Update: Children’s Renewal Project

Director’s Letter

From the winter 2024-2025 edition of Ins and Outs Newsletter.

Since its opening in 2011 as part of the Cook Park Library renovation in Libertyville, the children’s area has welcomed thousands of children and their families. Feedback from the 2022 library survey, along with comments from social media and in-person interactions, highlighted the need to revitalize this space to enhance the experience for all who use it. Beginning in mid-December, we will embark on a four-month renewal project to transform the area with vibrant new furniture, flexible and engaging spaces, and an updated collection area.

Our team has been busy working with design professionals to plan a colorful, inviting redesign that we know you’ll love. The renderings below offer a sneak peek of the changes ahead and some of the new features our staff is most excited about. To minimize disruption and reduce costs by doing the project all at once, the current children’s area will close in mid-December, with services temporarily relocating to the lower-level Meeting Room at Cook Park Library. We invite you to visit us there, where you’ll find a curated collection and the same familiar faces of our librarians, ready to help you find that perfect book.

Thanks to thoughtful planning and careful budgeting, the Library Board has allocated $970,000 from reserves to fully fund this project. These reserves, designated for improvements across both of our locations, keep our buildings well-maintained and attractive for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment.

– David Archer, Library Director

Project Timeline

• Mid-December 2024
  The children’s area at Cook Park Library will close in mid-December 2024 and temporarily relocate to the lower-level Meeting Room where a selection of books and Library staff will be available.
• January–April 2025
  Major updates begin, including moving shelves, installing new electrical outlets, and refreshing the flooring.
• Mid-April 2025
  The new and improved children’s area will reopen! Watch for more information on our website and in our spring newsletter.

I can’t wait for the beautiful new colors on everything from the furniture to the walls and floors! It brings so much life, energy, and fun to the children’s area.

– Amy, Student Services Coordinator

One of my favorite little details is that Terry Crews — actor extraordinaire! — is the designer of one of our new, most comfortable chairs. What’s more, he named the chair after his wife! Check out the Becca chair in the new Middle School area!

– Heather, Assistant Manager
of Children’s Services

How cool is this? The desktop of our new Information Desk is made of recycled materials! Not only is it functional and beautiful, it’s also helping the environment.

– Rob, Children’s Librarian

Are you wondering about fish? Don’t worry! Our favorite finny friends will still be a central part of the children’s area in a new, more visible location.

– Melissa, Senior Manager
of Children’s Services

We’re excited to add a calm space for parents to breastfeed or bottle-feed, or for children to take a break when overstimulated. It will have warm lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing sensory activities.

– Terri, Early Learning Services Coordinator

I’m excited to have a dedicated space for middle schoolers to hang out, attend programs, and enjoy everything the Library has to offer! This new space will only enhance what we already have!

– Kevin, Middle School Librarian