Cook library to throw party for new facility
Today is an important day in the history of the Cook Memorial Library, as officials break ground on their new facility and pause to reflect on the library's past. After a ceremony, the staff is throwing a party. Public Relations Manager Erin Maassen tells us more about the event.
Q. What prompted you to have this event?
A. Construction of the Cook Park Library is starting this month, and Friday is the last day the library will be open before closing for construction. We designed a day to celebrate the last day Cook is open and the start of construction.
Q. What are some of the highlights of the event?
A. The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with a groundbreaking ceremony headlined by George Boehm. Boehm, a trustee when the library opened in 1968, will talk about the library's history and reflect on the future of the district.
Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. Immediately following the ceremony, the fun will begin! Kids can climb on a construction "digger," play miniature golf and carnival games in the reference department, and enjoy refreshments inside the library. Everyone will be invited to say goodbye to the old library and "scribble" wishes for the new library on the walls.
Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. It's a chance to be a part of local history, as well as enjoy a fun day with the family.
Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. We will be serving free cookies, water and juice.
Q. How much does it cost to get in?
A. Admission is free.
Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pulled this together.
A. The Cook Memorial Public Library District serves 60,000 residents in Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mettawa, Mundelein Indian Creek, Green Oaks, and unincorporated Libertyville Township. When completed, the Building a Better Future expansion plan will add 30,000 square feet of library space to the district without raising taxes. The plan includes remodeling and adding 11,200 square feet to the Cook Park Library in Libertyville and creating a full-service, permanent library on Aspen Drive in Vernon Hills.
If you go
What: Cook Memorial Library groundbreaking celebration
When: 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19
Where: Cook Memorial Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Cost: Free
More info: visit cooklib.org or call (847) 362-2330