La Grange Park Library Receives $50,000 Grant

In early May, the La Grange Park Public Library District received a $50,000 grant from the Office of the Secretary of State which was supported by State Representative La Shawn Ford (D-8th District). This is the library’s second legislative grant attained through the advocacy of Representative Ford. In 2014, Ford ensured that the library received $50,000 that allowed for the replacement of outdated desktop computers with laptops that visitors can use in-house.

With this most recent funding opportunity, the library identified the need to create co-working spaces for users that require space to conduct business, study, and socialize. The money will fund the purchase of collaborative furniture that groups can use as well as the renovation of the library’s sole study room to accommodate the needs of modern library users.

Beyond books, libraries are becoming a “3rd space”, a community hub where people gather to do a variety of activities that may be considered non-traditional for libraries. According to a 2016 facility needs assessment by Studio GC Architects, space for small group interaction, tutoring, continuing education, interactive gaming and video conferencing are all amenities that today’s users want in their libraries.

According to the library's Executive Director, Kate Buckson, "Our mission at LPPL is to offer a welcoming and inclusive space for the diverse needs of our visitors. Based on the amount of people we have coming to the library on a daily basis to study, work, and gather, we believe the grant funds will be put to the best use possible in facilitating these activities."