March 2023 | Volume XLI, Issue 1 »
2022 New Library Buildings
March 8, 2023
Illinois Library Association
Twelve libraries are showcased this year, including one academic library. The public libraries featured here range from those serving populations under 5,000 all the way up to over 150,000, in communities across the state. Outdoor spaces, expansions, and much needed updates are the prominent focus of the featured libraries. It’s clear from the patrons’ quotes in the “What people are saying” sections that libraries continue to be important places to meet, learn, work, study, connect, and more for their communities. As we continue to adjust to a post-pandemic Illinois, we hope to continue seeing adaptive and creative ways libraries approach renovations and new construction.
BLOOMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Architect: DLA Architects
Type of project: Renovation/expansion
Total cost: $548,665
Service population: 23,000
Library director: Tim Jarzemsky
What people are saying:
“I love having the new outdoor space for your Summer Concerts! My kids love the raised platforms and looking up into the dragonfly wings. It’s also a nice place to read or have a snack before going into the library.”
“The new outdoor garden space is great! The butterfly garden is fun, and I love that you provide Wi-Fi outside so I can use library services while I’m outside people-watching or having a snack.”
CHARLES B. PHILLIPS PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Andy Dogan, Williams Architects
Architect: Williams Architects
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $1,406,578
Service population: 2,971
Library director: Lynette Heiden
What people are saying:
“Love the new sun room; it is so warm and inviting. Could sit in this room all day and just look out the windows, very relaxing.”
“It is nice to have a room for the programs and not be cramped between the bookshelves. It is simply wonderful.”
“It is wonderful that a small town can offer this great asset to the community.”
EAST MOLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Architect: HGA
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $7,288,000
Service population: 21,136
Library director: Laura Long
What people are saying:
“The new building is incredibly open and light! I love sitting in the windows and working on projects.”
“I love the new children’s area! It’s so nice to have someplace to sit and read with my kids — thebwhole area is inviting.”
“I didn’t realize that the bank would come with three vaults — the way you used them as a teen area and a quiet area is really cool!”
FOREST PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Architect: Williams Architects
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $717,331
Service population: 14,297
Library director: Pilar Shaker and Interim Library Director Sue Quinn
What people are saying:
“I’m very excited to see all the ways the library uses the patio in warmer weather. This is a great addition!”
“I appreciate that the library is working to keep the building up-to-date and in good condition for the community.”
“I’m very happy that the library is thinking about energy saving ideas when it comes to the building.”
GENESEO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Architect: Italo Milani
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion (New roof installed)
Don Beck
Total cost: $256,200
Service population: 12,974
Library director: Claire Crawford
What people are saying:
“It is just lovely!”
“When the sun hits it changes color!”
“Looks great!”
HUNTLEY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Interiors for Business
Architect: Wold Architects & Engineers
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $12,900,000
Service population: 43,839
Library director: Frank Novak
What people are saying:
“I’ve found my new favorite study space!”
“Terrific expansion with a lot more space compared to several years ago.”
“Modern! Clean and super friendly.”
“The Huntley library is one of the most beautifully renovated libraries that I’ve been to.”
JOLIET PUBLIC LIBRARY - OTTAWA BRANCH
Architect: Engberg Anderson Architects
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $10,500,000
Service population: 150,372
Library director: Megan Millen
What people are saying:
“I like how the DMS (Digital Media Studio) has been expanded with more space. It now has sound rooms, a video room, a huge recording lab, and a maker lab. The DMS team helps me get my books up and running on Amazon—and they help with all kinds of other tasks like making t-shirts, doing drawing videos, voice overs, printing and virtual books.”
“Updated with lighting and stain, the new Burnham lobby is designed to mirror the original building’s lobby from 1903.”
FOUNDERS LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS - NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Architect: Dewberry
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $173,352
Service population: 16,000
Library director: Fred Barnhart
What people are saying:
“The Founders Learning Commons puts critical student services in an accessible location and reflects the library’s commitment to student success.”
“Love the new chairs and the Sphere!”
PALATINE PUBLIC LIBRARY - NORTH HOFFMAN BRANCH
Architect: Engberg Anderson Architects
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $244,570
Service population: 89,000
Library director: Jeannie Dilger
What people are saying:
“My family and I appreciate all that they do to make walking into the library an enjoyable experience for everyone.”
“I live near the North Hoffman Branch and the staff sure made going to the library a great day.”
“I love the Palatine Library! The renovations have truly updated the feel and functionality of the North Hoffman Branch. Self check-out is a huge help when things are busy. I love that everything is in one room. The colors and lighting are modern and very appealing.”
“I love the space – the remodel looks great. Carpet and walls tie together well with blue and lime green.”
PALATINE PUBLIC LIBRARY - RAND ROAD BRANCH
Architect: Engberg Anderson Architects
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $244,570
Service population: 89,000
Library director: Jeannie Dilger
What people are saying:
“The library is very nice, very new, modern, clean. Many services. Thanks a lot.”
“It looks so beautiful; I love the combination of colors and the children look so happy. Congratulations!”
“I really liked the change and the renovation, and I have always liked the service.”
“The renovation turned out wonderful, congratulations to the entire Rand Road team.”
PALOS HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Architect: product architecture + design
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $1,290,000
Service population: 12,068
Library director: Jesse Blazek
What people are saying:
“The new space is like a library and children’s museum in one. We love coming here to hang out, play in the interactive room and then get some new books for bedtime. We come at least once a week!”
“We are thrilled with the new renovation at the Palos Heights Library! The space is bright, welcoming, and so fun for our kids! What a great way to start a love of books, learning, and creative playing!”
"The wait is finally over, and the youth department looks great and is making and coming up with so many programs to keep my kids interested.”
SUGAR GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Architect: Cordogan and Clark
Type of project: Renovation/Expansion
Total cost: $170,000
Service population: 16,000
Library director: Genna Mickey
What people are saying:
“This would be a terrific space to have a business meeting. I just have to reserve the space?”
“This would be a great place for me to record a business presentation or for my kids to record something for a school project.”
“It’s pretty cool. I see a lot of great applications; I think the public will enjoy using this room.”
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