Cook library's temporary center opens
Cook Memorial Public Library District's Temporary Library Center in Libertyville opened to glowing reviews from patrons Monday.
Within an hour of its noon debut, the facility at 116 N. Milwaukee Ave. was filled with customers searching for books, flipping through the DVD collection and surfing the Internet.
"I think it's really nice," said Libertyville resident Carina Delavega, who'd come to the facility - affectionately called the TLC by some - to do a little online shopping. "I'm really impressed."
Fellow Libertyville resident Pauline Chan had no trouble finding books with her children, Anna and Andrew.
She was also glad to find parking easily, something that wasn't always a simple task at the regular library building on Cook Park.
The temporary facility was created to serve customers during a $7 million construction project at the Cook Park library. The regular library's last day of service was Friday.
It will open again in about 14 months, larger and fully renovated.
A new library is simultaneously being built in Vernon Hills. That effort also will cost $7 million.
As some employees worked to stock the shelves at the temporary center, others checked out books and other materials for patrons happy to have service.
"I think everyone is managing," employee Phil Roach said as he manned the checkout desk. "Everyone seems to be patient."
Patrons were waiting outside the storefront space, which is in the Mil Park Plaza just north of Route 176, for the doors to open at noon. Cook Memorial board President Aaron Lawlor called the gathered crowd "astounding."
"It's thrilling to me that we've been able to provide such a strong continuity of service (for) our residents," Lawlor said.
The hours of the temporary library are:
•Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
•Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The library is closed Sundays until September.
An older temporary branch in Vernon Hills' village hall will remain open during construction, too.
For more information on the construction projects or library services, visit cooklib.org.