News Briefs: Glencoe library renovations in the works; West Nile found in Highland Park mosquitoes; County looks for resident feedback

As part of a comprehensive vision, the Glencoe Public Library Board has approved Chicago architectural firm Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill to lead the development of a master space plan for the aging library building.

The firm was selected out of 19 bidders that submitted responses to a request for qualifications. Three finalists being interviewed.

The master space plan will develop a vision for addressing known building issues and for a potential renovation of the library’s interior spaces, grounds and infrastructure, a library press release says. It will also provide planning, design and cost estimates for a three-tiered plan that will respond to different budget scenarios.

The lowest budget option would see a renovation that primarily improves the layout and use of the lower level, while also providing for an immediate response to capital repair and maintenance costs. The second highest option would achieve the minimum tier’s fixes, while also renovating the main and second floors and the mezzanine. The ideal budget would achieve both minimum and moderate budget items, while also adding to the existing building.

The library says community input will be sought at several stages of the planning process, with the goal of prioritizing improvements while also protecting the historical integrity of the building and its context within the village. Sustainability will also be a consideration, the release says.

“At a time when spaces for learning and gathering are rapidly evolving, libraries are more important than ever, and the vibrancy of the Glencoe Public Library demonstrates this perfectly,” SOM partner and Glencoe resident Adam Seme said in a statement. “We are proud and honored to partner with Glencoe in charting its future through this master plan.”

The Glencoe Public Library was built in 1941 and has seen several renovations over the years to keep pace with changes in patron use, technology, and emerging service patterns and needs. The last major renovation, completed in 2001, added about 20 percent more space and featured a new preschool area on the second floor, the Young Adult/Media Room on the main floor, and the Friends of the Glencoe Public Library’s used book room on the lower level.

For more information on the project, visit the library’s website.

West Nile-positive mosquitoes in Highland Park

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes trapped in Highland Park earlier this month, according to information from the Lake County Health Department.

The positive test indicates the first known presence of West Nile virus in Lake County this season, the county says.

“We expect mosquitoes every summer, but it’s important to remember that they can also carry diseases like West Nile virus,” said Mark Pfister, executive eirector of the Lake County Health Department. “We can take steps to ‘Fight the Bite’ to protect ourselves and our families from a potentially deadly disease.”

The department recommends the “4 D’s”:

• Drain: Drain standing water from items around your home, yard and business. 
• Defend: When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 and reapply according to label directions. 
• Dawn and Dusk: Protect yourself all day and night, and wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity. 
• Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin. 

The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program coordinates mosquito trapping results throughout Lake County. Mosquitoes are tested weekly for West Nile virus. The program also monitors reports of dead birds (an early sign of the presence of the virus) and investigates areas of stagnant water for the presence of mosquito larvae, specifically from the Culex mosquito, which is the primary carrier of West Nile in Illinois.  

According to the department, in 2023, 173 out of 763 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus. There was one human case of West Nile virus. Since 2002, there have been 80 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County, as well as four confirmed deaths.

Mosquito inspection and control in Highland Park is performed by the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District. Learn more and sign up for email alerts at slmad.org. 

Residents can participate in county’s environmental survey

As part of a broader plan to address environmental inequities, Cook County officials have begun surveying residents about their environmental concerns.

The survey, according to information from the county, is part of a broader plan to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for the county by addressing environmental disparities that have historically impacted communities of color and low-income communities.

The county’s Department of Environment and Sustainability is leading the development of the policies with input from a diverse range of community members, including environmental justice advocates, local government officials, and residents.

Once completed, the survey will be used by the department to inform future policy and programming aimed at improving environmental outcomes across the county.

“Establishing an environmental justice policy is a priority for my administration and it will serve as an instrument for fairness, helping us build vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement.

The survey is available online and residents can provide feedback through midnight on July 17, 2024.