West Chicago Library preparing to showcase renovations
What's keeping you from visiting the West Chicago Public Library?
Does it feel too dark inside? Are the lack of power outlets a pain? Do you wish there was more seating?
All those problems have been solved, library officials say, thanks to a recently completed $400,000 renovation focused on improving the existing space with a new layout, new furniture and new lighting.
"We talked about doing a referendum and decided not to go that route and to do this as an alternative option, to make impactful change without the huge expense," library Director Benjamin Weseloh said.
The library will hold an open house from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 15, to showcase the improvements. The night will include music from the Bel Sonore Chamber Ensemble from 6 to 7 p.m., along with demonstrations, food and family activities.
"We think it's going to be fun," Weseloh said. "(Residents) should come just to see what we have to offer, especially those who haven't been here for a while. It's neat to see what's possible, what's available."
Patrons are now greeted with a well-lit lobby and stairway, fitted with new LED lights that have brightened the interior and will save money long-term.
"I can't even underscore how dark the whole place was before," Weseloh said. "It is really brightened up."
Downstairs, the children's section received a facelift with new, bright paint, light-colored flooring and furniture on wheels that can easily be moved by families or library staff preparing for special events.
The most noticeable change on the second level comes when you emerge at the top of the staircase. A large space where a 24-foot long reference desk, credenza and large reference collection once stood is now filled with chairs and tables with built-in outlets.
The 10 computers that were crammed into the library's Internet lab have been moved into the space as well, along the wall. The lab has been turned into a meeting room for up to 10 people, which Weseloh said was in high demand.
While all the new open space may make it appear the number of shelves has been reduced, the reality is they've simply been relocated.
"Just shifting around some of the shelving allowed for better utilization of our space, which is really what we were after - space optimization," Weseloh said. "The way it had been designed was poor on space utilization, particularly for the needs now."
In addition, comfortable seating and a gaming area have been added to the young adult section, a wall once lined with file cabinets has been converted into five private work stations, handicap accessible desks are located on both floors and a few new TV screens dot the walls.
"We've heard a lot of good things," said Amanda Ghobrial, adult services manager. "It's more space, more places to plug in, more places to collaborate."