Glenview library will have more technology, modern look
The Glenview Public Library will have a more modern and engaging look, plus a new design technology "makerspace," when its $1.5 million renovation is finished soon.
"This was about a new direction for the library, a different conception of the library not just as a place for books and print material, but this place where you can create and access software," said Hilary Gabel, the library's director of communications. "Kind of the 21st century notion of a library."
The construction project started in February, about a month later than anticipated, and completion is estimated for mid-July, she said. Meanwhile, Library Director Vickie Novak retired June 30 after 18 years at the library. Lindsey Dorfman, who previously worked at the Kent District Library in Comstock Park, Michigan, will take the helm July 13, the library board announced this week.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library currently is open with limited hours for drive-up window and book drop. It will reopen to the public Monday, July 6.
The renovation work includes a new "marketplace" to better showcase popular and in-demand materials; a new "innovation center" with digital design software and equipment such as a 3-D laser printer, laser engraving and laser cutting; and new carpeting and upholstery for the 10-year-old building at 1930 Glenview Road.
The marketplace was designed to give patrons more of a bookstore experience that allows easy browsing with outward-facing displays and curated collections, Gabel said.
The innovation center is being built in the area previously occupied by the audio/visual collection, which was moved to another area. It will be a space where people of all ages can learn and develop skills in areas such as robotics, fiber arts and more that adheres to the concept of makerspaces, or spaces dedicated to hands-on creativity and learning, Gabel said.
Additionally, the library decided to use the renovation as an opportunity to replace its 10-year-old carpeting and upholstering while maximizing efficiency, she said. "It all kind of aligned very nicely," she said.
The renovation work had to be partially halted due to the pandemic but was back on track in May, Gabel said.
The nearly $1,559,000 project includes: $460,365 for furniture, $360,931 for carpeting, $429,292 for the innovation center including equipment, $167,250 for movers, $56,920 for architectural work, $25,000 for legal work and $59,205 in contingency.
The idea of adding a marketplace and innovation center started at least three years ago and was incorporated into the library's 2019-21 strategic plan, Gabel said.
The library has an $8.4 million budget for the current fiscal year.
The carpeting and upholstery expenses were part of the capital fund, Gabel said. The marketplace and innovation center were funded by "a small amount" in reserves set aside for strategic plan initiatives, plus "gift funds from the Friends of the Glenview Library, as well as unrestricted donations from benefactors, library supporters, and memorial donations," she said.