La Grange Library Renovation To Begin Late Fall

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange Public Library will begin its planned renovation this fall. The library board and staff plan to fix wear and tear on the building and respond to the changing needs of the community. According to a release from the library, in total, over 6,900 square feet will be updated to improve service to the community.

Users will enjoy an additional 700 square feet of space, and early learning play-based opportunities will be enhanced in the youth area, according to the release. The lobby will also be refreshed to make the most popular library collections—movies, music and new books—even more convenient for patrons. Patrons on the go will now be able to easily access popular materials within several feet of the front entrance making it easy to check out materials. Also, after almost 10 years and 2 million visitors, worn carpeting will be replaced.

According to the release, funds have been set aside annually to complete this renovation. In anticipation of these changes, $980,000 has been accrued for building enhancements and improvements in the special reserve fund. Therefore, there will be no costs passed on to taxpayers for this update. The special reserve fund, by law, must be spent on facility improvements.

“We are excited to make these improvements available to our community. Feedback during the strategic planning process showed us that members of the public want us to maintain this lovely facility and ensure that it remains attractive and flexible for changing community needs," Library Executive Director Jeannie Dilger said in a release. "We anticipate that we will be asking for people’s patience during renovation, but we believe the results will be well worth going through this process.”

The library is already a vibrant part of the La Grange education community, and library officials are striving to increase that impact even further. Community partner and Superintendent Kyle Schumacher of La Grange District 102 welcomes this approach.

“We are very hopeful that the library can partner with us to build a community of early literacy support for our youngest learners," he said in a release. "District 102 has a goal of all children reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade. That audacious goal will not be accomplished in isolation and begins at home [and] at the library…with engaging and research based reading programs and opportunities."

La Grange Public Library Board President, Laurie Braun, said in a release, “We are excited about this
renovation, which will make the library an even more inviting and welcoming space for adults and children. By providing more tools and space for studying in our youth department, we can become an even more effective community partner in addressing the achievement gap among students by enhancing opportunities for all segments of our community.”

According to the release, the renovation is anticipated to begin in late fall 2017 and last for four to six months. Library services will continue during that time.

Images via La Grange Public Library.