Month: October 2025

Glencoe officials will soon formally hit the books on a multi-million-dollar project that would start a new chapter for a beloved institution.

Village trustees during their Thursday, Oct. 16 Committee of the Whole meeting heard a thorough presentation from Glencoe Public Library officials that detailed the library’s plans for a massive renovation and expansion project.

The library’s large-scale vision for reimagining its building on Park Avenue aims to create more versatile spaces, improve accessibility and add smart, sustainable and safe systems to the facility, officials said.

Plans call for multiple additions to the existing structure and design proposals, according to library documents, will bring “intuitive, community-focused spaces where people can gather for innovative programming; collaborate or work independently; learn, reflect, dream and play.”

Read more at NorthShoreRecord.com

Glencoe Public Library officials are preparing to ask voters to fund a major renovation of their 320 Park Avenue building — a $17 million project they say is necessary to modernize the 84-year-old facility.

Library board members and staff outlined their plans during an Oct. 19 community presentation, explaining why an overhaul is needed and what improvements residents can expect if funding is approved. The board is expected to vote in November on whether to place a bond referendum on the ballot for next year’s municipal elections.

The library, roughly 20,500 square feet in size, first opened in 1941. It last underwent a renovation in 2001, followed by the installation of a new heating and cooling system in 2017. Executive Director Andrew Kim told the audience that consideration for a larger upgrade emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when staff began evaluating the building’s long-term viability.

“The pandemic prompted us to reflect on what the library really is and the work it needs,” Kim told attendees.

Read more at ChicagoTribune.com

The Heart of the Community

Since 1941, our library has stood as a source of community pride, a place where children read and play, neighbors gather, and people find connection and solace. But a building designed for another era can no longer keep pace with how we live and learn today.

The proposed master plan, designed by lifelong Glencoe resident and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Managing Partner Adam Semel, preserves the library’s historic charm while transforming it into a vibrant space that serves the community today and inspires the next generation.

Through these Next Chapter Updates, we will share the vision for the library’s future, keep you connected with updates, and invite you to participate in the library’s journey!

Read the First Edition of Next Chapter Updates

Glencoe library passersby on Monday were treated to a jolting sight — one possibly measuring 1.21 gigawatts.

Pardon the reference to the classic American film “Back to the Future,” but it is appropriate when the film’s main characters, Marty McFly and Doc Brown, are in town, as it appeared on Sept. 29.

The fun scene was set up by the sketch comedy group Funny Enough, which was filming a special introduction for the group’s upcoming show at Writers Theatre.

Steve Monieson, as Marty, and Steve Miller, as Doc, were filmed inside and outside the Glencoe Public Library, because Funny Enough’s new show will raise funds for library renovations — a $17.3-million project known as Rooted in History, Building for Tomorrow.

Read more at NorthShoreRecord.com