Lighting the Way to the Future @ the West Chicago Public Library

Things are looking much brighter at the West Chicago Public Library these days ~ literally! A new lighting project is underway at the library to replace outdated lighting, both inside and outside, with newer lighting technology that will brighten things up, reduce repair and replacement costs, and give it a more contemporary look. Installation, scheduled to be completed by May 15, should result in only minor disruption to patron services.

"The new lighting project is expected to be the first phase of a broader undertaking to remodel the library facility to address the need for space flexibility, technology, service delivery and collaborative spaces as defined by the library's strategic plan," said Administrative Librarian Melody E. Coleman.

In addition to making spaces brighter, the new lighting is expected to result in substantial energy cost savings. As a result, the library has been awarded a grant of almost $19,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to cover some of the cost of the project.

"We're very excited to get this project underway and look forward to very positive results," says Benjamin Weseloh, Adult Services Manager, who is serving as the project lead. "I think our patrons will be amazed by the improved lighting and the cost savings for the Library District through decreased energy consumption."

While various sections of the library will be closed off in the course of the project, library staff will be able to retrieve any materials temporarily inaccessible to patrons.