Highwood Public Library Reveals Renovations at Grand Opening

HIGHWOOD, IL (DECEMBER 2017) – Dozens were in attendance at Highwood Public Library’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting celebration on November 5, 2017. Student musicians from the Midwest Young Artists (MYA) Conservatory greeted patrons and performed at the event. Therapy dogs from K9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore entertained children of all ages. Light bites and refreshments were provided by local businesses Longitud315, Marco’s Northside Grill, Bent Fork Bakery, La Casa de Isaac, Dunkin’ Donuts, Heinen's, Jewel- Osco, Costco, and Target, and the library’s interior was brightened up by silk floral decorations by Artquest, Ltd.of Highwood.

Conversations amongst the Library Board of Trustees of making library renovations began in 2010. The library purchased new carpeting and wooden bookshelves from Highland Park Borders, improving the look and feel of the space. Next came the vision to renovate the East Building, which over the years had been used as a bookstore and thrift shop, run by volunteers to help supplement tax revenue income. The board submitted yearly applications to the Illinois State Library’s Live and Learn Grant program, and upon its third try was awarded a $50,000 grant for building improvements.

With this seed money and using capital funds acquired over the course of many years, the library board approved a plan by FWC Architects, Inc. in Highwood to renovate the East Building, create a community room for meetings and programming (capacity of 142), build male and female multi-stall bathrooms and an employee break room. “With this new addition to our footprint, we can fulfill our mission of Enriching and Nurturing Our Community,” says President Hospodarsky.

Library patrons have been drawn to the library for its small size, readily available new fiction, and friendly and cozy atmosphere, especially on cold days when the fireplace is roaring. In addition to building improvements, the library has converted to a new circulation system. Patrons will especially like the email notification function, which sends an email for upcoming due dates, and a notification when books are overdue. A patron wanting to take advantage of this feature can update his/her profile with an email address and a selection of the type of notifications by visiting the library’s website.

The library’s first event will be a children’s movie night (The Polar Express), scheduled for December 21st at 5:30 p.m. For any non-profit group wishing to host a non-fee based program or meeting, visit www.HighwoodLibrary.org for a reservation form, the meeting room policy and meeting room specs.

ABOUT HIGHWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Highwood Library opened its doors in 1977. We are a full service library, and have reciprocal relationships with surrounding libraries. In addition to physical books, DVDs, and music CDs, we subscribe to digital media services via MyMedia Mall and eRead (electronic books and music) and various magazine subscriptions via RB Digital. Computers are available for use in the library and wireless access is available for those wishing to use their own devices. Our collection of Spanish language materials for adults and children is extensive. We have a community/programming room with a capacity of 142 people that is available to any non-profit group that wishes to host an event during library hours. Visit our website for more information on library programming and reserving the programming room at www.highwoodlibrary.org.