New posts mean better access to library’s book return chutes

Drive-up book return chutes are supposed to be conveniences for library patrons.

But for Libertyville resident Tracy Lundman, the chutes for books and audio/video materials at Cook Park Library have been nothing but frustrating.

Two large, yellow posts designed to keep motorists from crashing into the building also keep most patrons — including Lundman — from reaching the chute drawers from their cars. That forces them to park and walk to the area.

“I bet 80 million people complain because of those stupid pillars,” Lundman said. “It was the worst mistake ever.”

Fortunately for Lundman and other patrons, it’s a mistake that’s being corrected this weekend.

On Friday, construction workers removed the two posts and installed smaller ones closer to the brick facade. The new pillars still will protect the building but will allow customers to more easily reach the chutes.

Cook Memorial Public Library District Director Stephen Kershner expects patrons will be “happily amazed” by the change.

“I think our library patrons will be very pleased that (the) return service will be much more user-friendly,” he said.

The drive-up chutes, which are on the south side of the building near the Brainerd Avenue entrance, were added to the library as part of a recent expansion project. Concrete posts with steel cores were installed, too.

The contractors working on the job put in larger posts than specified, however, which caused the access problem, Kershner said.

When asked how many complaints he’s received about the posts, Kershner laughed.

“Many,” he said. “Many, many.”

The old posts were removed and replaced Friday. The cement keeping them in place should be dry by Sunday.

Vernon Hills resident Mitch Portugal was happy to see the work taking place.

“My arms were like 6 inches too short (to reach the chutes),” he said.

Drive-up access to the chutes should resume Sunday or Monday, Kershner said. Until then, a temporary return box has been set up near the library parking lot’s Church Street exit.

The work will cost about $2,000, Kershner said.

Two yellow posts guarding the material pickup window near the drop-off chutes won’t be replaced because the librarians staffing it can reach through the window to patrons, Kershner said.