South Elgin library branch gets thumbs up

The South Elgin branch of the Gail Borden Public Library has been open for nearly a week, and patrons say they love the space and what it offers.

"We love it. We love how intimate it is," said Marie Grecia of South Elgin, who visited the branch Thursday for the second time with her children Matthew, 12, Gabby, 8, and Emily, 5. "We used to go to the Rakow branch a lot, but it's a drive."

Matthew also gave it the thumbs-up. "There are a lot of cool things you can do. There is something for everyone."

The branch at 127 S. McLean Blvd., is closed Fridays, typically the slowest day at the main library and the Rakow branch on Bowes Road, which also closed Fridays when it first opened in 2009, library spokeswoman Denise Raleigh said.

"We are opening in a fairly efficient manner and we are going to watch the patterns," she said. "If we see there is a need (to open Fridays), we will try to accommodate it."

At approximately 4,700 square feet the space is about half the size of the Rakow branch, but includes a large program room, which Rakow doesn't have. Programs at Rakow are held in the living room space, often with patrons holding laptops on their laps.

"We anticipate that programming that can serve both Rakow and South Elgin customers will happen in South Elgin," Raleigh said. "We think we can offer a much fuller and much better experience at the South Elgin branch."

The South Elgin branch's collection includes almost 8,000 books and DVDs, the latter dispensed by a Red Box-style box in the lobby.

There is a sizable children's area because a lot of families live nearby, Raleigh said. An estimated 13,000 people can walk or ride their bikes to the new branch, she said.

The branch has no tech room with computers, but it has a laptop dispenser, which means patrons can check out laptops for two hours.

"We'll probably watch the usage and see whether that can grow to other locations," she said.

Justine Walter of Elgin checked out two mystery books for herself, two children's books for her daughter Alexis, 7, and a Kindle for her daughters Sammy, 11 and Camryn, 9, who are doing a reading challenge through school.

"It has more to it than I thought," Walter said of the South Elgin branch. "I think we'll be here more than we thought."

The $1.8 million project exceeded its initial estimate by about $400,000 due to unexpected challenges including the HVAC system, Raleigh said. About half the money came from fundraising and impact fees, including from the village of South Elgin.

"We are very thankful that we had so many people - the supporters, the financial donors - that helped us with opening this wonderful new branch," Raleigh said.