Des Plaines Public Library activities to expand outdoors

A city-owned plaza outside the Des Plaines Public Library will be redesigned to include a play area for kids and space for artistic performances or other public programs.

The city council on Tuesday agreed to grant the library a free license to use the plaza space to its east, as well as surrounding sidewalks. The east-side space separates the library, 1501 Ellinwood St., from a commercial building that’s home to an Anytime Fitness gym, a Kumon educational center and other businesses.

Space for youth play and activities and a paved section for programs are planned for the estimated 2,600-square-foot plaza. Benches, planters and overhead festoon lights will be added, too, and the area will be gated.

The paved space will allow library officials to host a greater variety of programs, Executive Director Laurie Papadourakis said.

It could be used for messier crafts and activities, nature- and gardening-themed programs, summer evening outdoor book discussions, all-ages musical events and other types of activities, she said.

When not being used by the library, the space will be open to the public. Papadourakis envisions parents and children stopping by to enjoy snacks “or to let off steam during their library visit.”

The city will continue maintaining the plaza once it’s redesigned, but library staffers will handle cleanup after programs.

The proposal got support Tuesday from Veronica Leitner, an instructor at the nearby Kumon center. She said it sends “a great message” to the city and predicted it will create a greater sense of community in the downtown area.

The library board approved the license agreement last month.

Mayor Andrew Goczkowski thanked library officials for their leadership on the project.

“This is another example of the library working as such a great partner with the city,” he said.

In a related move, the city council on Tuesday directed Studio 222 Architects of Chicago to redesign the plaza and to oversee construction by contractors. The council has a standing contract with the company.

Studio 222 Architects will be paid $36,500 for its work on this project, documents indicate.

Construction is expected in spring 2027.

rlissau@dailyherald.com