What Your Renovated Forest Park Public Library Will Offer

2019 will usher in a series of exciting changes for the Forest Park Public Library, all aimed at improving public spaces and services in a high-quality yet cost-conscious manner.

Here are some of the features planned for the Library as part of its renovation project.

Upper Level

New Study Rooms
Four new study rooms will be created allowing for groups of 2-6 people to reserve quiet spaces for studying and group activities.

New Young Adult Room
A new space for teen programs and after-school activities will be created on the upper level, allowing for better synergies with adult programs and offerings and offering better adjacencies between the teen space, study rooms, and social seating zones.

More Computers
Two public computer areas will be introduced as part of the renovation; a main collaborative computer area close to the teen area and the main service desk and a smaller quiet area near Adult Services for Library users seeking a quieter experience.

Renovated Adult Services Department
Adult Services will be reorganized and renovated to increase seating, improve sight lines, and provide better zoning between social and quiet areas of the Library. New carpeting and furniture will be installed, while new LED lighting will improve lighting quality and reduce energy consumption.

New Program Room
A new, flexible program room will be introduced immediately off the lobby with a high degree of flexibility for programs, classes, and maker/art/crafting uses.

New Lounge Seating Area
The existing periodicals and local history area will be refreshed to provide more lounge and table seating for individuals and small groups.

New Quiet Reading Room
A new quiet reading room will be created to provide an area for users seeking a quiet experience. This space will be free from conversation and cellular phone use.

Renovated Lobby and Restrooms
The existing upper level lobby and restrooms will be renovated to replace worn finishes and provide compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements.

New Social Seating Areas
Existing office and staff areas will be relocated to the lower level to provide new social seating areas with a variety of table and lounge seating, taking advantage of the large existing windows to bring more daylight into the entire Library.

Lower Level

Renovated Youth Services Department
Youth Services will be reorganized and renovated to improve sightlines, provide better zoning between social and quiet areas, and provide additional opportunities for parents and children to enjoy the library as families. Recently replaced carpeting will remain.

Relocated Staff Spaces
Staff spaces are being relocated to the lower level to provide more space for patrons on the upper level of the building, allowing more efficient space for staff that is in compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements.

Renovated Main Meeting Room
The existing meeting room will be refreshed.

Renovated Early Literacy Room
The existing youth program room will receive minor renovations to function better as a space to promote early literacy for the library’s youngest users.

Renovated Lobby and Restrooms
The existing lower level lobby and restrooms will be renovated to replace worn finishes and provide compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements.