Bank, community members donate to Palatine library renovation
The Palatine Public Library's newly completed renovation prompted a local bank and community members to contribute with donations.
The library now features the newly named Palatine Bank & Trust Teen Space in recognition of a $10,000 donation from the bank.
The Westhoff and Spillman families donated $10,000 and had a story room named after the late Jeanette Spillman Westhoff. Ruth Patterson donated $5,000 each for two study rooms, at a total of $10,000, in honor of her late husband, Patrick James Patterson, and her parents, John F. and Patricia L. Dickmann.
The library's $6.3 million renovation project was completed in September.
New features in the teen area include secluded desks, tables for group projects, new book display fixtures and a gaming station. The upgrades reflect teens' desire for a flexible space, Library Assistant Director Melissa Gardner explained.
The renovation also included an expansive new "marketplace" area for new and popular titles for books, movies and music; an updated children's area; and the crown jewel, a new, 4,600-square-foot makerspace called "the workshop" decked out with impressive machinery such as a laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing and embroidery machines, a heat press, a 42-inch printer and more.
Palatine Bank & Trust is part of Wintrust Community Bank, a network of more than 150 banks in Chicago, southern Wisconsin and northern Indiana.
"We chose (to donate to) the Teen Space to support the youth in the communities we serve, and to help provide a safe, positive, and productive environment while they have fun," said John Haniotes, senior vice president for Barrington Bank & Trust.
The library was excited that the bank chose to support the Teen Space, said Kathy Burns, youth and teen services manager.
"Sometimes teens get lost in the shuffle between what is available to adults and young children, and it is important to us that our teens have their own space to hang out, study or collaborate," Burns said.
The renovation project also included $500,000 for upgrades at the library's branches in Hoffman Estates and Palatine.
Naming opportunities are still available for donations ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Those interested can email Palatine Library Foundation Board President Ed Kerr at president@ppldf.org or visit palatinelibrary.org/donate.