Library Gets Thumbs Up on Renovation Designs

Deerfield Library trustees scored points with the village plan commission recently when library officials presented their innovative designs for approval of a $12 million renovation and expansion of the 40-year-old public library on Waukegan Road.

Library Board President Ken Abosch, architects and traffic engineers made presentations that impressed commissioners to the point they unanimously recommended a “do pass” to the village board when the proposal comes before them in August.

“Our panel of experts made very professional and informative presentations. They did a great job,” Abosch said.

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Library trustees are also reaching out to the public through the Saturday Farmers Markets. They displayed design floor plans for the new library at the June 25 Farmers Market, and will again on Saturday, July 30.

Abosch invites all to stop by and view the visuals of the proposed new library and ask questions of the trustees. Another Farmers Market display is planned for October 1.

Trustee Ron Simon participated in the June 25 morning presentation. He said there were lots of questions and strong support expressed for the project by the public.

“They were very inquisitive. The colorful architectural illustrations of the proposed library’s exterior and floor plans attracted crowds to our booth. Everyone left happy, feeling good about the progress we are making,” Simon indicated.

In other action, the board is moving swiftly in selecting a construction manager, a key position in overseeing the extensive project. Library Director Mary Pergander said the construction oversight committee has narrowed the potential candidates from 10 to 4, with a board decision on the finalist expected soon.

Trustees have made preliminary plans to move staff and the library’s collection into temporary quarters early next year. Once the building is cleared, construction could then begin in earnest in the spring of 2012. Construction is expected to take about a year.

Pergander also reported to the board that patrons have really taken to the . Friends of the Deerfield Library contributed to funding one of the check-out stations. She said a recent survey shows more than 85 percent of patrons are using the system and finding it convenient and easy.