Labor starts Tuesday for dated Lisle Library

Lisle Library just can't let go of the '80s.

After all, it was a great era. That's when it was built. That's when most of its furniture arrived. And that's when wood paneling rocked the building material world.

But library leaders say it's time to join the present. And they'll spend $1.5 million on a renovation project beginning next week that includes a major facelift and technology upgrades aimed at jettisoning the two-story structure from the 1980s.

"We're doing a wood reduction program," Library Director Bill Strecker said. "It's just such a dark place, and we'd like to lighten it up a bit."

That means a variety of fix-ups - including a bay window, and a new main entrance, new circulation desk, and new quiet reading area - that total a complete interior renovation expected to be done in February, he said.

"The whole library looks dated," Strecker said. "(After the renovations) it will be lighter and brighter, and it will be more a more comfortable space for patrons."

Voters rejected a tax increase to build a new library a few years ago, Strecker said, so renovations will be paid for through cash reserves.

The library will be closed in stages beginning Tuesday with the youth area. Renovations to that area upstairs include new carpeting, painting and some new furniture.

Following that, renovations to the main floor will take place in two stages. The west entrance will become a bay window with comfortable seating. The east entrance will be bumped out to create a foyer with a book deposit.

Other changes include repainting walls and new carpet throughout; redoing the public bathrooms; relocating computer terminals to one central location and new furniture for the first floor.

Library officials really look forward to having one entrance - the east entrance - Strecker said.

"A library works most effectively with one entrance," he said. "It's easier to control things and easier for patron flow."

Longtime Assistant Director Katharine Seelig thinks patrons will love the more modern library.

"The idea is to make it more inviting and functional," she said. "I've been here for 20 years, and it's going to be a big change visually."

For progress updates, visit the library's Web site at www.lislelibrary.org.

FYI

What: Lisle Library renovations.

When: start Tuesday.

Where: 777 Front St.

Info: For details, visit www.lislelibrary.org.

Summary: About $1.5 million in renovations include closing one entrance and creating a bay window seating area; painting and carpet throughout; and a new circulation area.