On October 14, the library’s board of trustees hosted a public forum on the progress of its master space planning project. The board was joined by architects from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, who presented their ideas to make the library building more comfortable and functional.
Your opinion matters! Glencoe residents are asked to share their opinions about these preliminary plans through this survey here. The survey will be open October 14-28.
If you were not present at the public forum, you can view the recording on our YouTube channel here. The architectural plans and 3D models are also on display on the ground floor of the library.
Media Release – June 20, 2024 – In a media release issued on June 20, 2024, the Glencoe Public Library Board of Trustees announces the selection of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to create a master space plan.
Media Release – October 4, 2024 – In a media release issued on October 4, 2024, the Glencoe Public Library Board of Trustees invites residents of the community to an public forum on October 14 about plans to renovate the library building.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about the Glencoe Public Library Master Space Plan
Why is the library doing a master space plan?
The building opened to the community in 1941 and has structural issues consistent with its age. To address these issues and to consider additional enhancements to a facility that is beloved by Glencoe residents, the library board embarked on a process to create a master space plan.
What is involved in creating a master space plan?
On October 14, the library board and space planning architects, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, invited residents and patrons to a public presentation of potential building renovation. The library board encouraged feedback from attendees. A recording of the presentation is available above on the library’s YouTube channel. Additionally, the library board is asking residents and patrons to share their opinions about these preliminary plans through a survey that will be open until October 28. The survey link is available at the top of this webpage.
Why did the library board select Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to do the master space plan?
SOM’s comprehensive services and reputation for excellence were primary factors in its selection, as was its interest in bringing a valued public space in line with current and future needs.
How extensive will the renovation be?
The board issued a Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services (RFQ) in February 2024 seeking planning, design, and cost estimates for a three-tiered plan that will respond to different budget scenarios:
- A small plan that sees a renovation to improve the layout and use of the lower level and provides for an immediate response to capital repair and maintenance costs for 2022-2026 as identified in a 2021 capital needs assessment;
- A medium plan that achieves the small plan items, renovates the ground and upper levels, and provides for a planned response to the anticipated capital repair and maintenance costs through 2031 as identified in the 2021 capital needs assessment;
- A large plan, which would achieve the small and medium items and add to the existing building.
After thoughtful consideration, the library board opted to present a large plan option to the community on October 14. The large plan option includes the necessary capital repair and maintenance work, renovation and improvements to all building levels, and additions on the southeast and southwest portions of the building. The proposed southeast addition would extend the existing Forte Room, and the proposed southwest addition is a large program space with an occupancy of 150.
How will the library renovation be paid for?
The library board will investigate and consider several funding options for a potential renovation, including the library’s reserves, a loan, a capital campaign, fundraising, and a referendum. Once a master space plan has been approved by the board with feedback from the community, the board will determine what needs to be done to fund a renovation.
When will the renovation start and how long will it take?
The library board has not yet established a timeline for construction as no renovation plan has been approved.
How will the library serve the community during the renovation?
The ideal is that the library will remain open during a renovation project. If necessary, the library staff will utilize services and procedures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic such as curbside and homebound deliveries, remote ready reference, and virtual programming to ensure public access to service and materials.
The Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services, issued in February 2024, sought responses from firms interested in working with the library board on a master space plan that will include planning, design, and cost estimates to address current and future needs.
