Follow our progress on Flickr.Making Our Space Work For You:
The Library Remodeling Project

The Carol Stream Public Library is undertaking aremodeling project of the current building in order to make our space more functional for the people of Carol Stream.

There are four separate areas that are being addressed with this project.

The first area and the largest will be a complete remodeling of the current lobby. A new entrance vestibule will be built along with a larger book return area. The remodeled lobby will be brighter and more inviting and will contain a greeter station and the check out desk. Lobby before and after drawings.

The current Community Room will be divided into two smaller meeting rooms. A folding wall will divide the rooms which can be opened to allow one large room when needed. In this area new energy efficient lights will be installed, a separate coat area will be developed and storage for tables, chairs and equipment will be constructed. Community Room before and after drawings.

The Library’s Conference Room will be divided into office space and a business center for staff. The new office space will free up old office space to be converted into a group study room for the public. Conference Room before and after drawings.

The final phase of the project will involve the main room of the Library. The current magazine room will become our new technology room. This room will contain 16 public access computers, a public scanner and a public fax machine. Two small study rooms will be added plus additional lounge seating. Drawings of the Technology Room and new Study Space. A small area for young adults will be developed where public access computers are currently located in the Adult Services area. The Youth Services Department will get a new preschool area and ten additional public use computers. More chairs and table seating will be added through out the library. Main Room before and after drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Library doing this remodeling?
In all of our public surveys, library users have asked for more computers, quiet work areas and more comfortable seating. In order to meet those three goals more room was needed. By remodeling the lobby and moving circulation functions out to the lobby we have been able to free up significant space in the main room to meet our patrons’ needs.

How will this project be paid for?
Taxes will not be increased to pay for this project. The project is being paid for with funds that the Library has saved up for the past six years.

Why is the Library spending money in these tough times?
The free services that a public library has to offer are needed now more than ever. The Carol Stream Public Library has been constrained in what it can offer by its current building. Construction costs are also at an all time low. The best time to build and expand our services to the community is now.

Will the Library have to close?
Every effort will be made to not interrupt Library services during construction. While the lobby area is being gutted and rebuilt, a temporary entrance will be established at the southwest corner of the building into the current magazine room. While the main room is being worked on the Library may have to close mornings. We will minimize the time we are closed during the day and work to maintain service in the evenings and the weekends.

How long will the project take?
The current schedule calls for breaking ground in October 2009 and being fully completed in April 2010.