FPPL Wins $50,000 Construction Grant
May 12, 2019

FPPL Wins $50,000 Construction Grant

  • May 12, 2019

The Forest Park Public Library was awarded a $50,000 Live and Learn Construction Grant from the Illinois State Library. The grant will assist with the upcoming renovation slated to in the fall.

“We are honored to have been awarded this grant and feel that it will be put to good use,” said Pilar Shaker, Library Director. “These funds will assist us in creating library spaces that are accessible for everyone.”

The Live and Learn Grant Program assists public libraries with construction costs for their facilities. FPPL applied in the Remodeling for Accessibility category, this category is the top funding priority for the state grant program and require matching dollars from the winning libraries.

The funds will go towards updating the bathrooms to align with the Americans with Disabilities Standards for Accessible Design. This will include moving walls inside the bathrooms to allow for better wheelchair accessibility, creating countertops and sinks that accommodate wheelchairs, and purchasing ADA compliant fixtures.

“The library building was constructed in 1995 and ADA codes have evolved since then,” said Shaker. “Making our library more accessible is an essential part of this renovation.”

Grants are awarded based on recommendations from a state-wide committee following a review process. Each judge scores the application on a scale of 1-10 and makes a “fund” or “not fund” recommendation. FPPL received the only perfect score within the accessibility category.

FPPL’s renovation is anticipated to begin in September 2019. For more information, go to renovation.fppl.org.

Design Concepts
February 19, 2019

Design Concepts

  • February 19, 2019

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.

Library Begins Renovation
November 28, 2018

Library Begins Renovation

  • November 28, 2018

After many years of observation, conversation, and planning, the Board of Trustees has decided to update the Forest Park Public Library.

The library will undergo a redesign and renovation in 2019 as the centerpiece of its 2016-2019 Strategic Plan. With plans to reorganize the space within its current building space, the new environment will reflect the changing needs of the Forest Park community.

“The current building has gotten a lot of use over the past 23 years,” said Karen Childs, Library Board of Trustees President. “We are excited about making changes to continue to meet the needs of our community.”

Library use remains strong in Forest Park, but how people are using the library is changing. Demand for technology, meeting spaces, and workshops and classes continues to increase.

“The library is not just a place that houses books but serves as a place for people to study, gather, use resources and technology, and connect with their community,” said Pilar Shaker, Library Director. “This project is in response to community input as well as continuing to meet the library’s mission of providing education, entertainment, and empowerment to Forest Park.”

The project will be funded through existing capital savings with no new taxes or debt, or a reduction in services.

“Over the past five years, the Board has been contemplating updating the library,” Childs said. “During this time, we were able to save funds to put towards renovation without seeking additional funding from taxpayers.”

The selection process for a Construction Manager to represent the library during the renovation will begin in mid-Fall. Once a Construction Manager has been selected, more complete plans will be shared with the public and a public information session will be held.

For more information about the library’s renovation plans and to keep up-to-date on progress, visit fppl.org or email askus@fppl.org.

Roof Project Update
November 13, 2018

Roof Project Update

  • November 13, 2018

After many years of patching the original roof, the Forest Park Public Library Board of Trustees has decided to invest in a Roof Restoration Project. The project will happen for several weeks, and will be dependent on the weather.

What this means:

  • It may be noisy.
  • The handicapped parking space will be temporarily unavailable. 
  • The 15 minutes parking area will be temporarily unavailable. 

We will continue to update this page with more information on the project. If you have any questions, let us know! Stop by one of the service desks or email us at askus@fppl.org. 

Thank you for our patience while we update the library!