Palatine library renovation to begin next month
The Palatine Public Library District board has approved a construction contract for the renovation of the main library, and the work is expected to start next month.
The library board awarded the $3.7 million contract to Chicago-based F.H. Paschen, which was selected among 17 proposals ranging from $2.9 million to $4.2 million, plus additional costs for technology. The company was the low bidder when all alternates were accepted, library Executive Director Jeannie Dilger said.
F.H. Paschen's past work includes interior renovation at the Naperville Public Library and several branches of the Chicago Public Library. The company "understands our need to provide a safe environment while we keep the building open to the public during renovation," board President Andrea Vanderhoek said.
The library board also awarded a $183,332 moving contract to Iron Mountain. The furniture will be provided by Interiors for Business, Office Revolution, and Library Furniture International at a total cost of $839,286.
The project includes a new "makerspace" for hands-on creativity and learning, more study rooms, a teen space, a larger "quiet reading" room, moving the cafe to the first floor, upgrades to HVAC and energy-efficient lighting, and a new north entrance with easier access from parking lots, especially for people with disabilities.
Library staff members started planning for the renovation by shifting some of the nonfiction collection on the second floor, where the fiction, graphic novels and AV collections will be housed during construction.
The library district recently was awarded a grant under the Public Library Construction Act, as it had hoped when planning for the renovation. The $1.8 million grant from the Illinois State Library will help offset renovation costs budgeted at $6.8 million for the main library and both branches.
The main library project is scheduled to be completed in January 2022. The projects at the North Hoffman and Rand Road branches will be completed in early 2022, library officials said.
For details visit palatinelibrary.org/renovations.