Need plants? Bring a shovel to Cook Library in Libertyville

An effort is under way to save the hostas, lilies and other plants outside the Cook Memorial Public Library in downtown Libertyville before a significant expansion project launches this summer.

This Friday, flora fans can bring shovels to the library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., to help dig up dozens of plants that otherwise would be damaged or removed by the upcoming construction work.

If you can remove a plant, library Director Dan Armstrong said, you can keep it.

"Otherwise, they're just going to get ruined," Armstrong said.

The plant giveaway will run from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Only the plants on the north and west sides of the library, near the entrance, are included in the promotion.

None of the big trees or shrubs in the area are eligible for free removal. A library employee will be on hand to make sure the correct plants are removed.

Library staff developed the promotion after patrons inquired about the fate of the plants in the construction zone, Armstrong said.

"A lot of people who love plants also love books," he said.

Participants must bring their own shovels or equipment and be able to haul plants away on their own, Armstrong said.

The expansion at the Libertyville library is half of a $14 million Cook Memorial construction project. A new $7 million library also is being built on Aspen Drive in Vernon Hills.

The Libertyville library will be closed until construction ends next year. Temporary libraries are open inside Vernon Hills' village hall and at 114 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville.

For more information about Friday's program or the construction project, call the library at (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.