As construction work progresses on a $20 million renovation project at McKinney’s Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library, city officials have seen an increase in activity at the city’s other library, John and Judy Gay Library.

The gist: McKinney’s Director of Libraries Spencer Smith said the city’s library system has seen a less than 10% decrease in circulation since the closure of Hall Library in June, which is less than the projected impact, he said.

The context: The $20 million renovation project will primarily take place within the walls of the existing library and includes changes to the library’s layout. The new layout will improve access to materials at the library, and create youth- and teen-specific spaces, the city’s website states, as well as add updated technology and increase public meeting space.

El Pollo Loco is slated to open at the end of December in McKinney, a company representative said.

On the menu: The eatery, which was founded in 1975 in Mexico, serves burrito bowls, tostadas, salads, quesadillas, nachos and more.

• 211 N. Custer Road, McKinney

McKinney officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated Recreation Center at Towne Lake in December, according to a city news release.

In a nutshell: The recreation center features updated fitness equipment and expanded restrooms and locker rooms. Officials also cut the ribbon for the Light Walk at Towne Lake on the same day. The light walk is an illuminated trail featuring a concrete pathway with decorative lights that come on after dark.

Quote of note: "These projects reflect our commitment to creating inclusive and inspiring spaces that enhance quality of life for all McKinney residents," Parks and Recreation Director Amy Kinkade said in a statement. "With support from [McKinney Community Development Corp.], we've been able to bring new energy to our parks and reimagine how our community can connect through outdoor spaces, day or night."

• 2001 Central Expressway, McKinney

Interested in news from businesses in the McKinney area? Check out 16 businesses now open, coming soon and other updates from west McKinney.

1. Hopdoddy Burger Bar: The eatery, located in McKinney’s West Grove development, serves a variety of burger choices including the Cadillac Wagyu, Tikka Masala and the Magic Shroom. Non-beef burgers and milkshakes are also available.

• Opened Nov. 11
• 8565 W. University Drive, Ste. 100, McKinney

• Opened Oct. 25
• 4051 S. Custer Road, Ste. 1170, McKinney

The Texas comptroller’s office has released a set of rules to govern the state’s $1 billion education savings account program, or ESAs. Accepted families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them.

The overview: Accredited private schools and education vendors can begin applying to join the program as soon as Dec. 9, and applications will open for interested families Feb. 4.

Most families accepted into the program will receive about $10,300 per student, which can be spent on tuition at accredited private prekindergarten or K-12 schools and related expenses. Homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year, while students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually.

Zooming in: Depending on a family’s income, students with disabilities may receive priority acceptance into the ESA program. Families can submit documentation from a physician or the U.S. Social Security Administration to be prioritized, although a detailed evaluation and individualized education plan are required to receive the additional special education funding.