St. Charles Library One Step Closer To $18.6M Makeover

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles Public Library is one step closer to getting a $18.6 million makeover. The Daily Herald reports alderman are in support of an updated development plan, which would include the addition of two wings, and the creation of a "neighborhood campus."

The plan includes shutting down parts of Walnut and Sixth avenues and allowing for shared parking and walkways between St. Mark's Lutheran Church and the library. Other proposed improvements to the the Sixth Avenue building include updated infrastructure, new meeting and study rooms, a new entrance,a makerspace, a new teen room, a large reading room and an updated children's area that would overlook a new, outdoor sunken terraced garden, according to the Daily Herald report. The terraced garden would be used for outdoor programming, Don McKay of Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects.

The proposal still needs the final stamp of approval from the city council and, if granted, construction could get underway in the spring. Library operations will be temporarily moved to Haines Middle School during the construction.

More via the Daily Herald and the St. Charles Public Library website