Elgin library hopes 'marketplace' increases circulation

The remodeling of the first floor of the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, expected to start in August, aims to increase circulation by better displaying “trending materials” and new books alongside music and movies.

The estimated $760,000 or so project is going to free up 1,200 square feet of space by reconfiguring the circulation desk, and includes replacing carpeting, updating self-check stations and improving access for people with disabilities, library officials said.

The library board on Tuesday night approved awarding construction, technology and furniture bids for the project. Shales McNutt Construction of Elgin is doing the construction management while the architectural firm is Engberg Anderson Architects of Rolling Meadows.

The remodeling will be funded by special reserves, which can be used only for capital projects and emergency expenses, Library Executive Director Carole Medal said. There will be no tax increase stemming from the remodeling, she said.

Libraries that have implemented this “marketplace” concept — such as the Arlington Heights Memorial Library — which includes displaying materials “face out,” have boasted circulation increases of more than 30 percent, library officials said.

“We have read. We have researched. We have studied. We have attended workshops (that show) that the way a collection is laid out will affect your circulation numbers,” Medal said. “We need to make it as customer-friendly and as customer-focused as possible.”

But newly sworn in trustee Penny Wegman, who cast the only dissenting vote, said the board should be more responsible toward taxpayers.

Former trustee Randy Hopp spoke against the remodeling, while another resident questioned it. No one spoke in favor, Wegman pointed out.

“I haven not heard anybody say, other than the board here, that we should renovate the downstairs,” she said.

Board President Jean Bednar said she's received positive feedback from patrons. “We didn't necessarily call our friends to come here tonight and tell us that they are in favor,” she said to Wegman.

It's all about benefiting patrons, Trustee Herb Gross said. “I realize there is some money involved, and it's a large sum, but that's what we were elected for — to determine how best to have this library grow.”

The library is also planning to build a branch in South Elgin. Rather than spend money on capital projects, the library should increase staff salaries, Wegman argued.

The library should be more transparent, said resident Jean Cattron, who questioned why renderings weren't available to the public at the information desk.

Large cardboard renderings will be put on display as soon as possible, library officials said.

Materials on the first floor will be temporarily moved to the second floor during the remodeling, which is expected to be done by Nov. 1, said Denise Raleigh, the library's division chief of public relations and communications.