Status of Rockford Service Center Activity

First, PALS' Rockford office has been located on Morsay Drive since the late 1970s near one of the busiest commercial junctions in town. It is a beautiful facility, located in the back of a retail building and was substantially remodeled in 2000-01. In 1997, the lease was extended through June 30, 2017.  The space consists of 27,500 square feet. Much of the floor space in the Rockford facility is no longer being used. It contains more space than PALS owns and occupies in its other two service centers combined. PALS has been working to sub-let the entire Morsay Drive facility for the remainder of the lease period and lease a smaller location in the Rockford area for a shorter duration. While we do not have a contract to lease the Morsay Drive facility, we are much closer to a sublease agreement than we were a month ago. Indeed, if we sublet our Morsay Drive to the company that is currently interested in the facility, this will occur before June 30, 2009 with the actual move taking place in July 2009.

We would appreciate the help of Rockford area library staff in identifying locations in their areas we might use. Using our commercial realtor and other leads, we have screened over 50 locations in the Rockford area, but we hope to leave no stone unturned. If you know of something that is about 6,000 to 8,000 square feet (about 1/4th the size of the current location), within about 10 miles of the current facility (preferably south for easy highway access), available immediately, and ready or nearly ready for occupancy, please call or email Bob McKay immediately.

Our specifications for the new location include the requirements to continue to provide delivery, consulting and technology support, group meeting space, and two-way video for as many as 40 attendees. Basically, we're aiming to replace the functionality of the current facility from a smaller footprint. We have identified a facility in the Sandy Hollow light industrial and office park in southeast Rockford that can serve as PALS' next Rockford location. The staff feel this location is acceptable, conveniently located, and meets our minimum requirements. It is available for a three year lease, with right to renew for more time, as needed. So, while we have spent a lot time and energy getting where we are now, we want to take the opportunity to double check our replacement efforts. Again, please contact Bob McKay as soon as possible by phone (x3150) or email (bobm@palsnet.info) with any leads or suggestions.

Finally, as retiring Executive Director, I have expectations for the future that are probably generally accurate, but could easily be off a bit. I expect the new Executive Director, working with PALS Board, Staff, and library community to develop a new facilities plan for the library system. Such an effort would address how the System will provide services to members in the mid to longer range and consider where any facilities should be located and the work to be performed at any locations. I expect the new Executive Director and PALS and its members to do a professional and businesslike plan that will help library cooperation continue to thrive in the PALS area. While I'd expect this planning to be a high priority for a new Executive Director, when time, energy and determination can be marshaled to this task is uncertain. The Rockford location we seek now helps provide the flexibility the System needs to move forward, while maintaining the status quo until a new service delivery model is in place.

Thanks in advance for any help!