NORTH PARK — Construction of the new Albany Park Library is creating job opportunities for area residents.

Job fairs are scheduled for 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Friday and again on July 12 at 3401 W. Foster Ave. for applicants hoping to help build the new facility.

Skilled tradespeople are in greatest demand, but there will be some clerical and unskilled labor positions available as well.

Residents of Albany Park, North Park and Lincoln Square will receive hiring preference.

The Albany Park Library has been closed since Sept. 22 to make way for construction of the new library on the same site.

Its replacement — a 16,500-square-foot, single-story structure — was designed by Jackson Harlan architects. Features include a 50 percent green roof. The firm also designed the new Budlong Woods and Oriole Park branch libraries. The latter includes an underground cistern to capture rainwater that's used to water the building's landscaping.