Park To Close As New Library Construction Starts

GENEVA, IL - From Geneva Public Library District: Geneva Public Library District will break ground for a new library at 227 S. Seventh St. on July 27, with a prospective opening date in mid-2019. The 57,000-square-foot building will provide the community with a new playground in a partnership with Geneva Park District.

“We’re excited to bring these enhancements to Geneva and to continue this partnership between the library and park district,” said Library Director Christine Lazaris.

The library and park district will work together to develop plans for a new playground at the corner of Sixth and Franklin to replace the current Seventh Street Park. The Park District prides itself on providing safe open spaces and playgrounds for residents to enjoy.

Seventh Street Park will be closed while library construction is underway. “We will seek resident input for the new playground, with the timeline to be determined based on the construction schedule for the new library,” said Geneva Park District Executive Director Sheavoun Lambillotte.

Features of the new library

The referendum requesting $21.8 million to build a new library passed in April 2017. The new library will have 76 off-street parking spaces, drive-up convenience, a variety of meeting areas, a community art gallery, and outdoor reading spaces.

The library will feature an enhanced children’s area with developmentally appropriate collections, play areas, and learning opportunities for children from birth through eighth grade. Teens and adults will have access to a variety of library materials and enjoy spending time in the quiet reading and study spaces. Additionally, library service will be expanded to include new opportunities for collaborating, using technology, and experimenting in lab spaces.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to provide our community with a facility that will provide expanded library service for all ages and stages of life,” said Library Board President Robert Shiffler. “Our community asked us to provide additional services and resources that we can’t offer in our current facility. These include a computer/technology lab, spaces to create and learn new skills like robotics, book publishing, cooking, and crafts, imaginative play space, parent networking opportunities, meeting, study and function rooms – and on-site parking,” he said.

For updates on progress of the new library, visit gpldnewbuilding.org

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