Greetings all. The renovation of the McHenry Public Library is now complete. The project came in about $164,000 under budget and almost $1.1 million under the $3 million dollar board- imposed ceiling.
Due to some excellent prior planning, changes in architects and a competitive construction bid environment, we were able to save money and also do some extra projects at the same time. Fixing the parking lot and storm sewers were prime examples of 'extra' but needed projects. The drive-up, drop-off materials return was extended and lowered so customers should find it usable now. A light was relocated above the drop to make it more friendly at night.
We still have some interior flooring issues and need to add window coverings and bulletin boards but, all-in-all, the project went fairly smoothly and is 100% complete. Please note that we accomplished the project with no increase in property taxes! All of the funds came from our reserve building fund - savings over many years, plus taking advantage of the "Build America Recovery Zone" bonds, through McHenry County. We will pay those bonds back - $600,000 over the course of the next 5 years and we get a 45% return of the paid interest annually.
We hope that you like our new facility - it is one that has been a long time in coming and one that McHenry customers deserve. You'll be able to take advantage of the following amenities: improved lighting, rearranged book stacks, self-serve holds with self-serve/auto check-out; separate checkout and returns desks; more space for art displays; an improved, more comfortable entry foyer with seating to wait for rides; more express Internet computers and more workstations accessible to patrons, improved furniture for reading, studying and using electronic devices like laptops, etc.; separate Young Adult and Children's areas; 3 new small-group study rooms; 2 new meeting rooms, 1 new conference room/computer classroom, a new genealogy room; new public restrooms and brand new, updated furniture along with a combined service desk. Additionally, we also have a new full-color outdoor electronic sign that is used for advertising library programming.
What you won't see from the customer side is our new staff offices and work area, including a new circulation workroom. Also, the west end of the building has been changed to a grassy area. It is hoped that in the near future, that area will become a 'reading park' complete with trees/shrubs, benches and a brick walkway that we can also use for some outside storytimes and programs.
In a couple of months, you'll also see some changes to our website - a brand new look and easier navigation/more features -- as well as to our online catalog. Our online catalog will look much more like Amazon.com and you'll be able to post/compare reviews of materials as well as make lists of items you want to place on hold.
Please come in and check out all of the neat things that are happening at your McHenry Public Library. Happy reading ... Jim Scholtz, Executive Director.
