Crystal Lake Looks to Add 40,000 Square Feet to Existing Library

Crystal Lake library unveils preliminary expansion plans. (Chicago Tribune, 3/23/2012)  

Excerpt: Administrators from the Crystal Lake Public Library recently unveiled conceptual designs that would more than double the size of the existing facility on Paddock Street. 

The library hired an architect late last month to explore large-scale building improvements after several short-term fixes have failed to keep pace with ever-changing demands. 

The preliminary plan calls for the addition of more than 40,000 square feet to the existing library building at 126 Paddock St., according to city documents. That includes the demolition of the oldest part of the building, as well as a house at 17 McHenry Ave., to make room for a two-story parking garage with 200 spaces. 

Other portions of the project could include a drive-up book return and delivery zone, stormwater management improvements, additional landscaping and signage, and a bicycle and pedestrian plaza and drop-off zone.