Carol Stream Library pursuing renovations
Carol Stream Library officials are focusing on maximizing their current space after voters rejected three referendum proposals in six years to build a new facility.
The library board will seek bids next month for a construction project officials say will not exceed $1.2 million to help ease "extremely crowded" conditions in the 48-year-old building.
Work could begin before the end of October and is expected to be completed by spring, library Director Ann Kennedy said Tuesday.
"Libraries are busier than ever," she said, noting that many people use the facility's resources to look for jobs. "We need usable space for our patrons to come in."
Kennedy said the library has reached its maximum capacity, which means that for every book, video or compact disc it adds, the staff must discard another to make room.
By year's end, Kennedy said she expects to eliminate every videocassette in the adult collection.
Officials plan to completely remodel the library's lobby and create more space in the children's area resulting in separate spaces for preschoolers and young adults.
The number of computers will double and 15-year-old carpet will be replaced. The circulation and reception desks will be made smaller.
Kennedy said the aim is to keep the library open throughout construction. Overall, the project will add roughly 2,000 square feet of usable space in the 27,000-square-foot facility.
Kennedy said the board will dip into its reserves to pay for the work which is "extremely unlikely" to exceed the maximum $1.2 million price tag.
With the failures of three referendum pushes fresh in their minds, Kennedy said board members have not considered a fourth.
"We are just going ahead (with the renovations)," she said. "We need to make the space we are in work."
After a first referendum question barely failed six years ago, two others did progressively worse.
"It was disheartening," Kennedy said. "But we just remind ourselves we are here to serve the people of Carol Stream and will continue to do that."