Renovation update 5-20-10

We now expect to reopen to the public during the second week of June. Not sure of the exact date; keep checking this blog. Constructions delays forced us to move the June 7 date back a bit.

The new finished space in the back of the library is complete and crews will begin working on the main room soon as well as the parking lot and vestibule.

If you have library items to return, the return bin is on the vacant lot just to our north - follow the signs.

Here are some pictures of the front vestibule being torn down on April 20 - before and after.

Follow-up to emergency closing on March 25

We needed to close the library to the public on Thursday, March 25 to test our fire sprinkler system at three times the normal pressure rate. We knew the city was going to test the sprinklers, but we didn't know at what pressure rate. Since the building is nearing 40 years old, we decided to err on the side of caution and close in case we had some sprinklers leak or burst. Staff spent hours covering everything with plastic. We didn't have much time to plan the closure unless we wanted to prolong the construction calendar. Some of our patrons were understandably confused and angered that we closed as we did, while others were understanding. We're sorry for any inconvenience. Luckily we passed the test successfully with no leaks or broken sprinkler heads. These are the kinds of surprises you don't plan for when doing a major renovation project!

Renovation Update

Things are moving along on schedule with our renovation. In the back warehouse expansion, drywalling is done and painting has begun. (see pics above)

As a reminder, the library will be closed to the public from Monday, April 19 through Saturday, June 5. We expect to reopen Sunday, June 6. The public entrance/check-in/check-out area will be temporarily relocated to the northwest side of the building until the entire renovation is complete later this summer. This is so workers can renovate the front of the library.

Please make sure you return all checked out items before April 19 and pay all fines so your account is in "good standing." This will allow you to register your card at other libraries in the area and use their services. You can now pay your fines through our website using e-Pay.

Progress on Construction

We're into the 5th week of renovation, and things are progressing great! Expansion into the warehouse is moving along well and includes masonry, metal stud framing, HVAC, and fire protections. Major electrical work by ComEd is scheduled for Friday, February 19 when the library will be closed for the day. Keep checking our website (www.mchenrylibrary.org) for the latest updates.

Building renovation update 1/4/2010

Every two weeks, representatives from Gillespie Design Group (our architects), Lamp Incorporated (our construction management firm), and the library meet for what’s called a project meeting. Contractors who will be working on the expansion/renovation attend also. Requirements, procedures, safety, and scheduling are discussed.

The most recent project meeting was Tuesday December 22, 2009 at 9:30. The schedule for early January 2010 was discussed. All dates are subject to change. Here are notes from that meeting:

· Demolition and preliminary plumbing work will start January 4. Part of this work will involve saw cutting the concrete floor, which will start at 6 a.m. when it does occur and end before 9 a.m.
· Masonry work will start January 8.
· Concrete floor leveling is to start January 12. The amount of time needed for concrete to set will affect work in the warehouse.
· Steel work and delivery of metal door frames are scheduled for January 14
· Fire protection and HVAC systems work is starting approximately January 14th.
· Metal stud framing is to start January 18 now.
· Electrical work will depend on cooperation by ComEd.

If any work related to the expansion needs to be done in the occupied area of the library, such as electrical or plumbing, we are to have two weeks warning and if it affects anyone in the library, we will let staff know. We will also keep the public abreast of any closures or changes in service.

Staff parking is being moved from the northwest corner of the property to along the south side of the building starting January 4, 2010.

Public Meeting Set for Oct. 29th

A public meeting will be held at the McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St. in the meeting room from 7:00 pm - 8:30pm. The purpose of the meeting will be to detail the specifics of our renovation/expansion project. For more details, go to our website.

Again, the main purposes of our renovation project are as follows:

1) to solve patron/staff safety/security and ergonomic issues such as improving patron traffic flow, enlarging the staff work area and creating lines-of-sight and an improved service and circulation desk, plus improving interior lighting and designing an inviting/usable patron entrance;

2) to provide some amenities that were discussed in the new building plan such as study rooms, additional public restrooms, a conference room/computer lab, a larger meeting room with outside access, a new genealogy room, and a separate teen area.

Representatives from the library board, our construction firm - Lamp, Inc. and our architectural firm Gillespie Design Group will be presenting the plan, design and construction timetable as well as showing various fixtures and furnishings. Total cost for the remodel project will be approximately $2.5 million or less. This project will not raise taxes at all as it is being funded by money that the library district had been saving for the past five years plus some grant/gift funds and Recovery Zone money.

Please plan to attend this exciting and information-filled meeting.

New Architectural Firm Heads Up Project

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.