Waukegan Public Library to host June 14 grand reopening celebration
Waukegan Public Library officials are inviting the public to attend a grand reopening celebration to mark the completion of a $1.2 million renovation, which is adding classrooms and learning spaces for literacy-based programs to the main floor, as well as new carpet, bookshelves and furnishings.
The event is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the library, 128 N. County St., in downtown Waukegan. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held and cookies and punch will be served.
"We are thrilled that our renovation is nearing completion," said Richard Lee, executive director of the library. "The project is creating 2,500 square feet of new collaborative meeting and learning spaces, which will help our Literacy 2020 program meet its goal to increase literacy rates in our community by 25 percent by 2020.
"Our learning facilities have become overcrowded, so it was essential that we created additional classrooms and study spaces."
The new facilities will provide more space to hold classes in adult literacy, English as a second language, GED preparation in English and Spanish, reading readiness at varying grade levels, functional health literacy, citizenship preparation, computer skills classes and other subjects. Many are offered with partner organizations, such as Literacy Volunteers of Lake County and Waukegan Public School District 60.
More than 600 English language learners attended conversation classes each week to improve their skills. In 2014, children made more than 4,000 visits to the library's Early Leaning Center to engage in literacy-based play and learning.
Plus, hundreds of students use the After School Learning Center on a regular basis to do homework, improve reading and develop critical thinking skills in robotics, 4H and science-based classes.
"We open our doors to all students of every age and background," Lee said. "We serve a community in which more than half of all children, youth and adults have difficulty finding decent jobs or gaining entrance to college because they lack basic literacy skills.
"These free classes are essential to building a thriving community that is home to skilled and successful citizens who contribute to the local economy."
The renovation was funded, in part, by a $125,000 Live and Learn Construction Grant from the Illinois Secretary of State and a $50,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, received with assistance from State Rep. Rita Mayfield. The Waukegan Public Library board also contributed money from savings from the general operating fund.
Local businesses and supporters also helped financially support the renovation. Among them are Lewis Fresh Market, Consumers Credit Union, the Hal Coxon family, Coalición Latinos Unidos de Lake County, and Waukegan Public Library Promotoras.