Construction project on track, robust library services continue

It was a month ago, January 28, when the first contractors arrived on the job to begin work on a new drive-up service window at the library. Despite February’s snowfall and severe temperatures, the project is on track for a May completion.

"The drive-up window will allow us to safely serve more people, more efficiently. Even after the pandemic is over, a drive-up option will provide added convenience for all library patrons," Library Director Cynthia Fuerst said.

The building addition was designed by Chicago architecture firm StudioGC. The library board awarded a contract in the amount of $1,935,000 to Stuckey Construction of Waukegan, the lowest responsible bidder. The cost is covered by existing Special Reserve funds, the use of which, by law, is restricted to capital projects.

A portion of the former porch area is being enclosed to create a service window and an adjoining workroom. A covered walkway will lead from the parking lot to the front doors.

With the entire front of the library being reworked, there is currently no public access point to the building. Curbside delivery services have been relocated to the back of the library, where staff use a single door (a former fire exit) to deliver materials to waiting cars. 

Though the under-construction library prevents public access to space, all other library services continue:

• Cardholders may reserve materials for curbside pickup
• Browsing Bundles may be requested by patrons when they don’t have specific titles in mind
• Librarians are available daily to assist the public by phone, chat, text, or email
• Programs, including the library’s popular storytimes, continue online and are open to all
• Senior and homebound residents may request in-home delivery of library materials
• Online research and learning
• Personalized reading recommendations
• Help for job seekers

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