Addison library preps for big move

When the Addison Public Library closes its doors at 2 Friendship Plaza forever Wednesday night, it will hardly mark a sad end.

Instead, patrons and staff in about four weeks will celebrate the library's reopening at a new location across the street.

The new, 54,000-square-foot building at 4 Friendship Plaza cost about $15 million to build. Officials haven't scheduled an exact opening date because of a construction delay of about two weeks.

The setbacks, officials said, were caused by last winter's harsh weather.

"No one expected the winter we had," said Sally Schuster, the library spokeswoman. "We had originally hoped (the opening) would be a little bit earlier, but I think two weeks in this day and age is not bad."

While professional movers transport books, computers and supplies to the new building, patrons must handle most library business by phone or online after Wednesday.

Schuster said all materials checked out within the past month have an extended due date for late July. That means patrons can make returns next month to the new library's drive-up book drop without risking a fine.

Registration also is happening by phone, at www.addisonlibrary.org or in person through Wednesday for summer reading programs, August storytimes for children and the first two programs scheduled at the new library. The new programs are Challenge Chess Grand Master John Fedorowicz, slated for 7 p.m. July 22, and Magic and Illusions of Paul Lee, scheduled for 7 p.m. July 23.

Some phone numbers will change, but Schuster said the main line will remain (630) 543-3617. The adult program registration will be at (630) 458-3320 and children's programs will be at (630) 458-3338.

The library's Web site also will go down for a day or two during the move, but Schuster said restoring it will be a top priority.

When patrons enter the new library next month, they will find a new cafe, expanded children's area, a new teen area with a more liberal noise policy, new meeting rooms, a two-story art installation, a reading room with a fireplace and a green roof filled with plants.

Once the new library is settled, the move will touch off a domino effect of building changes in the village.

The administration offices for DuPage High School District 88 will move from Willowbrook High School into the old library, which is part of a referendum approved by voters last year. The old administration offices then will become classrooms.