Coming soon: A peek at Cook Memorial Library plans

As the Cook Memorial Public Library District board nears a decision on which of two possible expansion plans it will pursue, patrons soon can turn to the Web for a peek at some conceptual artwork.

Preliminary walk-though animations and drawings for two potential Vernon Hills libraries could be posted next week on Cook Memorial's Web site, www.cooklib.org, officials said today.

A new Vernon Hills library -- either in an existing building or a brand-new structure -- is a key part of the board's $12 million expansion proposal. Officials also plan to expand the main library in downtown Libertyville.

Posting online the conceptual drawings, done by the Rolling Meadows firm Gilfillan Callahan Architects, makes them more accessible for patrons, board President Aaron Lawlor said.

"It's really hard for folks who work to make a (board) meeting. This way, people can access our plans from the comfort of their own homes," he said.

The artwork may also be broadcast on Vernon Hills' local cable channel, library Director Dan Armstrong said.

Lawlor hopes the board will settle on a plan next month. Delaying the decision could result in increased costs or scaled-back proposals, he said.