Dear Patrons,
Dust has been flying as the Eastgate Branch of the Algonquin Area Public Library undergoes a major renovation to better serve our community. This project and investment in the community has been a long time coming. We know how much our little neighborhood library means to you, and we can’t wait to show you all we have in store to make it better than ever. In order to safely and efficiently facilitate these improvements, the Eastgate Branch will be closed beginning July 29, 2024, and we expect to reopen in December 2024.
During this period, please visit our Main Library at 2600 Harnish Drive for your in-person needs, call us at 847-458-6060, or visit our website at aapld.org for access to our online resources. For the time being, you can pick up holds and return all borrowed materials at the Harnish Main Library. We are working on options for scheduled returns and holds pickup at a location near the Eastgate Branch. Once we finalize this information, we will inform you. Our goal is to make it easy for you to access the library.
Why is this happening and why is it important?
One of the highlights of our project is the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system, which will be environmentally friendly, efficient, and cost effective to operate. A geothermal permit issue significantly impacted the timing of our project, and we are required to make some parking lot and water management modifications to proceed with our geothermal plans. However, we are back on track to install this system and have a clear path forward.
Our initial plan was to complete the renovation on the lower level, close briefly for elevator and geothermal installation, and then reopen on the lower level while the upper level renovation was complete. Due to the geothermal delay, phasing for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work was disrupted, and that work could not be completed in the initial time frame. We found that we need to move out completely in order for the construction teams to have full access to the building to complete the project on time.
We invite you to drop in and visit the Eastgate Branch between now and July 28, 2024, to see it as you remember it. Cherish the memories and the familiar places that you have become attached to, because the next time you see it, the library will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. We’re excited to bring you a new, modern space that retains the heart and soul of the Eastgate Branch, while offering the latest in library services and technology.
Moving forward
Collections, furniture, and other items will be moved to storage on July 23, and the Eastgate Branch staff will temporarily relocate to the Main Library on Harnish Drive for the duration of the renovation.
Projected timeline for the remainder of the project:
Phase 1 (completed): Open to the public – service on the upper level; demolition of the lower level
Phase 2: Closed to the public – installation of a new elevator; demolition of existing HVAC and installation of geothermal; completion of public restrooms
Phase 3: Closed to the public – renovation of lower and upper levels
We know the initial plan we shared with you included a brief closure, and this extended closure may be surprising and cause additional inconvenience. Our goal has been to keep services and collections available to you as much as possible for as long as possible through the project. While the time apart may be tough, we know it will be worth it when we reopen and welcome you back to a refreshed and modernized library space. It is our goal to remain on target to complete the renovated Eastgate Branch in December 2024. As with any construction or renovation project, the timeline is subject to change.
To stay connected with us for updates, subscribe to our eNewsletter, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or visit our Eastgate Renovations portal.