Uncategorized

The Forest Park Public Library completed its renovation project on January 17, 2020.

“We are extremely proud to welcome the community to their new library,” said Pilar Shaker, Library Director. “We worked hard to create a space that serves the community and its needs.”

The updated features include:

• New Commons area
• New Young Adult space
• New Quiet Room
• New Program Room
• Four New Study Rooms
• Updated Restrooms including the addition of a single stall restroom
• Updated Youth Services Department, Meeting Room, Lobby, & Staff Spaces

The renovation began in September 2019. During the construction certain areas were closed to the public while work progressed. The entire building was closed for construction for only three and a half days.

“It was essential to the Board of Trustees and myself that we stay open as much as possible, and to continue to provide as many services as possible,” Shaker said. “The community has been extremely understanding and flexible. We have appreciated the team spirit shown by our patrons and fellow community organizations during this renovation.”

The construction cost of the renovation was $1.3 M, an additional $50K was funded by the Live and Learn Construction Grant from the Illinois State Library specifically to address issues of ADA accessibility.

The library will open all its spaces up to the public on Monday, January 27 for regular service.

An all ages celebration will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 3-5 pm. Sign up here.

The Young Adult Lounge will hold a teens-only party on Friday, February 7 from 6-8 pm. Sign up here.

We will be entering the last phase of the library’s renovation at the end of December. Here are some important information to note:

• Beginning December 26, the main level of the library will be closed off to staff and patrons. 
• During this time, adult computers, printing, and assistance will be on the lower level in the Austin Room.
• A small collection of adult materials will be available at this time.
• The collection on the main level will be unavailable during this time.
• All holds will be available for pick up on the lower level.
• Most YA books will remain unavailable. A small collection can be found in the temporary YA space on the lower level.
• Patrons can still put holds on books in the library system and have full access to the YS collection.
• The main level will be closed until the entire library opens on January 27. (This is subject to change.)

If you have questions, please let us know! Email at askus@fppl.org or call 708-689-6125.

During Phase 2, library services are in temporary spaces around the library.

Main Level
-Book Drop
-Book Checkout
-Adult Computers
-Adult Collection (books, dvds, etc.)
-Patron Services & Adult Services Staff

Lower Level
-Youth Services Department (desk, staff, & collection)
-Young Adult Services Dept (space, small collection, staff)
-Restrooms
-Austin Room (seating for adults)
-Book Checkout

The library will be closed from Monday, October 28 through Wednesday, October 30 due to the ongoing renovation process. Since September, the lower level has been closed so that work can be done to update the Youth Services Department, the Austin Room, bathrooms, and staff spaces. During the short closure, library staff members will be working to set up spaces, create temporary areas, and move items off of the main level. 

The library will reopen on Thursday, October 31. At that time, parts of the main level will be unavailable. The public will have access to most of the collection and the computers on the main level. 

The lower level will be reopened and available for use. Temporary spaces for staff, young adults, and adults will also be created in this area.

During the closure, patrons will not be able to pick up holds. Items will be available when we reopen. We will work to lengthen holds to make sure items can be picked up. If you are concerned about receiving an item at a particular time, it’s a good idea to have your holds sent to one of our partner libraries. For information on this, please call the library or stop by a service desk. 

Most services will be unavailable during the closure, however, patrons can access our online resources or their account online at any time. We will also not be holding any programs. All events will resume as previously scheduled on Thursday, October 31.

We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this time.

Library Spaces
During Phase 1, all library departments and services will be moved to the main level. There will be no access to the Youth Services Department, Teen Room, Austin Room, and study rooms. This includes most materials. The Youth Services Department and Young Adult Department will have temporary spaces on the main level with small collections and technology available. When construction on the lower level is concluded, the main level will be closed off and all services will move to the lower level. We expect Phase 2 to begin in November or December. At this time, Adult Services and Patron Services will create temporary spaces on the lower level including a small collection and computers. We will continue to offer great service, just in close quarters. We appreciate your patience during this time of change.

Access to Materials
In the Library
Access to library materials will be limited during the renovation. During Phase 1, the Adult Services collection on the main level will be available. Most of the Youth Services and Young Adult collection on the lower level will be unavailable. Small portions of these collections will be brought up and made available for check out. During Phase 2, the Youth Services collection will be available, but other collections will not.

Holds & Interlibrary Loan
Patrons will still be able to order books from the library’s consortium as well as outside the system through the interlibrary loan. If you are interested in ordering a book from the SWAN Consortium, you can pick the materials up at FPPL or any member library including the Oak Park Public Library, Berwyn Public Library, and Elmwood Park Public Library. If you have questions, please ask!

Library Services
During the renovation, FPPL’s staff will continue to provide as many of our regular services as possible. Patrons will still have access to computers, printing and copying services, reference assistance, and more. Certain services will be unavailable due to space. These services include test proctoring, group study, study rooms, book donations, and book sale. To get referrals to similar services in the area, call the Reference Desk at 708-689-6125.

Library Programs
No programs will be held at the library during the renovation. Certain programs will be held off-site including ongoing programs like storytimes, Device Advice, and book groups. Other programs will be scheduled around the community. For a complete listing, go to fppl.org/events.

Youth Services & Young Adult Services
During Phase 1 of the renovation kid and young adult spaces and services will be slightly different. Check out the Parent Guide here.

Parking
The accessible parking spots will be unavailable during the entire renovation. This space will be used for the construction team’s equipment. Street parking will be limited around the library due to an increase in cars from the construction crew. We appreciate your patience during this process.