Cook Memorial Library patrons tell board they want on-site parking

A proposal to add a second story onto the main Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville has garnered vocal public support.

During a library board meeting Tuesday night, nearly a dozen patrons implored the panel to continue pursuing the expansion plan, which also would add parking spaces to the site.

They were particularly concerned about an alternative suggested last week by the village board that called for a ground-level expansion and would reduce on-site parking. Village leaders - who have final approval on the project - said ample parking would be available at a nearby lot and two proposed municipal garages.

But many of the speakers Tuesday were older residents who walk with assistance from canes or walkers. They said they'd have trouble walking to the library from the municipal lot or the proposed garages.

"Parking blocks away is too far," Libertyville resident Laverne Levine said. "Don't go over the parking you have."

Added resident Peter Phillips, father of a board member: "You can just picture what it would be like for us, walking in the winter we just had."

Following the comments, the library board unanimously voted to move forward with the two-story expansion proposal, as well as plans to construct a new library in Vernon Hills.

Each plan carries a $7 million price tag. The board plans to borrow $12 million and use $2 million in savings for the projects, but the financing won't require a tax-rate increase.

The board also agreed Tuesday to borrow an initial $5 million for the project.

Two former library board members were among the residents who spoke to the panel Tuesday about the expansion plan.

One, Jack L. Martin, criticized Director Dan Armstrong for suggesting the board would consider scaling back the Libertyville expansion because of the village board's resistance to the designs. Armstrong opted not to present that alternative plan to the board Tuesday.

The other former board member who spoke, Ed Abderholden, said he was very impressed with the Libertyville concept, but not as happy with the Vernon Hills plan.

Abderholden urged the board to consider building a basement that could be finished if the district needs more space in the future.