One for the Books: Naperville libraries unveil updated Imagination Stations

Posted November 09, 2026 9:32 pm

By Ashlee Conour, Naperville Public Library

Creativity is taking flight at Naperville Public Library. Recently, the library unveiled its newly revamped Imagination Stations, featuring fresh looks, dramatic play areas and unique collections of themed toys that encourage young minds to go on big adventures.

“We received a lot of feedback from our customers that the play areas needed to be refreshed, both in our customer satisfaction survey and during our daily interactions,” library district Deputy Director Ellen Conlin said. “We have seen it ourselves as well; our play areas are heavily used and well loved. It was time for something new.”

Each library location now features a uniquely themed play space, which will change seasonally to keep children engaged. Now through February, kids can don their chef hats at Naper Blvd. Library as they bake delicious imaginary treats and goodies at the Bookmark Bakery, while children at Nichols Library can deliver postcards and letters at the Naperlib Post Office. Children who are interested in dinosaurs can stomp over to 95th Street Library for a paleontological dig at the Dino Research Center.

The Imagination Stations are designed so children can explore, create and learn through play. Playing is a key component of early literacy, which encourages active imaginations and gets children ready to learn how to read when they head off to school.

“The focus of the Imagination Stations is imaginative play, and we’ve put a lot of effort into ensuring that they stay fresh and exciting for our visitors,” Conlin said. “Our team of librarians put a lot of time and effort into selecting high-quality toys, themes and materials that will hold up to our high usage and spark creativity.”

Each Naperville Public Library location features a different theme that will change multiple times a year. Naper Blvd. Library’s Imagination Station currently houses the Bookmark Bakery, where young visitors can whip up some tasty imaginary treats. (Naperville Public Library)

Each play space also includes sensory toys and building tables as well as items geared toward infants so children of all ages can find something that interests them.

Funded in part by a grant from the John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award, 95th Street Library has also installed an Everbright Color Wall. This interactive light board is inspired by the classic Lite-Brite toy. With the twist of a dial, children can transform a blank wall into an interactive work of art.

“I hope to see kids living out 1,000 different adventures as they learn and grow with us here at the library,” Conlin said. “We hope our new Imagination Stations inspire people to visit our buildings even more frequently and encourage customers of all ages to explore their creativity together.”

• Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.