Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Planning For Crystal Lake Library Expansion

A joint meeting of the Planning and Public Relations Committees of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees is being held this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Director’s Office of the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

This is an exciting time for the Library. Planning is underway to expand the library space to meet the needs of an expanding community. Normally, expansions are usually done with additions to the present facility. However, the current library facility has some restrictions regarding an addition due to building that was done in the past and what might be called special needs for a library building.

Unlike buildings that house such as office space, the foundation is generally standard. However for a library, there are additional considerations needed due to the weight of books on floors and foundation. The current building has a portion that could be used for addition, however, the necessary foundation was not previously provided.

Most Crystal Lake residents indicated during a survey that they prefer to see the library stay where it is currently located. This is very close to downtown Crystal Lake, across the street from a grade school and near the Central High School.

There have been suggestions from some of the public that the former Walmart building located in the Route 14 shopping center where former Cub Foods was also located, could be turned into a library. This location backs up to the Three Oaks Recreation Area, but is entered from Route 14.

Indications for future building in this area has been shown as being considered for apartment buildings overlooking the Three Oaks Lake.

Possible plans for the library would include demolition of the current building and beginning with a properly constructed building and include a parking deck due to the slope of the property from Paddock Street toward north.

These plans could change since this is not a final plan. 

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