After nearly three decades of being in operation, a makeover is in store for the Plainfield Area Public Library at 15025 S. Illinois St. in the village’s downtown corridor.
Officials expect renovations to take up to one year to complete, but they stress their priority is to minimize disruptions to the library’s services, especially during the summer months when children are out of school and rely on the building for additional learning and reading. But the facility will be closed from Monday, April 29, to Sunday, May 12, to prepare for construction, and the library will reopen with limited services at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 13.
The total cost of renovation is estimated at $10.5 million, which will be funded by the library issuing bonds for $7.55 million and using savings from the capital reserve fund. The bonds, according to officials, will be paid back within 12 years. Additionally, officials stressed the project will not cause a tax rate increase to Plainfield residents.
The current library building has not been renovated since the lower level was built out in 1997 when the population in Plainfield was fewer than 15,000 residents, according to Director Lisa Pappas. Currently, the library serves 80,000 residents who rely not only on books to check out, but many access the WiFi, computers and attend programs and events at the facility.
During construction, staff warns the library may need to be closed intermittently for safety reasons.
“Once the lower-level renovation and the addition are complete, we will close for a short period to move from the upper level to the lower level in order to renovate the upper level,” said Pappas. “We will do our best to stay open as much as we can.”
Staff said programming will also continue and patrons can use their Plainfield library card at surrounding libraries in the area such as Joliet, Shorewood, and Bolingbrook to check out books and other materials.
Once renovations are complete, the Plainfield library will have outdoor programming space; a new, expanded lobby; group study rooms; updated children’s learning area; dedicated teen space; and a new, larger meeting room on the upper level of the facility.
Meg Steinhauer, a lifelong Plainfield resident, said she is looking forward to seeing the finished project.
“Our library, though nice, does need an update,” she said. “When I go to other libraries in Will County, they seem to be more modern. Let’s face it, libraries are more than a place to check out books.
“It is a place where children and adults can continue to learn with programs and events that helps them explore the world around them.”
Anyone who has questions or want a renovation update can contact the library by sending an email to info@papl.info, calling (815) 436-6639 or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.