Downers Grove Library Wraps Up Final Renovation Projects

Submitted by the Downers Grove Public Library.

The Downers Grove Public Library will hold a celebration Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to show off its new interior.

What We’ve Done Recently

• All books, videos, CDs, and other items are shelved in their final destinations. No more chasing your favorites around the building!
• Flooring installations are done.
• The new Information Desk in the lobby is now staffed, ready to help you with directional and other quick questions.
• Installation of lighting and furnishings is nearly complete.
• The old surplus furniture takeaway is done.
• A snazzy new sign welcomes kids to the Mouse Café.
• The new Quiet Study Room is ready for use.
• The permanent art collection has returned to the walls.
• A new exhibit is on display in the gallery spaces.
• New snack and soft drink machines were installed in the Café. Coffee is coming!

What We’re Doing Now

• We’re waiting for some additional deliveries of new furniture.
• We’re overseeing the finishing touches on stairwell flooring, cabinet work, and ceilings.
• We’re offering full use of the conference and study rooms on both floors.
• We’re working with our designers to finish planning the interior signs throughout the building.

What’s Coming Up

• Gaming consoles and other tech features are coming to the kids and teen areas.
• Stay tuned for further news on use of the Meeting Room.
• Saturday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we’ll celebrate project completion with you, with a brief dedication ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and music, food, photos, tours, and demonstrations throughout the day.
• We’ll plan and complete a few additional small projects, especially with lighting, furnishings, ceilings, and other details, continuing into 2015.

Q. What’s the latest news about the library renovation project?

A. We are all but done. A few flooring details, cabinet work items, and paint touch-ups remain. The men wearing hard hats have gone on to their next job. The big construction dumpster, the tool boxes, ladders, plastic drapes, and rows of trucks are gone.

Q. What remains to be done?
A. In addition to the finishing touches on the several small items we’ve mentioned, we’re waiting for some final furniture deliveries and electronics installations. Some temporary interior signs will be installed soon, with the installation of the permanent signs scheduled for December.

Q. When will it be all finished?
A. As of October 1, work is substantially finished. A few details will remain, including the interior signs, some flooring, and a few furniture deliveries.

Q. What are the features of the renovated building?
A. We are very excited about the new Mouse Café and Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) area in the Children’s Services department. A new Information Desk, a new check out area, and a new café complete the first floor. Upstairs, the new teen space, conference and study rooms, computer Training Room, Computer Help Desk, and Media Lab complete the rearrangement of Adult and Teen Services.

Q. What about the money?
A. We will spend a little less than the budgeted price tag of $2,660,000. Using reserve funds, operating funds, and a $200,000 gift from the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation, we will not borrow any money or increase property taxes to complete the work.

Q. Is it time to celebrate?
A. Almost. On Saturday October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the library will host an Open House. We will offer tours, technology demonstrations, children’s activities, music, and refreshments. Early in the day, the Library Board and elected leaders of the Village of Downers Grove will conduct a brief dedication ceremony to kick off the celebration.

Q. How can I stay well-informed?
A. The library issued frequent updates via news releases, printed newsletters, flyers, email distributions, website postings, Facebook, and Twitter. See dglibrary.org/renovation, Facebook.com/DGLibrary, Twitter.com/DGLibrary. Or give us a call at (630) 960-1200.