Renovations to 'refresh' Naper Boulevard Library
Naper Boulevard Library needs more power plugs, more computers, better lighting and fresher furniture.
Starting in December, the smallest of Naperville Public Library's three branches will get those fixes during a five-month renovation project.
Naper Boulevard Library Manager Dave Della Terza said residents identified the need for more power outlets and other improvements on a user satisfaction survey.
"We're trying to tackle things that we know our customers have asked for," Della Terza said. "One thing people have mentioned a lot is that we don't have enough power throughout the building, so that's one thing were definitely addressing."
Library users often bring their laptops to do business or homework, and Della Terza said many are looking for a place to charge their phones but not finding enough outlets at the library at 2035 S. Naper Blvd.
"Our idea is wherever we're going to have seating for people, we want to make sure there's also power," he said.
The library board recently hired a construction manager to oversee the renovation project, which also will include new furniture, upgraded lighting and new carpet on both levels of the library.
"The carpet and furniture is mostly original to the building," Della Terza said. "The building shows some wear from being 22 years old."
Innovative Project Resource Management of Downers Grove will be paid $62,000 oversee the renovations and coordinate when each phase of work should be done to cause the least disruption to library users and staff members.
When the project to "refresh" the library is complete, Della Terza said Naper Boulevard will have a new look as well as 24 computers on the first floor and eight more upstairs. The library also will begin to circulate laptops and iPads for use in the building before the renovations are expected to be complete in April.
The cost of the renovations has not been determined as the library has not yet received bids for the work. Della Terza said that will happen in the coming months as Innovative Project Resource Management develops construction documents and seeks pricing.