Glenview's retiring librarian: 'We envision ourselves as a community center'

The Herald asked Vickie Novak, retiring next week from her job as library director, what the future holds for the Glenview Public Library.

Novak: The future is going to be very exciting. We are currently working on two very special projects which have almost completed construction.

We've developed a Marketplace for new materials which will basically allow us to have more of a Border's Bookstore-type atmosphere.

We plan to increase the number of new offerings that we have, so more copies of bestsellers, more copies of popular DVDs. It's going to be located right near the main entrance like a grab-and-go area for people that are passing through, want something real quick on the run, but they want the most recent releases.

We're also developing our Innovation Center, which is a makerspace. This is geared toward patrons of all ages. We will have programs for children in addition to programs for teens, adults and seniors.

We're really excited about launching the makerspace, of course, as soon as we can reopen again and can have gatherings of people in the building. Both items are currently under construction and they should be finished by the end of July.

The other thing that libraries are focusing on right now and that we really try to emphasize, is libraries are community centers. Just like any business or organization, we have to keep reinventing ourselves in order to stay relevant to the public.

And what the public is looking for is community gathering space. With the Marketplace and Innovation Center, we've offered two new options where they can do that.

In addition we also plan to have a coffee cart in our main lobby - again, once we can open up with COVID and do this - and we will have various types of lattes, fancy coffees, cold drinks for the younger crowd and some light snacks with additional seating in the lobby area for people to just gather, chat, have a cup of coffee or some refreshment with their neighbors, catch up.

We envision ourselves as a community center, and we try to be responsive to what the public tells us they want.

The two projects that we're completing right now came as a result of our strategic planning process, which we did in 2018.

Herald: What is a makerspace?

Novak: It's an area for creativity, innovation and design. We'll have things in there like laser cutters, 3-D printers, embroidery sewing machines, robotics, Arduinos, Raspberry Pi's - any number of items for the public to come in and make something.

Or also they can come in with their own design if they want to use our (equipment) to do it.

We're also going to offer classes, so we'll be catering to the beginner or neophyte user as well as having the equipment there for those who are familiar with the technology and just want to make something.

• For Glenview news as it happens, check www.glenviewherald.com