Library Adds Friday Hours, Considers Opening Coffee Shop

After getting feedback from the community about when to expand its hours, the library board decided this week to open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays beginning Sept. 1.

The moved into its building on the Village Commons in 2001, and within one year had to cut operations on Fridays and Sundays because of a lack of funding.

The library created a survey for the community to weigh various options, including an additional two hours Monday through Thursday, Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Coffee Shop Proposal

The library board also heard a proposal for a new cafe to fill the vacant space at the front of the library. Kim Stoltz, who currently is the owner of Book and Bean Cafe inside the Joliet Public Library, wants to bring her business to New Lenox.

She said that the cafe in Joliet currently promotes local artists and hosts high school musicians. 

"We want to be a part of the community and be involved," Stoltz said. "It will be a great place to bring people together."

If the business is approved, the cafe could be in place within the next couple of months. Stoltz has a catering license, which will allow her cafe to provide grab-and-go sandwiches and soups. The board discussed this matter in a closed executive session.

Library Gets Donations

The New Lenox Library Board was honored by members of the community Monday night with a giant $1,000 check presented by the New Lenox Lions Club. The money donated by the New Lenox Lions Club will be used to purchase new large print books for the library.

"We're excited to give back to the community," Lions Club President Lisa Kline said.

Library Director Kate Hall also announced two other donations. Jane Anderson bequeathed $2,000 to the library in her will and the family of Rosella Ferro was bequested to make donations to the library in lieu of flowers. So far, the amount is up to $3,100, Hall said.