The McHenry Public Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the hiring of a local architectural firm, Gillespie Design Group (Ringwood, IL) to design the new floor plan of the library. The construction management firm, Lamp, Inc. of Elgin, will solicit contractor bids in early November and hopefully construction will start in late November and run through a 6-8 month window. The project will cost approximately $1.8 - 2.5 million. The library has about $1.9 million in a building fund along with procuring $600,000 in Recovery Zone bonds (repaid in 5 years). So, the project will not cost the taxpayer ANY additional money. We will not be adding onto the library but will be expanding into about 5,800 sq. ft of warehouse space. The remodel project will accomplish several things:
1) it will address some safety, security and ergonomic issues for both patrons/staff (improved lighting for reading; a larger, more secure staff workroom; more electrical outlets; ceiling over the storytime room, smaller tables and individual carrel/chairs to accommodate more patrons)
2) it will provide some amenities and patron spaces that were discussed for our new building (i.e. study/tutor rooms; conference room; larger divided meeting room; separate teen spaces; space for more computers with individual laptop areas; a separate genealogy room; a drive-up drop off with interior access for staff; self-checkout units along with improved circulation desk that permits better patron flow)
3) We also want to redesign the entrance to showcase the library - provide a welcoming atmosphere, have a community bulletin board and possible displays plus eliminate the book drops at the front of the building (cars must now go against traffic to drop off) and replace the ornamental sidewalk with concrete (many accidents have happened with the ornamental brick). 4) We have a substantial water problem with the parking lot and storm water drainage system and we'll be fixing that as well. Plus, we'll be adding some landscaping features that will help the water run-off problem and make the area more attractive.
Our new vision of service is "Yesterday's Wisdom, Today's Knowledge, Tomorrow's Dreams." We hope the remodel project will make you proud of your local library and lend itself to more use. Just in the past year, our circulation has gone from 500,000 to more than 700,000 with foot traffic increasing by almost 50 percent!
The intent of this project is to give us another 5-7 years in this building, at which time the board may ask the public to vote on a new building referendum. But, the board members are taxpayers just like you and are concerned about raising taxes in the same manner. They are constantly tracking the local/national economic situation and are as concerned about spending money as you are. We will continue to investigate ways to improve the existing library and keep costs to a minimum as well as providing YOU will exceptional library service. Please watch for notification of upcoming public meetings on the remodel project. Also know that you are welcome to come to any board meeting. They are held at the library on the 3rd Tues. of every month at 7 p.m. You can also call me with any questions - 815-385-0036. Jim Scholtz, Library Director.
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