and Vernon Hills officials are also finalizing details of an agreement to build a library in that village with construction bids expected to be let Sept. 10.
The parallel projects, budgeted for $7 million each, have been priorities for the district, which is squeezed for space in Libertyville has been fielding requests for a full service building in Vernon Hills for years.
The library board on Tuesday voted 5-1 to proceed with a new design in Libertyville, which features a single story instead of two and includes a drive-up window.
Changes were made in collaboration with Libertyville planners after the village board in April informally rejected the first plan as too bulky and not in keeping with the current 1970s-era building.
While it will lose about six spaces in the current main parking lot, there are some spaces available on nearby streets, and eventually, a village parking deck will be built about 400 feet away.
"The concern of the board all along has been trying to preserve as much parking as possible," said library director Dan Armstrong. "It's fair to say overall the board is happy with the new design. We're able to bring a lot more natural light into the building."
As proposed, the addition would expand the downtown facility from 33,000 square feet to 44,400 square feet. The new design allows for a separate children's wing filled with natural light on the north side to replace the current quarters in the library basement.
Several services will be combined in a new adult wing, as well, according to Armstrong.
A key addition, particularly for mothers with children or the disabled will be the drive-up window, he added.
"They can e-mail ahead and we'll have the materials waiting. They won't have to tie-up a parking space."
The plan must be considered by the village's appearance review and plan commissions before a village board vote, although it is regarded favorably at this point.
"They're tying it in (to the existing building) and softening it up. It's a nice plan," said Mayor Jeff Harger. "The board is supporting it."
The district hopes to have the expansion out for bid before the end of the year, with groundbreaking in spring 2009. The facility is expected to take 18 months to build.
The timetable is shorter in Vernon Hills for 3.4 acres purchased by the village, south of Route 60 near Aspen Drive, specifically for a new library.
Both entities are finalizing details of an agreement that would convey the property to the library for $1 per year. There also is a clause that the property would revert to the village if it isn't used as a library.
That facility is planned for 20,000 square feet. Armstrong said the district hopes for a fall groundbreaking. Construction is expected to take 14 months.