Northbrook Library Construction Nearing Completion

Submitted by Kate Hall, Northbrook Public Library Executive Director

After nearly a year of construction, the Northbrook Library’s building project is nearing completion. The construction is slated to be finished at the end of March 2015 and is on track to finish at that time. After construction is completed, staff will be trained on the equipment and spaces. Library programs will be moved into the new space in May with a grand opening slated for summer. Community groups seeking to reserve space in the new rooms can begin reserving space in mid-July. Rooms will be available to community groups starting September 1. For more information or to be notified when the new policy is available, groups can contact: meetingrooms@northbrook.info

At the beginning of the project, the Library experienced several unexpected hurdles that could have delayed the project. However, Pepper Construction has done an admirable job of keeping the project on the same timeline despite the obstacles which included two feet of concrete that needed to be removed before the construction could continue and a gas line that was not shown on any of the as built drawings and had to be re-routed. In addition, during the construction manager review of the schematic design documents, Pepper determined that a major overhaul to the HVAC system was needed to be in compliance with code The final unexpected issue was the change in the plan for the waterproofing that existed as a result of the library being on a floodplain. The original material and drain tile placement did not proper waterproofing and, as a result, the material, the drain tile placement, and a new sump pump needed to be added to the project. The carpeting on much of the second floor was also replaced during the project. These additional projects were in addition to the timeline that was already set, but the Library was able to stay within the original timeline for the project.

The new space will feature a 225 person auditorium, the Pollack Room, which will hold approximately 100 people or can be split into two smaller meeting rooms, and the Civic Room, which will hold approximately 30 people. The Lobby was also updated and the Friend of the Library will have a new space for a used bookstore.

The staff and Board of the Northbrook Public Library are excited about the new space and look forward to welcoming the community into the space with concerts, movies, lectures and more.

The Northbrook Public Library is located at 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062. For more information on the Library and continuing updates on the construction project, visit www.northbrook.info.