NORMAL — After almost three years of planning, renovations will soon begin at the Normal Public Library, and will include some new additions.
"We are excited that we're going to be able to offer a current facility for the community so that they continue to come in and enjoy the space," said John Fischer, director of the Normal Public Library. "We have some renderings that we'll start sharing on social media and on our website really soon."
The 206 W. College Ave. location will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to take 10 to 12 months, while access to library collections and services will be moved to the former Busey Bank across the street, at 201 W. College Ave. This branch location will be accessible April 1.
"We are delighted that we can continue to serve the public in an alternate location conveniently across the street," Fischer said.
Fischer said renovations will include updates to the wall coverings, lighting, ceilings, floors, ductwork, network and Wi-Fi access points.
The library also will be reworking its art space, which provides various art supplies for kids to get creative; the maker space, which provides opportunities for all ages to try out activities like 3D printing, sewing and more; and the tech playground, which offers kids iPads and guided technology activities.
Before these updates begin, however, all of the asbestos fireproofing and insulation from the 1973 portion of the building must be removed.
"That drywall has to be removed so we really will be down to a shell," Fischer told The Pantagraph during a Friday morning walk-through of the library. "When the abatement is through, then we'll be able to come in with hard hats."
A temporary wall will be constructed to border off the 1973 portion of the building from the more recent 1990s addition, Fischer said. During this time, no staff will be working out of the older portion, and library materials will be moved to the newer portion for staff access only.
Library materials are already being moved to the newer portion of the building, and a small amount will be packed in boxes and held in storage, Fischer said.
A small collection of materials and new releases will be held at the branch location, Fischer said, but if a patron needs something that's not available there, librarians will be able to go across the street to grab it.
Patrons will continue to be able to fill out forms for "browser packs" — collections of up to 30 items curated by library staff or requested by individuals — to be picked up later at the branch location.
The library also is a Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) member, which means library cardholders can request materials from other libraries that are part of the system and have them delivered to the Normal Public Library.
Eventually, the library will have public computers, printing, copying and faxing services available at the branch location, and will offer curbside hold pickup in the first drive-thru lane of the former bank.
The library's programs, including regular story times, book clubs, take-and-make programs and others, will continue at various off-site locations.
The library also is holding a sale this weekend in an effort to reduce the stock of its ongoing book sale collection. The sale started Saturday and continues from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Shoppers can fill a grocery bag with used books, movies and games at a cost of $5 per bag. There is no limit to the number of bags, and the library will provide the bags.
Donations to the book sale will be paused during the library renovation project.
Funding for the renovation projects will come from several community sources, including the library reserve funding, a generous donation from the Normal Public Library Foundation, potential grants and debt service.
Normal Public Library Director John Fischer talks about the upcoming asbestos abatement and renovation projects on Friday at the library, 206 W. College Ave. The 206 W. College Ave. location will remain closed for the duration of the renovation project, which is expected to take 10 to 12 months.
Access to Normal Public Library collections and services will be moved to a temporary branch office in the former Busey Bank location at 201 W. College Ave., across the street from the library. This site will be accessible April 1.
Normal Public Library Director John Fischer talks about the upcoming asbestos abatement and renovation projects on Friday at the library, 206 W. College Ave.
Normal Public Library will close its 206 W. College Ave. location to the public at 5 p.m. March 30 in preparation for the upcoming asbestos abatement and renovation project.
Normal Public Library will close its 206 W. College Ave. location to the public at 5 p.m. March 30 in preparation for the upcoming asbestos abatement and renovation projects. The 206 W. College Ave. location will remain closed for the duration of the renovation project, which is expected to take 10 to 12 months.