Thank You for Your Support, Glencoe!
In the March 17 public referendum, Glencoe voters strongly endorsed a bond issuance that will fund the library’s renovation and expansion. (The election results are not yet certified, but the unofficial results are clear with 66% in favor.) It’s an investment that will benefit the community for generations to come. Thank you, Glencoe, for the time and thought you put into this decision.
The Glencoe Public Library building was built in 1941. Over the past decades, the Library Board has repeatedly addressed “emergencies” such as basement flooding and HVAC failures in order to keep operations in place. The library has kept up with the building’s capital needs through its annual operating budget augmented with bank debt. But costs to maintain and improve the building have been a constant challenge and post a growing strain. Systems in the 85-year-old building are outdated, disjointed, and deteriorating.
Beginning in 2021, the Library Board embarked on a process to fully evaluate the capital needs of the library. As part of that process, the Board had an engineering consultant undertake a complete evaluation of the building, and conducted a comprehensive strategic planning process, during which community input through focus groups and open house discussions delineated current and future anticipated patron needs.
Fifteen architectural firms responded to a competitive request for quotation from which the Chicago firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill was selected to prepare a range of options for the building renovation. Based on further community input after weighing cost, impact, patron and operational needs, the Board elected to undertake a full renovation and to seek voter approval of a $17.5 million bond issuance to help fund the $20 million project.
While maintaining the things people like best about the building – the north façade (Park Avenue) and the Johnson Room, the proposed renovation has three areas of focus:
Versatile Spaces
- State-of-the art, flexible program spaces that can be used simultaneously for multiple activities or as a single space for larger functions
- A welcoming Children’s Library with a kid-friendly design and a 40% expansion of space to encourage discovery
- Reimagined Collections Area featuring comfortable seating and a light-filled 1,000 square foot expansion
- Multiple small group study rooms replacing the single space currently available
- Relocating staff work areas to low-ceiling spaces not ideal for public use
Improved Accessibility
- A new public access on the south side of the building opening up the library to Village Court and Wyman Green
- A new central elevator making the building fully ADA-compliant and providing easier access to the reimagined Lower Level
- Better and ADA accessible browsing and improved navigation
Smart, Sustainable, and Safe Systems
- Up-to-date Systems – Several key systems at the Glencoe Public Library are past their prime and need replacing to keep the library running for generations to come.
- Electrical – The original cloth-covered wiring installed in 1941 is not only outdated, but a hazard in any modern building
- Drainage – The library has experienced frequent flooding over the years due to a compromised foundation and insufficient drainage system
- HVAC – A series of ad hoc repairs over the years has resulted in an HVAC system comprised of 20 separate units
- Sustainability – The revitalization plan incorporates low-carbon, eco-friendly materials and energy efficient systems requiring zero operational carbon
- Technology – The library’s new spaces will accommodate modern-day conveniences such as built-in AV systems, self-checkout stations, plentiful charging stations and power outlets, and access to borrowable technology and creative tools such as 3D printers
For more information, visit our renovation website at renewgpl.org.
