Northbrook Public Library Plans Expansion

Based on the popularity of its film and concert series, the is planning a 2,000-square-foot addition to its ground floor. 

Designed by the Elgin-based architecture firm Dewberry, the library’s new space would expand the southern section of the first floor beneath the second floor’s overhang, creating a larger theater with 233 fixed seats. The current theater, where the library’s film and concert series is hosted, fits 188 moveable chairs.

Also proposed are reconfigurations of the library’s two public meeting spaces, the Pollak Room and the Civic Room. The Pollak Room would be expanded to fit 110 people, from its current capacity of 40, and would be divisible so that multiple meetings could be held at once. The Civic Room would also be reconfigured to fit 12 more seats. 

Assistant director Eric Robbins said it was too early in the process to have a dollar amount for the addition. But, he said, “We’ll be glad to share it once we’ve got it.” 

At a village board meeting last week, library officials submitted a preliminary application to Northbrook trustees, requesting approval of the plan and permission not to build more parking spaces. According to village code, an expansion of this size would typically require the creation of more parking. But the library has suggested that parking on Cedar Lane and throughout the municipal campus should be considered an option for patrons.   

Trustees acknowledged that parking could be tight at the library, but most were supportive of the library’s plans. 

“It’s great that the library is expanding,” said trustee Todd Heller. “Libraries are not dead.” 

At Tuesday’s meeting, village board members unanimously voted to give initial approval to the library’s expansion. The proposal still has to go before the plan commission for review.