Chicago's LGBT library has completed most of the work on its move from Edgewater to Rogers Park.
The old home of Gerber/Hart Library and Archives now sits almost entirely empty and dark. The site of its new home at 6500 N. Clark St. is now the site of activity and work, after weeks of silence that caused some to worry that the space would not be ready in time.
It remains uncertain when Gerber/Hart will reopen to the public. Windy City Times has asked Board President Karen Sendziak to provide timelines for the move, information on the cost, a description of where the archives will be stored until the library opens and the name of the library's moving company. Sendziak has indicated that she will provide answers within the week, once the move is completed.
Paper has been put up over windows on the second floor of the new building, where the library is to be installed. Work vehicles appear to be parked in the building's lot. A new planter has been installed in the lot, and an office tree has been placed in a downstairs window.
Community members have questioned how the library could complete such a large move in time for the April 30 expiration of its lease. Windy City Times first reported that the Edgewater space was for rent in late January. Sendziak indicated that Gerber/Hart is leaving the Edgewater space because the library outgrew the space while rent costs went up.
The library's new home does not appear to be close to ready for full occupation. The library is able to store its materials in the building until the space is completed. Still, it appears that it could be a long time before the new library is operational.
The downstairs level of the building remains unfinished, with pipes exposed. It is not possible to view the upstairs level where the library will reside, but it appears that the building was left largely unfinished while it remained empty.
The City of Chicago website indicates that recent construction permits on the building have been denied. The last permits for work appear to be five years old. Windy City Times has asked Sendziak about the permits about will update as information becomes available.
Gerber/Hart's old home now sits empty of books. A sign on the door indicates that the library is moving as planned.
It has been a controversial few months for Gerber/Hart. Most recently, the organization released a new set of bylaws that removed the voting rights of its members, after WCT raised questions about the organization's lack of annual meetings and whether Sendziak's nine-year term violated the old bylaws. Some members have objected to the changes. Sendziak believes the change was completed legally.
