Northbrook Public Library reopens June 7 with new features
The Northbrook Public Library will reopen its renovated lobby and return to regular hours on June 7.
The library, 1201 Cedar Lane, will debut its newly constructed features at 9 a.m. that day. Among those features is a new "welcome" area with a staff member who will greet and assist patrons. This new area is complete with an "All Are Welcome" mural painted by Northbrook artist Bonnie Lecat.
With the circulation department having been moved to the second floor during construction, which began in February by Pepper Construction, the first-floor lobby will offer multiple self-checkout machines; an automated sorting machine so patrons may watch as materials are being checked in; and two new collections including one that offers popular books and movies for all ages.
A new tagging project is integrated with the automated sorting machine. This will speed up the time it takes to check in and sort returned items, and will allow patrons to check out multiple items at once instead of having to scan each item individually.
Two new, modular desks adaptable to future library needs have replaced the former large circulation desk for a warm ambience in the new welcome area.
The library also will return to its pre-COVID hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Northbrook Public Library has several other activities planned starting later this week.
In partnership with the Glenview Northbrook Coalition for Youth, the library will distribute "Finals Care Packages" outside the building from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 29, and from 1-4:30 p.m. May 30. High school students or their parents are invited to pick up some treats and gifts for students to enjoy at home while studying for their final tests.
The library's Summer Reading Program begins June 1. People are invited to sign up and log their reading online, by email or by phone. Adults have a chance to win a Chicago Botanic Garden membership, and teens could win Apple AirPods or gift cards. People who complete the program will also win a free book, and adults who read four or more books will win a mousepad. More than 1,200 people participated in Summer Reading in 2020.
Also, on June 5 to 6 the library will present its first drive-through summer kickoff event in the library parking lot, offering giveaways for children and adults. People can drive in and pick up goodies without leaving their cars from 6 to 8 p.m. June 5 and 9 a.m. to noon June 6.
More information about the lobby reconstruction is available at northbrook.info/lobby-remodel. Call (847) 272-6224.