Your Library's ROI

Libraries are economic assets that provide a wealth of material and services to a community. A thriving, attractive library not only attracts businesses, but is also good for everyone’s bottom line. Libraries of all types stretch their resources to provide everyone with access to items such as books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and services such as Internet access, use of expensive databases, and a wide variety of educational and cultural programs. By investing in the library, you are helping to build a better future for the community.

Discover What You Save By Using The Library

Your tax dollars fund and support all these services plus your library building and its operation. “Cash in” on this investment by visiting today--you will discover a wealth of materials, resources, and experiences waiting for you!

• Individual Assistance and Attention Cook Memorial Public Library District is a fantastic place to go to start your research, find something good to read, watch, or listen to, and get assistance with crafting an Internet search. The staff at your library has been trained to help you and enjoys doing so. Don't be afraid to ask a question, after all, information is our business.
• Better, Faster, and More Accurate Online Resources The Internet is great way to find information. However, what you find isn't always accurate, in-depth enough, or exactly what you want. Cook Memorial Public Library District subscribes to several online databases that are filled with reliable, accurate, and detailed information on topics such as medicine, current events, investments, and genealogy. These online resources are designed to save you time by making your search more effective and productive. Ask your librarian how you can use these resources in the library or from home.
• Location Assistance We might not own every book, CD, or magazine but, Cook Memorial Public Library District does offer a service called Interlibrary Loan (ILL). This means that the item you want is located using an online database, then requested to be sent to Cook, and finally, you are notified of its arrival. A similar service is the Reciprocal Borrowing Program (RBP), which allows you to go to a neighboring library and checkout materials. These services are the product of library cooperation and are designed to allow you easier access to a broader collection of materials.
• Language Assistance English may not be your native language but, library staff will be happy to help you locate books, online resources, and material in many languages. Often these materials can be found in your library but, may also be borrowed from other libraries for your use. Cook Memorial Public Library District also offers programs for non-native English speakers, so don't be afraid to ask for more information!
  Great Connections Cook Memorial Public Library District is a community gathering spot for people in both the traditional physical sense and in the online, virtual sense. Programs for children, teens, and adults are still offered, but now you can sign-up for them online.

The library also encourages you to come in and use our high-speed Internet connection or WiFi access. Our website provides you with access to events, information, and services anytime of day wherever you are at.

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Architect Honored; Expansion Plan Moves Forward

"Our firm is honored to secure this important commission to design the renovations and expansion of Cook Memorial Public Library District's facilities," says Patrick Callahan, AIA, LEED-AP, of Gilfillan Callahan Nelson Architects. "We look forward to helping Cook Memorial Public Library District to solve its space issues, which will ultimately lead to improved service levels to its patrons."

"We've assembled a team of experienced and talented professionals. The team includes Pat Callahan, principal-in-charge, who will coordinate the project; Scott Delano, AIA, LEED-AP, director of design, a California transplant with national experience in the institutional and library sectors; and Belinda Roller, project architect, a University of Dublin graduate native who offers strong technical experience in library planning, design and construction.

The 15-year-old firm, which specializes in designing public-sector projects, has successfully completed more than 300 new construction, renovation and addition projects. Its current library clients include Green Hills Public Library (Palos Hills), Oak Lawn Public Library, and Roselle Public Library.

"We'll offer two different approaches to the two different sites," says Callahan. "Each will be respectful to its surrounding community. Our approach begins with engaging the constituents and library patrons in planning dialogue," he says. "We'll work closely with library staff and trustees to manage the project schedule and budget."

"Our plan is to get started immediately. By fall, we will have developed a project schedule, complete with realistic dates for ground-breaking, construction and ribbon-cutting activities. Our goal is to allow the library to continue to offer its patrons uninterrupted service while we perform our necessary work."

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Board Approves Gillifan Callahan Nelson Contract

At the August 21 meeting of the Board of Trustees, board members approved a contract with the Rolling Meadows-based architectural firm of Gilfillan Callahan.

“Gilfillan Callahan is a strong architectural firm that will serve the district well,” said Board President Aaron Lawlor. “They were able to submit a contract that included a broad range of services at a fair fee.”

The architectural contract was approved by a 5-1 vote. Chris Dalton was absent, and Ann Oakley voted against the contract. The contract is subject to legal review. Under the approved contract, the Gilfillan Callahan will receive a 7.5% commission on construction costs.

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