"Tid-Bits" from the Executive Librarian

The Making of a Library: Chapter Five

As the schematic design phase of the project draws to a close, the Library Board will be faced with some critical decisions regarding the new library’s configuration and size. The goal of the Board is to ensure that the residents of Glenview have a library which will serve them well in the years to come, one that is flexible in design to meet the technological changes of the future, while still providing the more traditional array of library services. The Library must mesh the pragmatic elements of design and serviceability with the esthetic elements that make it a gateway to the downtown area.

Library Board and Staff receive many questions regarding issues which brought us to where we are today. Let’s revisit a few of them to provide a greater understanding of the project.

Is the Library planning for adequate growth in Glenview’s population?
Typically, a civic building is built for a twenty year projected population. The Joint Administrative Committee of Library and Village Trustees were provided with the most recent data available from Village staff regarding projected growth in The Glen and future annexations of unincorporated property. Taking all of this into consideration, it was determined that the “design population” of the new library should be 53,600.

Why a 93,000 square foot building?
Active planning for a new or expanded library was initiated more than ten years ago in 1997. Over a period of time, the recommended space needs of the library have been fine-tuned. Three nationally recognized library space planners were involved at various times throughout the history of the project. The first to be commissioned was George Lawson. His space study in 2001 suggested that a building of 111,613 SF would be appropriate.

More recently, the Village and Library Boards jointly hired the architectural firm of Sente-Rubel to conduct a needs analysis. In 2005, they brought consultant, Anders Dahlgren, onto the scene to revisit the square footage figures. His analysis concluded that they could be “tightened up” a bit to 103,400 SF.

Finally, in 2006, it was determined that the entire library Building Program be redone in light of the many changes that had taken place since the first study was performed. PSA-Dewberry was hired to do the third space needs analysis, which further reduced the recommended figure to 93,215 SF. These reductions were largely due to the way in which library services are delivered with new technologies.

What will happen to library service during construction?
The current configuration calls for the new library to be positioned in a north/south orientation along Lehigh Avenue. This allows the current facility to remain in operation and to offer uninterrupted service to the public during construction. When the new library is complete, the collections will be moved to the new building. At that time, the existing structure will be leveled and the new parking area will be built.

Where will parking be during construction?
Parking will be limited during construction. However, alternative options are being investigated. The library lot on the south side of Glenview Road will remain open. In addition, the commuter lot is available for some 200+ spaces in the evenings and on weekends. There is also limited street parking on Prairie, Dewes and Washington.

What about parking for the new library?
Discussions between the Village and the Library are on-going to come up with adequate parking to suit the needs of the new building. Traffic consultants have been engaged to give advice as to the best vehicular flow and traffic circulation. Underground parking, while very desirable on a tight site, is the most costly due to the high price attached to excavation, shoring up the foundation and sheet piling. Whatever the ultimate decision, it will be esthetically pleasing and of a high architectural design standard in keeping with the Glenview Road presence.

Why doesn’t the library move out and build along Glenview Road?
According to the Sente-Rubel study, the cost of relocating the library’s collections, retrofitting a warehouse-type facility to function as a library, including all necessary wiring and hook-ups for library technology, and leasing space for the 18-24 months of construction is estimated at $3.25 million.

Why are there only two entrances to the proposed library design?
The functionality of the library itself dictates a single point of entry from both the standpoint of security of library materials/collections and the safety of young library patrons. While the proposed design has two entrances, one from Lehigh and the other from the parking lot, all foot traffic is funneled past a single entry by the Circulation Desk area. Unsecured rear entrances are problematic as they present challenges for providing adequate monitoring during all hours the library is open.

The Library Board is currently wrestling with the challenges of closing the gap between the project budget and the projected project expenses. Optimally, the Board would like to follow the consultant’s recommendations with regard to building out square footage and parking. However, the budget has dictated that this is not possible. Difficult decisions will need to be made soon, while never losing site of the primary goal of building the best library the can be built for the residents of Glenview with the dollars that are available.

Vickie L. Novak
Executive Librarian