The Glen Ellyn Public Library Goes Under Construction As The Youth Department Gets Remodeled

In September, the Glen Ellyn Public Library goes under construction again as the Youth Department is redesigned to create a more flexible, accessible, and user-friendly space for kids and parents to enjoy.

“We are looking to create an exciting new space that better meets the needs of our youngest members and their parents,” said Dawn Bussey, Director of the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

The redesign includes a children’s play area and early reader nook housed in the back of the department, near the East windows and tucked away from the department entrance. The picture books and board book collections will find new homes in face-out, more easily browsable shelving units that will be located near this area as well.

“The Library is looking forward to bringing the Youth Department into the twenty-first century, with exciting new features that reflect the way that young people are learning and engaging with their world,” said Renee Grassi, Glen Ellyn Public Library Youth Department Director.

The children’s play area will feature five interactive play panels for children of all ages, such as color mixing, animal sounds, and spinning stories. The area will also include a walk-up LEGO wall, interactive magnet board, and custom puppet theater for imaginative play.

The new early reader nook will have oversized seating that fits both an adult and child comfortably, to create an environment where parents and kids can read books together.

Middle Schoolers will no longer have to walk through the children’s play area to search the shelves for books and entertainment. A new space dedicated just to Middle Schoolers will be created towards the front of the department. The room will have tables and chairs for studying as well as a large chalk board surface to encourage creativity and self-expression.

To maximize the space, the Middle School collection will be housed just outside the space, along the walls. The fiction and non-fiction collection will also move to the front of the department.

“We are fortunate to have such a supportive community here in Glen Ellyn, and we feel our community deserves a space for children, families and caregivers that not only keeps up with library trends, but is user-friendly, creative, and encourages interaction and participation,” said Grassi.

In addition to the new spaces, the Youth Program Room will be enlarged to help accommodate the growing number of people at youth programs. The Youth Department as a whole will receive a more colorful paint scheme, fresh carpet, and updated lighting. Additional appropriate seating for all ages – youth to adult – will be added throughout the department.

Funding for the project will come from the Glen Ellyn Public Library’s Building, Equipment, and Maintenance Fund.