Updated October 2025
The library building opened to the community in 1941 and has structural issues consistent with its age. To address these issues and to consider additional enhancements to a facility that is beloved by Glencoe residents, the library board embarked on a process to create a master space plan that it hopes will culminate in a renovation.
SOM’s comprehensive services and reputation for excellence were primary factors in its selection, as was its interest in bringing a valued but aging public space in line with current and future needs. It was selected by the library board out of a field of 15 firms that responded to a Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services (RFQ) issued in February 2024.
Community members and stakeholders were invited to participate in a series of focus groups in January 2023. In separate meetings, members of the library staff identified needs and priorities. The recommendations from the public and the staff informed the master space plan proposed at a public forum on October 14, 2024. Attendees were encouraged to provide feedback during and after the presentation. A recording of the presentation is available on the library’s YouTube channel. Community feedback on the proposed plan was also solicited via a survey conducted in October 2024.
A modified version of the plan—incorporating some of the community feedback–was unanimously approved by the library board in December 2024.
The Johnson Room will be more or less untouched. Aside from necessary repairs and minor freshening-up, this cherished historical space will stay the same.
The Library will take this opportunity to enhance the west (Village Court) and south (Wyman Green) facades due to the proposed additions. The north (Park Avenue) and east (Green Bay Road) sides will look very much as they do now. The project will respect the Library’s context within Downtown Glencoe while ushering in a new era for the building.
The Library’s renovation plan will not extend beyond the existing footprint into Wyman Green. The renovation will look to enhance Wyman Green’s usage by adding a south entrance to the Library that opens right onto the space.
There are trees and greenscape on library grounds that will be removed due to construction. The Library Board will work with the Village to replace those lost during that project phase.
Library staff offers over 400 onsite programs annually attended by an average of 10,000 total patrons. Unfortunately, the existing program room does not allow for fluid operations and delivery of programs. Often, staff must use patron spaces such as the Johnson Room and Forte Room to hold events causing major disruptions to patrons who want to enjoy the building. A larger and partitionable program room will allow library staff to continue providing engaging and exciting programs in a more comfortable and conducive space.
The Library Board, Director, and staff are very aware of the parking challenges in Downtown Glencoe during certain peak hours. As is our current practice, staff will continue to consider other agencies’ calendars and village-wide events when scheduling library programs. The Library will continue to encourage and direct patrons to use the lots east of Green Bay Road when attending programs.
The library board will explore several funding options, including existing library reserves, fundraising through a capital campaign, a loan, private donations, and a bond referendum.
Renovations are anticipated to begin late in 2026 or early in 2027 and be completed in 2028.
If necessary, the library staff will utilize services and procedures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic such as curbside materials pickups, remote ready reference, and virtual programming. The staff will also consider the feasibility of temporary locations for limited collection access and in-person programming such as storytimes.
SOM has completed recent building projects that incorporated bird-safe glass. The Library will work with SOM to include a proven solution in the renovation.
Services such as postal, waste and recycling, and parcel delivery will continue to park temporarily on Village Court as needed. The Library will work with the Village to offer parking for contractors.