Genealogists look for new home

Time normally is the domain of historical researchers but it is running out for the Lake County Genealogical Society.

The 30-year-old non-profit group has to leave its second-floor home at the Fremont Public Library in Mundelein and is looking for another place to take root.

“We've been packing furiously,” said Mary Jo Vepley, second vice president of the society, which has about 130 members.

“The timing has caught us unprepared.”

Vepley said the society knew it would have to leave its home of the past eight years because of planned library renovations, but thought there would be a longer lead time.

The works starts next month, however, and the society has to be out by the end of January, as its space will be converted for another use, she said.

That's why it is asking the Vernon Hills village board on Tuesday for permission to use space in the basement of village hall, which had been occupied for about seven years until last July as a branch of the Cook Memorial Public Library.

Trustees will consider the society's request during its informal work session following the regular board meeting that begins at 7 p.m. at village hall, 290 Evergreen Drive.

The society wants to operate a reading room and storage area for its collection of books that occupies more than 1,000 lineal feet of shelving, and other historical materials including more than 200,000 copies of obituaries.

Village staff suggests the agreement be for up to 12 months with an option to renew, and that the society contribute $100 per month to defray cost of phone service and Internet access, the same as it pays Fremont.

Hours at Vernon Hills would be limited to 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, although night meetings would be allowed on the first and third Tuesdays of a given month to coincide with village board meetings.

The society, which has had evening and weekend hours at Fremont, wants to avoid having to store the materials because no one will be able to access them, Vepley said.

The space in Vernon Hills is vacant, although the village's senior center occupies an adjoining space downstairs.

“This is a question the board will have to answer — if they want to allow someone from outside to come in and use the space,” said John Kalmar, assistant village manager.