Algonquin library closing briefly for renovation

The main branch of the Algonquin Area Public Library District on Harnish Drive is taking an extended Labor Day weekend of sorts while it temporarily closes for a portion of its $600,000 lobby renovation.

Officials will close the branch Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for part of the construction project that involves repositioning the library's interior and exterior double doors to minimize the wind-tunnel effect.

Officials were already planning to close Sunday and Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Once the library reopens, work continues in the lobby that involves removing its main circulation desk and adding checkout areas throughout the building. A vending machine cafe, comfortable seating and a personal electronics charging station will eventually replace the lobby's checkout desk.

“The entire project should wrap up by the end of September in terms of the major renovation,” said Craig Pierce, a media associate for the library district.

Soon after, officials plan on launching a revamped version of the library's app that would let patrons check out library materials from their smartphones and tablets.

District officials are embarking on the renovation in response to a pair of surveys conducted in 2011. In the survey, about 1,000 users outlined ways the library could better serve the community. For example, offering checkout in other parts of the library and on smartphones and tablets would ease the library's congestion, suggested one of the respondents.

Roughly 40,000 residents live within the library district, which includes Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and a portion of Cary. Of them, about 24,000 are cardholders, Pierce said.

The main branch typically sees around 30,000 guests a month.

Outside drop boxes will be available while the main branch is closed. The library's Eastgate Branch will operate under normal business hours except Tuesday when it's closed for staff training. The library will also waive overdue fines between Sunday and Thursday.