Naperville renovating 2 library branches for $1 million
Renovations to bring more power plugs, better lighting and new furniture to Naper Boulevard Library in Naperville will cost $1.1 million, according to bids approved by the library board.
The contracts, approved this week, also include some work at Nichols Library downtown to create space for a business incubator called NaperLaunch.
Executive Director Julie Rothenfluh said work will start next month at both branches.
"We're very excited about it," she said.
Work at Naper Boulevard includes installation of more power plugs wherever there is seating, replacement of 22-year-old furniture and carpeting, new lighting and 24 new computers, Library Manager Dave Della Terza said.
At Nichols, renovations will turn an alcove on the upper level into the home of NaperLaunch, a new business startup center that offers workshops, weekly meetups, networking and resources to help innovators turn ideas into companies. NaperLaunch started in September, but library officials said upgrades planned to the space will make the environment more conducive for work on fresh business concepts.
The approval of renovation plans comes as the library earned a five-star ranking from the Library Journal's Index of Public Library Service for the seventh year in a row.
The recognition shows not only that residents are using the library to check out or download books, movies, magazines and music, but also that staff members provide helpful customer service and updated technology, Rothenfluh said.
"We're dedicated to excellent customer service, whether staff is answering a question, presenting a program, providing resources or instructing someone on the use of our products or services," she said in a written statement about the five-star recognition.