Dignitaries to get peek inside revamped Libertyville library

Cook Memorial Public Library officials still don't have the final occupancy permit needed to open their newly revamped Libertyville facility as planned Jan. 8, but they're going ahead with a scheduled sneak peek for local dignitaries.

The invitation-only event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at the library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Library Director Stephen Kershner confirmed on Monday that the event will be held regardless of whether the village gives the library permission to open the following day.

A similar event was held this summer at Cook Memorial's new Vernon Hills branch shortly before that library opened to the public.

As was the case for that event, invitations for the Jan. 7 tour have been sent to current and former library board members, village officials, state lawmakers serving the area and other notables. The media has been invited as well.

The Libertyville library has undergone an expansion and renovation over the past year. At the same time, the Vernon Hills library was built on Aspen Drive south of Route 60. Each project cost $7 million.

Some final touches are being added this week at the Libertyville site, including a handicapped-accessible ramp near an emergency exit, Kershner said.

Last week, Cook Memorial board President Bonnie Quirke said she was afraid the library wouldn't be allowed to open on time because of its lack of an occupancy permit.

She believed a disagreement with village leaders over the layout of the library's parking lot was delaying the permit, an accusation Mayor Terry Weppler denied.

Weppler said the building-related issues he's aware of shouldn't prevent the village from issuing a permit in time for a Jan. 8 opening.