Officials talk renovations for library

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McHENRY – By the Fourth of July, the McHenry Library could have a sleek new entryway, new meeting rooms and enhanced lighting – but the construction will mean at least a monthlong closing.

Residents got an in-depth look at plans to renovate the building – originally used as a warehouse – during a public meeting Thursday night.

“I think the renovations are going to be really good,” said Marita Sension, one of the dozen or so residents who attended the meeting. “I’m pleased that they’re able to do it.

The most notable change likely will be the new entryway, slated to curve around the front of the building where the current door is. It will have white and silver features and offers new seating areas.

“This is a building that should really come out and greet McHenry,” said David Gillespie, with Ringwood-based Gillespie Design Group.

Another of the project’s highlights, literally, will be new florescent lighting that will be better for a library environment.

The current lighting is “great for a tennis court or a parking lot, but not really good for reading,” said Jim Scholtz, the library’s executive director.

Other plans include expanding into the warehouse area, a new circulation area and parking lot upgrades, among other things.

Major construction is scheduled to start in early January, and last about six to eight months. It’s while crews work on the current library area, likely from mid-April to mid-May, that the building will be closed.

Kathy Lambert, library spokeswoman, said during that time, cardholders still will have access to online databases, and they also can used their card at any other Illinois library – something they already can do.

The project, which will not exceed a $3 million price tag, partially will be funded with reserves and partially with recovery zone bonds.

The plans are a response to the failed $32 million referendum, which would have funded the construction of a new building next door.

Scholtz said that while the renovations will be nice, they won’t sustain the building very long. The heating and cooling system still is expected to fail within about five to seven years, which means officials likely will try for another referendum at that time.

“You can only do so much with the current building,” Scholtz said.

He added that many of the upgrades, such as the new furniture, could be used in a new building if it’s ever built.

Anthony Damato, a resident at the meeting, said he opposed the referendum attempt and was happy with the renovation plans. He also said he likely would support a new building down the road, assuming the economy is in better shape.

“They’re doing the best they could with what they have,” he said.

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