Huntley Area Public Library prepares to close in preparation for Phase Two of construction project
HUNTLEY – The Huntley Area Public Library will be closed starting March 15 with an anticipated reopening date of April 26. The library announced that phone lines will not be available during that time, though emails will be monitored periodically.
The library also ensured that no fines will accumulate on borrowed materials and borrowed materials will not be due back until after April 26. Regular library services will also not be available, however that doesn’t apply to most of the library’s digital/online services.
Residents who put items on hold at the library must ensure to pick them up by March 14. Otherwise, any holds placed after March 1 may not become available until after the library reopens.
After April 26, individuals should be aware that the library’s main entrance will be closed. The entrance will be moved to the east end of the building with the new parking lot being accessible from the Main Street entrance.
A library staff member will be stationed by the door to help navigate patrons through the new facility and be able to answer questions, while assisting individuals with additional tasks pertaining to deliveries and material returns.
As a reminder as to why this is all taking place, the Huntley Area Public Library’s construction project will be adding 17,000 square feet of new space as well as add renovations to the current 15,000 square feet, according to the library’s communications and development coordinator Leigh Ann Porsch.
“Once everything is completed, the library will be about 32,000 square feet. Spaces will include a new children’s library, and three program rooms that have wall partitions so we can have one large space or three smaller spaces depending on need. We will also be adding loads of technology including a new computer training lab, marker space, collaboration rooms, a gaming room, a production studio, as well as more seating, a quiet area and study rooms,” Porsch said.
Phase One is what will be completed in April in which Porsch explained, will allow library staff to relocate everything from the current building and “smoosh” it into the new addition to the library. Phase Two will involve renovations being made to the existing building that is anticipated to be completed by December of this year.
Porsch expressed her excitement in all the work that has gone into this construction project and ensures the end result will offer more for everyone.
“The library worked hard to engage the community through small groups, a community-wide survey, and met with stakeholders prior to the successful referendum in April 2019. We were able to collect feedback to help inform what types of amenities the community wanted in their library, and used that information with a Core Planning Group made up of residents who helped to design the building with our architects,” she said.
“The feedback we have received from the community has been extremely positive and residents are excited about what the new library will be able to provide. With all the new technology, more seating, small study rooms, increased capacity for library programs, and a dedicated children’s library, the library is sure to have something for everyone.”
The grand reopening is slated for January 2022.
