Huntley Public Library offers new services following expansion

Brandon L McBryde

The library’s print, fax, and scan area now offers features like mobile printing capabilities from the library’s app.

HUNTLEY – Following a two-year construction process that concluded in February, the Huntley Public Library has introduced new services and spaces for residents to be productive and complete their creative tasks.

During the expansion process, the Huntley Public Library, 11000 Ruth Rd., designed community surveys and discussed plans with focus groups to decide which renovations and additions were optimal for residents and addressed their concerns. The additions include new technology and a variety of new rooms.

“These are the things they wanted to see at their library,” said Doug Cataldo, marketing and media developer for the library.

Tech services

To the right of the information desk, patrons will find a printer, fax machine, scanner, and copy station, Cataldo said. Printing through the library’s mobile app is now a new option available to patrons.

“If somebody doesn’t have a printer at home, they’re able to use our mobile app to send the print job directly to the library from their home, and then come in and schedule to pick it up,” Cataldo said.

The negative and slide scanner will be found in the library’s Creative Studio, and can be used to digitize 35 mm slides and film negatives, Cataldo said.

The multi-photo scanner – another addition coming to the Creative Studio – can scan a stack of photos instantly in a few seconds depending on how big the stack is, Cataldo said. He said users can insert a USB drive or memory card and have the photos scanned and digitized efficiently.

Although there is no set date for when the new scanners will be introduced, those who are interested can check the library’s website or newsletter for updates.

Collaborative, conference, and program rooms

The new collaborative room acts as a space for students to meet and work on a project, Cataldo said, while the conference room has been serving as a place for people to hold business meetings and gatherings that involve conferencing.

The program rooms, Cataldo said, have so far been used for some training sessions from local businesses in Huntley, and are available for any businesses, groups, or patrons who wish to host a program in these rooms.

Reservations for these rooms are mandatory and can be done so on the library’s website. A valid library card is required, and you must be 10 years of age or older.

Study rooms and quiet room

Cataldo said the new quiet room is solely for people who wish to come in and read or study in silence without distraction. He said it serves as a place for people seeking a quiet, open area to work that do not need privacy.

For those looking for privacy, the study rooms are aimed towards an individual or two people who need a small, private place to work or meet and discuss or complete a task, Cataldo said.

These rooms are on a first come, first serve basis and do not require a reservation.

“There’s just a lot of different areas for the community of all ages to come in, and find a place to work or relax or get some schoolwork done,” Cataldo said.

Under development

The gaming room is coming soon, and those interested for the exact date it will be available can stay updated through the library’s website or newsletter.

“A person and a few of their friends can come in and try out some of the newest games and enjoy a little comfortable area to play,” Cataldo said.

The recording studio, too, is near completion. Cataldo said it includes a full green screen wall, where people will be able to come in and take headshots for staff photos. He said if they want to film or produce a podcast and be able to alter the background, this studio will allow them to.

“If [patrons] want to record music, or even do some video recording, this room will be able to fully facilitate that,” Cataldo said.

Libraries have always been known for supplying books and making resources available, but with the rise of technology, “the whole scope of a library has changed in a short amount of time. And it’s always been a library’s job to be able to supply things to people of all economies,” Cataldo said.