Budget, Referendum, and Tax Impact
What is the total renovation project budget?
As of November 2025, the latest total renovation project budget is $20 million, including architectural and engineering services, construction, temporary relocation, fixtures and furnishings, and contingencies. This was an increase from the $17.3 million estimated in fall of 2024. The Library hopes to raise $17.5 million of the $20 million budget from a March 2025 advisory referendum ballot issue.
What happens if the advisory referendum does not pass?
The Library Board and Director will regroup and consider changes to the renovation plan but not wholly abandon pursuing a revitalized Library building. The Library Board, Director, and Library Staff will remain committed to serving the community to the best of their abilities.
What will the Library do to meet cost over runs in excess of the $20 million projected renovation budget?
The Library Trustees have committed to contributing $2.5 million in private funding, grants, and special reserves to supplement the $17.5 million bond issue. As of January 2026, nearly $1.9 million has been raised, and the Library has set aside some special reserves for this project. The Library is aware of several construction grants for which it may qualify, and private fundraising continues in partnership with the newly formed Glencoe Public Library Foundation. In the event that these combined efforts are not sufficient to cover the total project, the Library board will explore options Including design modifications as needed to complete the project.
The Library Board has also hired URBAN-ReSOLVE as its owner’s representative. URBAN-ReSOLVE has a successful record of providing construction management services to public agencies that include budget development, cashflow forecasting and project accounting, and grant research and writing.
What impact will the issuance of the new bonds have on my property tax as compared to my current taxes, what % of an increase will I have to absorb?
While there may be modest swings in either direction depending on the final interest rates in securing the bond, the increase in taxes will be around $135 per $10,000 of your current tax bill.
How much of the $20 million planned spending is required just to keep the Library building functioning and meeting current standards versus spending on additional space?
Approximately 60% of the total budget is for core infrastructure remediation and to bring the building in compliance with building codes and ADA requirements. An additional 20% covers the cost of the new flexible programming space and an expanded Children’s Library addition.
Does the budget cover quality new furnishing for the entire space?
Yes, the budget includes all furnishings.
Library Operations During Construction
When will the Library break ground?
Renovations are anticipated to begin late in 2026 or early in 2027 and be completed by the end of 2028.
Will the 320 Park Avenue Library building need to close during construction?
As a 1941 building, any renovation or project that involves touching the floors and walls creates the risk of disturbing lead paint or asbestos. While these contaminants are encapsulated and certified as safe for the public, staff and patrons cannot be present while these materials are exposed and remediated. In addition, a core part of the renovation involves relocating existing stairs and the elevator, which will be extremely disruptive and unsafe for patron and staff access.
While we know that relocation is also disruptive, closing the Library for a significant portion of the construction period is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get back to full service in the renovated space at 320 Park Avenue. After the referendum, architectural and build plans, as well as transition planning will begin in earnest. Only then will the Library Board be able to make final tradeoffs between cost/duration, and patron impact.
Can I still check out books while the Library is under construction?
Yes! Print materials will be available for browsing and checking out, and the Library’s e-collection will remain available to all active cardholders.
I’m a “browser”. Will I still be able to browse titles while the Library is under construction?
The renovation project will require the Library to move out of 320 Park Avenue, but access to collections, services, and programs will remain. The Library Board, Director, and management team are exploring all the options available and will proceed with a plan if the advisory bond referendum passes.
Where will all the children’s programs be held during construction? My kids love your programming.
This is yet to be determined. The Library staff will explore every option available to ensure that Library programming will remain a part of the community’s event calendar.
Space Planning and Design
Why does the Library need 1,840 square foot flexible programming space? Why can’t it use Writers Theatre or the Takiff Center for those events?
The renovation will create a two-part community room to support and expand the more than 400 on-site programs annually that the Library currently provides. The existing program room does not allow for fluid operations and delivery of programs. Only the Johnson Room and Forte Room are large enough to accommodate larger programs. A larger and partitionable program room will allow Library staff to continue providing engaging and exciting programs in a purpose-built space, while allowing patrons full access to the beloved Johnson Room and Forte Room quiet space.
Though Writers Theatre and the Glencoe Park District are wonderful partner agencies that have long histories of collaborating with the Library, each has their own facility schedules and priorities. Renovating the Library building to include a divisible community room for Library programs offers the Library staff greater opportunities to serve the community through existing and new programming.
Will the new facility restore individual study carrels for people who need a little more privacy to concentrate?
Yes, the plan is to include individual study carrels in addition to new enclosed meeting/study rooms and other enclosable spaces.
What if any changes will there be to the Johnson Room? Will there be new furnishings, refurbishment of the paneling and ceiling?
The cherished historical Johnson Room will mostly remain the same. However, there will still be an opportunity to conduct necessary repairs including replacing the carpeting which occasionally presents hazardous bumps, installing more power outlets, and providing updated furniture that fits the aesthetic of the classic space.
Will there be a cafe?
There will not be a café, but there is a designated food and drink area on the Ground Level near the Park Avenue entrance. The Library Board and Director will revise the Library’s current food and beverage policy to ensure the patrons’ enjoyment of the revitalized Library building while maintaining its high standards of cleanliness and pest control.
Post-Construction Library Operations
Will there be any staffing changes? (“xyz” is ALWAYS so helpful whenever I visit)
The Director will determine what staffing changes are necessary in the revitalized Library building to maintain the high level of service provided to patrons. We look forward to having the same familiar and friendly faces on staff during and after construction.
How is the Village going to accommodate all the extra parking that will be required when the Library has big events in the new space?
Larger events are likely to be the exception and will generally take place in evening hours when parking is less of an issue. The Library Board, Director, and staff are very aware of the parking challenges in Downtown Glencoe during certain peak hours. As is our current practice, staff will continue to consider other agencies’ calendars and village-wide events when scheduling Library programs. The Library will continue to encourage and direct patrons to use the lots east of Green Bay Road when attending programs, which is closer to the Library than the Village Court parking lot.
I often park in the Metra designated area when I visit the Library. but, during some seasons, the lighting is poor for crossing the street. I worry about ice, uneven pavement, etc. Will there be any enhanced lighting for this pathway?
There have been preliminary discussions with the Village regarding an improved pedestrian pathway from the parking lots east of Green Bay Road to Downtown Glencoe. But further discussion is required if the advisory bond referendum passes.
Sustainability and Accessibility
What about accessibility?
One of the critical objectives of the renovation is to make the Library fully accessible and to comply with the provisions of ADA. In addition to facilitating access for mobility-challenged patrons, improving accessibility will help families with strollers and materials handling for the staff.
Will the design be sustainable?
Our goal is to meet the standards required for LEED Silver, however we do not plan to seek actual certification due to the costs associated with that exercise.
