Glenview Library Turns a New Page

After more than 40 years at its current location, the Glenview library shut its doors this week for a big move--but it's not going too far.  It's moving right next door into a new 85,000-square-foot facility located at 1930 Glenview Road.  

The Glenview Public Library closed its doors on Sept. 5 in order to move more than 285,000 print items and 40,000 audio visuals over the next month.  Professional movers experienced in relocating libraries are helping transport the expansive collection. 

The new building is scheduled to open Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. after a ribbon-cutting. Until then, Glenview library cards will be honored at 23 neighboring libraries including Des Plaines, Evanston, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Wilmette and Winnetka.

The replacement facility has been in the works for more than a decade – after the current building had expanded twice.

The new library will be "a gateway of opportunity to residents," said Vickie Novak, the executive librarian. It will also be a cultural center and community space for residents and visitors to enjoy, she added. 

The Glenview library will increase approximately 35,000 square feet to provide additional meeting and study rooms. A vending area,  information desk, teen area, youth services program room, technology lab, genealogy and local history room, audio visual area, friends used bookstore and  art exhibit space are among the other features. 

A disagreement between the library trustees and village trustees over where to build the library kept the project from moving forward for years.  Library trustees wanted a new facility in the Glen, but village trustees insisted the library stay closer to town to help revitalize the downtown area.

In 2005, Glenview's plan to update and improve its public library finally moved ahead after an adjoining 2.3 acres became available.  

Library officials conducted a number of meetings with residents to gather community input and broke ground in November 2008.

Village trustees agreed to lessen the effect on taxpayers by subsidizing the $28.7 million project with bonds, made possible from the sale of the Glen after the Glenview Naval Air Station was decommissioned.  The project was also funded by a library board campaign and $1 million from the Village Board for the green initiatives. 

"The new library also has many green elements, invisible to the eye, but so integral to the vision of the new library, and a wonderful opportunity for a teaching experience for our patrons and visitors," said Jennifer Black, communications director.

For example, the signature eyebrow windows will harvest enough daylight energy to dim or turn off 90 percent of interior lights. 

Glenview's first public library was established in December 1930 in the former Village Hall at 1930 Prairie St.  The library moved in 1955 to its second location and expanded twice. 

"The staff is really excited for our new facility," said Barbara Littlefield, director of youth services. The children's department especially is looking forward for the additional space and moving out of its current basement location, she added.  

Glenview residents can celebrate the opening of the new library on Oct. 9 from 1-5 p.m.  A ribbon-cutting will be followed by family activities, music and a special appearance by Diggit!, the library's construction mascot. 

A two-week Festival of Programs will offer a unique blend of cultural enrichment for all ages.  Also, 45-minute guided tours and floor plans will be available.

Register online for the Festival of Programs and guided tours at www.glenviewpl/org/registration.htm. Phone reservations open Oct. 4 at 847-729-7500. Walk-in registration begins when the new library opens Oct. 9.

Visit  http://www.glenviewpl.org/index.htm for more information.