On September 28, 2011, the Library District announced the signing of a lease agreement with the Hoffman Estates Park District. The Library will be leasing space in the Willow Recreation Center at 3600 Lexington Dr. for the purpose of operating a branch library. The branch currently operating at 1262 Freeman Road will close and will be relocated to the Willow Center.

Read the related post Palatine Library Branch Moving To Hoffman Estates Park District Facility.

 

Here is a series of questions and answers about the relocation of the branch.

Q. How did the Library find out about the space in the Willow Recreation Center?

A. At the recommendation of one of the Park Board Commissioners, the Director of the Park District contacted the Library Director. Library Trustees and Staff then went to visit the Center to look at potential spaces.

Q. Why didn’t the Library tell residents that they were talking with the Hoffman Estates Park District about the possibility of leasing space at the Willow Recreation Center?

A. We were being quite careful to provide information only once decisions had actually been made and not before anything had been fully decided. To say that something “might” happen could create undue concern or create the hope of a solution that might not pan out. The Open Meetings Act provides for lease or purchase of property to be discussed in closed session for that very reason. These are legal matters that are not considered finalized until documents are signed.

Q. Why didn’t the Library just stay at the Freeman Road location and keep renting from the bank?

A. The Library was concerned about sustainability of a branch in Hoffman Estates. There were/are too many unknowns about the future of the center on Freeman Road to enter into a longer-term lease agreement with the owning bank.

Q. Did the bank ask the Library to vacate the premises?

A. No, they did not.

Q. Did the Library decide to close the Freeman Road branch because it could not afford to stay in that space? Was it a money issue?

A. The Board and Staff were concerned about sustainability of a branch in Hoffman Estates for the long term and not just in the near term. The future of the center on Freeman Road is unclear and the decision was not purely based upon finances. However, there will be cost savings realized by the move to the Willow Recreation Center and by sharing space with another governmental agency, use of tax dollars is maximized.

Q. What will the Library do with the money that is saved?

A. As we are a tax-capped entity via Cook County, any funds saved will be repurposed for overall library operations.

Q. What other options did the Library Board consider?

A. The Board considered a variety of options. The goal of maintaining library services in the Hoffman Estates portion of the Library District has always been an important consideration. Any branch would need to be located within the Palatine Public Library District service area. A safe, secure setting for a library branch is vital. A final factor when looking at options was affordability over a period of time. The Rose Plaza on Palatine Road was considered but found to be in foreclosure or receivership and so was deemed both an uncertain option and a cost-prohibitive option based upon stated rental costs.

Q. Why didn’t the Library just buy the plaza where the Freeman Road branch is located?

A. The Library does not have funds budgeted for such a purchase and was not interested in becoming a landlord.

Q. How does the Library expect to provide a branch in an even smaller space than provided at the Freeman Road Location?

A. Because the new location is arranged with two connected spaces/rooms, staff has determined that many of the materials will be able to be moved to the new location. The new location does not have the back-of-house space that the Freeman Branch building includes. Staff will be able to utilize 2 large closets. Staff will work to maximize the use of space and holds will continue to be picked up at this branch. It is true that somewhat fewer materials will be on site. Staff will utilize materials checkout reports to determine the highest demand materials and these will be moved/added to the new location.

Q. When will the Freeman Road Branch close?

A. The branch will close at the end of business hours (at 5:00 p.m.) on Saturday, October 22, 2011. During the month of October the hours of operation will likely be reduced. Notice will be given prior to reduction in service hours.

Q. When will the new location be open for service?

A. The new location is expected to be open early in November.