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Construction begins on Vernon Area Library drive-up service window

The first contractors arrived on the job recently to begin work on a new drive-up service window at the Vernon Area Public Library.

The window was originally conceived as part of a larger capital improvement project, which was still in the planning stages when the pandemic hit. The library board put the master plan project on hold indefinitely, but saw value in moving forward with the drive-up window.

The new service point will improve safety, convenience and efficiency for library patrons picking up materials and library employees who are fulfilling those orders. The library launched a contactless curbside pickup service after the stay-at-home order was lifted last year.

"This situation is going to be with us for some time," Vernon Area Public Library Director Cynthia Fuerst said. "The drive-up window will allow us to safely serve more people, more efficiently. And even after this is over, a drive-up option will provide added convenience for everyone."

The drive-up service window will be located near the library's main entrance. A portion of the current porch area will be enclosed to create a service window and an adjoining workroom.

The construction schedule aims for a completion date in May. Until the new window opens, the library will continue to offer curbside service at a temporary pickup location at the back of the building.

The addition was designed by Chicago architecture firm StudioGC. The library board awarded a construction contract in the amount of $1,935,000 to the lowest responsible bidder, Stuckey Construction Company of Waukegan, at their December 2020 meeting.

The project will be paid for using existing Special Reserve funds, the use of which, by law, is restricted to capital projects.

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