FAQs
Q. What’s happening with the library building project?
The Library Board has been seeking a long-term solution to the library’s facility needs for more than 20 years. The current library facility is inadequate to provide 21st century public library service.
The November 8, 2016 Advisory Referendum for a new library did not pass. The certified results from the McHenry County Clerk’s office indicate that the vote was 10,701 “no” to 8,556 “yes.” Without a “yes” majority, the Crystal Lake City Council will not issue the bonds for a new library building.
Many of you have asked us “what now?” The problems that led the Library Board to ask the city council to go to referendum in 2016 still exist. The Library Board is in the process of trying to determine the best way to solve these problems. While major repairs were completed in 2020/2021, the library building still needs $9.1 million in repairs. The library does not have sufficient funding to complete these repairs.
A number of studies and experts have provided information for the Library Board to consider as it evaluates options. Click here for a list of these documents including the 2022 Capital Maintenance Plan, Site Comparison Study, FACTS about this project, the Pew Internet American Life Project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which studies the role of libraries in users’ lives and in their communities, and the Aspen Institute Report from the Dialogue on Public Libraries Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries. The link will also provide a list of videos related to the library building project.
From fall 2020 to June 2021, the library underwent a repairs project. The library building was closed December 13, 2020 to complete the project. Work included upgrading the aging heating and cooling (HVAC) system as well as improving air filtration and circulation inside the building. The upgrades were necessary because two of the building’s three HVAC systems were outdated and difficult to repair. Air quality was also severely compromised because of reduced air flow in the building, creating an unhealthy environment for patrons and staff. Leaking windows and doors were repaired or replaced. Interior and exterior lighting at the library was upgraded to improve visibility and provide safer walkways.
While the Repairs Project addressed many issues with the library building, many repairs are still needed. None of the repairs added space for programming, meetings, quiet study or remote work. The Library Board continues to evaluate the condition of the library building and to identify the best way to serve the community.
Q. Why doesn’t CLPL have a book drop in the parking lot?
As part of the 2020/2021 project, a new drive-up service lane was added. Patrons can return and pick up held materials from the convenience of their cars. The drive-up lane assists patrons with mobility issues, young children, and those who prefer the convenience of picking up materials from their cars. The drive-up lane helps address a long-standing issue with the building, the lack of a safe, convenient way for patrons with mobility issues to access the building.
Q. Why does ‘My Account’ still show that I have an item that was recently returned?
As part of the 2020/2021 repairs, a new automated materials handling system was installed. Outdated self-checkout machines, which could no longer be serviced, were replaced with new, updated machines. The new systems allow for items to be checked in as soon as they are put in the return drop in the library lobby or in the outdoor drop near the parking lot entrance. However, items returned at the drive-up return drop are not connected to the automated materials handling and take longer to come off an account. The drive-up book return is emptied and put through our automated materials handler several times per day.
Q. Why can’t I see where I am in the holds queue?
The Crystal Lake Public Library is one of a 31-member consortium. Hold queue information would display your position in the queue for copies at all 31 libraries and would not be limited to the queue for Crystal Lake materials. Since this inaccurate information causes confusion for our patrons, it is not displayed. However, your account will show the hold’s status if the item is being located at a member library, has shipped from a member library to your pick up location, or if it is ready for you to pick up. The consortium also gives Crystal Lake Public Library cardholders access to 30 other libraries, which means they get materials faster and have access to many more items.
Q. Why do I have to pay for a CLPL card if I’m in the unincorporated area, when the people who live in the city get a free card?
Although it may appear as if city residents get “free” library service, they actually pay for it through their property tax bill. To make the system equitable to all, those living outside the city limits are charged the equivalent of what they would pay in property taxes if they lived within city limits.
Q. Why doesn’t CLPL have remote book drops in other parts of the city?
The CLPL Board of Trustees has investigated this question. There are many costs associated with remote book drops. The library would need to lease or buy land, buy and install the book drops, purchase a van to transport materials and increase staffing to retrieve materials. The library does not have the funds to support a remote book drop at this time.
Q. It’s hard to take the stairs into the library building, and most of the parking is on the opposite side of the building from the current ramp. Why can’t the library put in a ramp on the parking lot side of the building?
During the library’s 1995 expansion this idea was considered and it was re-evaluated in 2019. Adding a ramp to the parking lot side of the building is cost prohibitive and not practical. Since there is a significant grade change between the level of the parking lot and the entry level of the building, a ramp would have to be very long. Landings would have to be built every 30 feet, and the ramp would have to allow two-way traffic. The distance of the ramp would also force patrons to be out in the elements for a long period of time. The cost to keep a long ramp structure free of ice and snow throughout the winter would add significant ongoing expense.
Q. Why doesn’t the library staff reprimand people who talk on their cell phones?
Cell phone usage is covered in our “Patron Behavior Policy,” which states “Conversation, music, or other sounds that exceed an acceptable noise level, i.e., can be heard beyond a six-foot radius, or is disturbing to other patrons or library staff is prohibited.” In other words, any talking that is too loud, whether on a cell phone or to another person, is not allowed and needs to be addressed. If you encounter this problem in the future, please inform the library staff member at the Service Desk so we can work directly with the patron involved.
