Story posted Thursday, December 10, 2009
Library Rolls Out Renovations
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Renovations at the Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Ct., are complete---about 30 days behind schedule and at a cost of $30,000 more than anticipated.
Areas of renovation include:
* An additional 5,000 sq. ft. for public use recaptured from space that was used by staff.
* Creation of a 16-station computer instruction lab replacing an existing eight-person lab. Computers in the new lab will be available for general use by patrons when not in use for instruction or training.
* Creation of three additional group study rooms bringing the total number of study rooms to five.
* Addition of a vending and seating area.
* Six new computer workstations on the first floor.
The project was funded from the library's Special Reserve Fund. That fund was established in 1999 as a means to provide financing for the upkeep and maintenance of the library's buildings and grounds.
The reserve funds plan includes continuous repair and/or replacement of mechanical equipment, roofing, lighting, and structural elements.
According to Library Director Susan Strunk, this project does not impact the library's tax levy as funds were already set aside for renovations.
"I am very pleased," said Strunk. "We felt the architects represented us well and we have had a lot of positive feedback from the public."
The library remained open the entire time renovations were conducted.
Strunk added there are no other projects slated for the library anytime soon. The library first opened in 1993 and Strunk said she and staff plan to do another needs assessment in 10 years.
During the summer of 2008, the library conducted surveys and multiple in-person focus group meetings seeking input from the public, staff and trustees to determine how space in the main library might better meet the needs of patrons.
Comments were gathered and studied to determine the most frequently named potential improvements.
In November 2008, library trustees determined that renovation of the second floor, widening of the central stairway and removal of some small rooms in the first floor audio-visual room would address a majority of items while also staying in line with funds available to conduct the renovation.
Renovations began on June 23, with back-of-house areas being addressed first. The first phase spanned about seven weeks. Work was completed near the end of November, with the project costing a total of $880,000.
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